LTC desperate for lpn's

kstec, LPN · Mar 14, 2007

I live in Illinois and it works the same way. I could apply for 10 different jobs at LTC facilities and 9 out 10 would probably call me the next day or later that day. The facilities are so short staffed and the turnover rate is out of this world. I know exactly why there is such a high turnover rate and that is because LTC gives you way to many patients. It makes me wonder if nurses would stay longer if they just lowered the numbers of patients. Where I work presently I am responsible for 27 residents and that is about my maximum any more than that and I'm sunk. I just recently graduated and this is my first LTC and let me tell you that it'll be so overwhelming at first but give it your all especially if everyone you work with is nice because the next facility will either be worse or the same as far as number of residents. It doesn't get much better when you try another facility. Good Luck in your new career!!!

witter11 · Mar 14, 2007

Kstec, Thank you for the info.As a entry level nurse, I thought it would be best to start in LTC, maybe not. The nurse/pt ratio is scarry, Cannot imagine at this point. I have a lead at a local hospital, TCU unit nurse/pt ratio 1:5.I hope this works out. I feel I will learn more in a hospital setting.

Thanks Again

kstec, LPN · Mar 14, 2007

If you can get into a hospital your lucky because in Illinois they will not hire LPN's in the hospital. We can work anywhere else but there. They've told any existing LPN's that they have a certain amount of time to get their RN or they will be terminated. Back to the subject at hand....LTC is a good learning experience. If you can take care and monitor 20-30 stable residents in LTC than hospital will be alot easier for you. Good Luck in whatever you choose.

Kim

kat7ap · Mar 15, 2007

In my experiences, nursing homes will use you and abuse you. It's scary when "you're hired" even before they know your name or much less glance at your resume. There's the old saying, "if you've got a license and a pulse..."

Pro's are you can get a job any where, very quickly, that pays well. If I were you I'd look for a subacute unit, transitional unit, rehab hospital, some where you can use more skills and learn more than in long term care. Good Luck!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2007

Yes, there's an abundance of LTC jobs for LPNs/LVNs.

However, most newly-graduated LPNs seem to want to work in either the ER, ICU, or the newborn nursery. I work at a nursing home where LPN students do their clinical rotations. I frequently ask these students about their areas of interest after graduation, and they all respond, "I wanna do L&D," or "I wanna get a job in the ER."

There's an abundance of LTC jobs, but today's LPN students are trying to get into specialty areas where the jobs are scarce.

WingsEarned21, LPN, RN · Mar 16, 2007

Those LPN'S are dreaming when they want L&D or ER .I couldn't even get into them when I graduated over 20 years ago when they still believed in on the job training.Not like today where if you don't have the certification or the experience or the R.N you might as well forget it.LTC is where your gonna be and I have discovered over the years can be very rewarding.Considering that was the last area and resort I said I would work when I graduated.The residents of a LTC at least appreciate what you do for them and that you are there often to see them and make sure they get the care they deserve.The family's can be trying sometimes but in the end they are usually glad you were there taking care of their loved ones.Just my 2 cents.

hppynurse2 · Mar 16, 2007

LTC always have opening. The turnover rate is high. I have worked in LTC for 4.8 yrs as a CNA, and 5.3 as an LPN. I can see why no one really wants to work in places very long.

I love my job in LTC but I have to deal with frequent call ins, and short staff (even though IL regulations say we're not) I have also heard concerns from my co-workers that the STATE INSPECTORS are out to get facilities to make easy money. I don't really have a problem with inspections. If you do your job right for them they will leave you alone, But there are times that you have to improvise. STATE CAN"T SEE THAT,because most of them have never worked day to day on the floor. Most LPN's are afraid State is going to take their license. Grant it they can but if you deal with them on a professional level. You'll be ok. Don't give them the old deer in the headlight look when they ask you a question. You can tell them I don't know but I will find the answer to benefit both of us.

Do what they asks ASAP and they will go away I promise.:balloons:

BigB · Mar 18, 2007

Where I work presently I am responsible for 27 residents and that is about my maximum any more than that and I'm sunk.

Be advised all nursing homes are not created equaly. In california LVN are responsible for 35 - 47 on average. If the ratio is bad...run out of there. Trust me on this one. They is a good reason the turnover rate for LVN's is so high in LTC.

BigB · Mar 18, 2007

In my experiences, nursing homes will use you and abuse you. It's scary when "you're hired" even before they know your name or much less glance at your resume. There's the old saying, "if you've got a license and a pulse..."
Pro's are you can get a job any where, very quickly, that pays well. If I were you I'd look for a subacute unit, transitional unit, rehab hospital, some where you can use more skills and learn more than in long term care. Good Luck!

Exactly.