LTC to hospital

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I just got a job offer with a LTC facility and i was wandering if this is a good area for a new grad to start considering how hard it is to get a hospital position these days. I eventually would like to move onto a hospital after a couple months experience (18months). What would be the best way to land a position in the ER/ ICU or even get my foot in the hospital setting esp in DC area? It has been a nightmare going through the HR and application processes of area hospitals as a new grad.

PS: and for those of u who made the transition from a LTC to a hospital, how was it?

Thank you for your time

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I am sorry you did not get a reply, as I am in the same boat and would like to know the answer! :-)

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Our local hospital used to offer a 'bridge program' for nurses who worked in long term care to transition over to hospital nursing. The only ones who ever made the leap or got a job offer were those nurses who worked on the sub acute floor. Ask for the most clinically complex patients so you learn new skills: IVs, wound vacs, trach care....keep trying. OR you might find that you like working in skilled nursing and don't want to go to the hospital.

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This is a late response, but I thought I would offer up something. I took a position in a LTC facility after graduating last May. It was not my first choice, but there was so much competition for the hospital positions. I tried, but was not successful. Turns out, I really enjoy it! During school, at clinicals, I tended to gravitate towards the older population anyway, I enjoy geriatrics. Anyway, I have learned so much where I am at. We have IV therapy (typically ABX), wound care, peg tubes, trachs. So, I may not have had the opportunity to work on all of my physical skills such as IV starts, etc (most at my facility have PICCs), I have had many opportunities for skills. I have learned time management (I can always improve in this area :), how to apply my critical thinking skills, assessments, etc. And I continue to educate myself. I always come home and read up on different disease processes and interventions. All that being said, I really wanted to have the opportunity for hospital nursing. I applied for mainly residency programs at the hospitals in my area (Texas). I got accepted into an ED residency program at one of the hospitals in the area. I start in June. I am terrified and excited. I am staying at the LTC facility PRN. Who knows, I just might return full time. It is an experience to have - if you enjoy the population. I am going to miss the residents the most when I am not there full time :( So, basically, in answer to your question, yes it can be done. Just have patience and be determined. You can get into any area you desire, you just might have to take the scenic route to get there and learn a little along the way! Everything you do and encounter can be a learning experience, whether negative or positive. It all depends on how you approach the situation. Good luck to you!

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Hi. I started out the same as you way back....not alot of hospital jobs when I graduated nursing school. I took a SNF RN supervisor position...new grad and all-on the 3-11 shift where I was on my own alot! Needless to say I learned quickly! It really was pretty good experience for a new grad....I did go to acute care where it was actually easier! When they told me you have 6 patients today....I said WOW! I was used to 60!! It was actually an easier transition. I eventually came back to LTC because I found out that I love it...still do to this day....it has its moments-but overall it is the specialty I love. I worked my way up and now have been the DON for 6 years....and I try to hire new grads when the opportunity arises....not alot of buildings do these days...but some of them they have been some of the best nurses I have ever worked with. Now the transition from acute care nurse to LTC nurse....that seems to be the struggle....I have seen many acute care nurses crash and burn.....but we LTC nurses can work anywhere!! It is the flexibility and the ability to adapt and hone those assessment skills that does it!!! Makes you learn!! The experience in LTC is on about the same level as a medical acute care unit.....IV's, lab sticks, procedure prep, trachs, BiPap, wound vacs, CBI's, but on a triple the patient load scale! LTC nurses are the best and I would back one up any day of the week!!! You will be fine!!! Go for it!!!!:yeah:

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i was in the SAME situation last year this time! i looked in 5 counties for a job everywhere from the hospitals to the health departments to the ltc places! the place i'm currently working was the only one that would give me the time of day. i like old people, so i didn't think i would hate it. but i thought it would be short term. well i ended up LOOOOOVING it! i can't see my self anywhere else. i found my home in a nursing home. the residents are wonderful (for the most part!), my staff is great... i just love it. i'm not saying i won't switch over to a hospital one day... because i'd like that experience. but don't knock down ltc yet. if you have a heart, it's hard not to get attached to those residents! i'm already in an administrative position and i love that even more than being on the floor. i feel like in this position i actually get to enjoy the residents company, i get to talk to them... and all of them, not just my hall... not just shove medicine down their throat! so give it it a try! you might find your home too :)

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