LTC or ER for new LPN

[NurseK523, LVN]

Hello all, in need of some advice!

So I have been working at a LTC for the last month and I am just starting to get my feet wet with a routine, med passes, treatments etc. No admissions on the floor as it's the same people each day. And I am really enjoying it here.

An opportunity has presented itself to me where I would be able to work in the ER at a hospital less than five minutes from my home. I am absolutely thrilled about it! The idea of variety every day sounds so exciting, and I know I would learn a lot working there. I know it will be stressful, I know it will be hard but I am 100% up for the challenge.

I guess what I am asking for here is what factors helped you decide what position was the right fit for you? I want to go back to school in the very near future to get my RN so I know the ER will be wonderful for that. But there's also a great opportunity for me to get comfortable in this LTC facility to figure out a routine, notice small changes in my patients and being able to help them to the best of my ability. But at the same time...I don't want to get so comfortable that I don't accept new opportunities and challenges, if that makes any sense? 

Have you ever worked in the ER as a brand new LPN? If so what was it like for you? 

[lilblue, LVN]

I have not worked in an ER, only a nursing home and now that I'm 2 years into being an LVN I wish I had. I ended up leaving the nursing home for private duty and I feel that although it is way lower stress it was a mistake because now I have very little experience. I personally would recommend the ER.

[NurseCP20, LPN]

Do it! I worked LTC as a CNA. When I got my license, I started looking for jobs aside from LTC. I found a full time Med/Surg position at a hospital less than a mile away from home. 4 years laters, still there. I love it, it keeps me on my toes. I get floated to the ER a lot, and I love it. They won’t let me switch permanently to the ER until I get my RN license.