LTC to Hospital

[Gizmo44]

I am not sure if this is the right forum but here goes. I have learned alot from this site and hope for input and advice.

I am a new grad nurse, LPN to be exact, and am looking for jobs. When I started this whole return to school thing 3 yrs ago, Nursing Jobs (some w/sign on bonuses) were all over my local newspaper for both RN AND LPN positions. I have always had an interest in nursing and thought now was a good time (hated my current job/bored, not married, & no children) to make the change. I thought getting my LPN & working in a hospital while working towards my RN sounded like a good thing at the time. Now the listings have all but dried up and the hospitals don't utilize LPNs as they had in the past, as evident on their own career sites. Even though my career goal is to work in a hospital (I like the variety of cases & career options), it seems that the job opportunities for LPNs are in LTC - at least in my area. The rare time an LPN can start in a hospital, the pay rate is sometimes $5-10 lower than LTC. This won't stop me if I get an offer from a hospital but it definitely is something to take into consideration considering I was layed off Oct2007, and health insurance is expensive (COBRA).

My question is, would starting in LTC affect my chances for eventually getting into a hospital when I get my RN or does it even matter? You hear all kinds of things that you are pigeon holed when working in LTC. What can I do while working in LTC to gain the skills or experiences needed to transition to a hospital? Are there areas in LTC I should try to stay away from or move out of (assisted living or memory units vs. skilled nursing or rehab wings)? Are there extra certifications I should achieve to show initiative? Does any healthcare experience combined with my RN credentials look good on a resume? After all LPNs are nurses too.

My plan is to continue taking pre-reqs, apply for the LPN-RN Transition program in February09, start Summer09 (hopefully), and be done by Spring10 and practicing as an RN by Summer.

I hope my questions do not affend anyone that is not my intention. I am not against LTC, I simply don't think it is a good fit for me but may be my only option until I get my RN. I want to do the best thing for my patients, employer, myself & my family and am trying to be realistic.

Appreciate your input.

[Alfred, RN]

:nurse:I know exactly how you feel! I was in a very similar position as you are in now. I don't have kids, not married, etc etc ... I've been an LPN for over four years and majority of my experience is working in a LTC facility. Here in Hawaii, it's ridiculous finding a hospital position. Especially as an LPN. I'm sure you hear "nursing shortage" here and there and blah blah ... but when it comes to applying in hospital, they either say there's no current position open or acute care experiences are needed!! To top it off, many hospitals here are fazing out LPNs! It was really frustrating ... Much prop to you for going back to school for your RN. I just got my RN license recently. A good friend of mine helped me get a position in the hospital two years ago. At the time, I was still working as an LPN working towards my BSN. Sometimes, it's who you know to get into the hospital nowadays. Of course experience is a must also. But the transition from working in a LTC facility to a med/tele floor was a punch in my face. I dreaded orientation because there was so much to learn. Having about 4 patients sometimes felt like 47!! It was LTC all over again lol. My advise would be to stay at the LTC where you're at and work there until you get your RN license. Then work for about six months to get some RN experience under your belt. I think it's less stress to work in a LTC facility. Everyday will seem the same ... you'll develop a routine ... you'll see the same patient ... But enjoy those experiences and have patience ... because with you going back to school, you don't need all that stress from the hospital ... It's not just the work and the higher acuity of patients ... but it's the doctors who gives the bulk of the stress! lol When you get your RN license, I think it'll be a little easier for you to get a hospital position. You should look into hospitals in your area that offers grad programs. There are a lot of options out there ... Don't give up! I hope this advice helped you. Good luck in your future endeavors ...