LTC Nursing...Who likes it, who doesn't?

Bug Out, BSN · Nov 12, 2009

I am a RN in LTC/SNF/Rehab. At first I thought I was going to hate it but I really have grown to love it. It is a very unique style of Nursing that has its own challenges.

Every Nurse in every department thinks that every other Nurse is every other department is the absolute worst and not worth the title. This is something found everywhere. Every type of Nursing has its good points and bad points.

LTC has a saying, "When in doubt send em out" which is a nice thing when pts are circling the drain. The bad thing is you have 0 equipment and backup to stabilize that circling pt yourself.

Granted the acuity is much lower than hospital pts but you make up for it in shear numbers...ugh.

The aspect that I absolutely love is the ability to track and follow my pts, its not just the usual hello/good-bye that I grew accustomed to in Tele. You see and nurture your pts healing process and you get to actually see the impact that your interventions made.

amjowens · Nov 12, 2009

I work LTC as a LPN. I graduated from LPN school, right away into RN (now in 2nd sem) and thought I had to work LTC, no other options until I earn RN. I LOVE working where I do. LTC (working in the right facility) offers

the holistic type of nursing (plus a lot of mental health-related where I am) that I'm looking for. When I do my

clinicals on the med-surg floors for NS I almost ha feel sorry for the nurses..I watch them going from task to task, not looking very happy generally, and think WHY was my goal to get HERE(MedSurg) when where I am we've got such happy nurses, including me...My only concern is getting the year's MedSurg tradition after RN school. If

I can, I'll work part-time Med-Surg, maintain my current job in LTC. My goal is to be a nurse practitioner, but can't imagine not at least keeping my foot in the door where I currently am.

Julz034 · Nov 12, 2009

Good! I'm SO glad to hear these responses. A lot of people seem to hate it, and think it's the bottom of bottom if nursing. I disagree, but of course, have no nursing experience in the area, so hearing your testimonials was such a comfort! =)

Long term goal is to go into Psych. I am going to get my BSN after my LPN. My school has an articulation agreement with a school who takes almost all of our credit hours. Plus, I'm avoiding another $25k for my RN, they're so expensive where I go!

I, too, wonder if being in LTC for possible three years, is going to affect me going into child/adolescent psychiatry when I receive my BSN. Do you know if this will have any kind of impact?

kkluczynski · Nov 12, 2009

LTC nurses are nurses, that statement is just crazy. I work in LTC/rehab and I enjoy it for the most part. Sometimes you get those LOL who are on a rampage like last night I got hit in the jaw by a LOL receiving a haldol injection, she wasn't very happy to say the least. But overall I find that everyone needs nursing care whether it be the young or old, nursing home or hospital.

readytoroll · Nov 12, 2009

I work the Alzheimer/Dementia unit at my facility and I love it! I too thought I would hate LTC, but it's amazing to get to know the residents and their families. Working with Dementia patients would probably serve you well in your ultimate goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse.

Julz034 · Nov 12, 2009

Yes, I definitely think so as well. I worked with dementia patients when I worked in a NH in activites, and I loved it! I thought for sure I would hate it, but I preferred working with them, rather than the "stable" assisted living residents. I learned so much from them, their past, their struggles now, I was able to really help them, and make their life now, as great as I could, and it was so very rewarding! =) I can't wait to get back into in nursing. I wonder if I will ever go to Psych nursing in peds, maybe I will in up in geriatric psych? God only knows the plans for the future. Whichever I end up in I am sure I will love either one! =)

Thanks for all your posts, you guys are awesome!

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2009

I worked in LTC briefly, when I relocated. I was the only RN on a 120-bed unit, and they also had me passing meds to 40 patients because they were short of LPNs. I handled all the doctor and family contacts, and I also had to issue all the supplies because they were paranoid about the CNAs stealing them (this place even rationed diapers per shift). I got out as soon as I possibly could.

My advice is to check the place out before you agree to hire on, and speak to nursing staff privately if you get a chance. Not every place is the hellhole that the one I worked in was.

pennyaline · Nov 12, 2009

LTC nurses are nurses, that statement is just crazy. I work in LTC/rehab and I enjoy it for the most part. Sometimes you get those LOL who are on a rampage like last night I got hit in the jaw by a LOL receiving a haldol injection, she wasn't very happy to say the least. But overall I find that everyone needs nursing care whether it be the young or old, nursing home or hospital.

I've been in long term care nursing just about forever now, and I've never come across the acronym "LOL" in the care setting. What does it mean?

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2009

LOL= Laughing out loud. It's a message board/chat term, not a nursing one.

BreeLPN2RN · Nov 12, 2009

I've worked LTC-SNF for years and really enjoy the elderly patients & getting to know their families. The SNF & Rehab facility where I work is wonderful & gets excellent ratings from the state. The pay is great, a lot of the nurses & staff have been there since it opened 15 years ago and we all help each other out if needed (I work 3-11 shift). It's a very clean, attractive, nicely run facility. The only negative thing I can say is that all the LTC facilities I have worked at (3 in 23 years) are always short handed on good, hardworking, long term CNA's. The CNA turnover is awful.

readytoroll · Nov 12, 2009

LOL= Laughing out loud. It's a message board/chat term, not a nursing one.

In this case LOL means little old lady.