LTC position- 100 % of patients are cognitively

we_rn · Aug 20, 2004

impaired. As an R.N. , if you were considering this position, what would you expect? I have no experience in LTC and/or working with cog. impaired patients..... How about enlightening me?

I have worked in long term care most of my nursing career. It can be rewarding just as any other type of nursing can be. My advice it to try it before you buy it. Which means go in as pool or agency first before you take a full time job. Long term care is not for every one. You must work with impaired residents, their families and nursing assistants. The documentation is much different than in the acute care setting and staffing can be a challenge.

The most important thing to know is that not all long term care facilities are created equal. A few are great, to many are dumps and the rest fall somewhere in between. The quality and commitement of the administration and staff is key and all to often this is lacking. The financial situation of the facility is also important to look at. Hate to say it but the more full fee residents a facility has the better the care and resourses. Things go down hill once a facility has to depend on medicaid for most of their funding. This is not the fault of the residents covered by medicaid. Medicaid does not reimberse well and you get what you pay for.

donmomofnine · Aug 20, 2004

The main reason families place residents in nursing homes is cognitive decline. The second is incontinence, so that's pretty much expected. Cognitive impairment is a very broad label. It can range from forgetfullness to dementia with agitated depression, paranoia and delusions! I would ask to shadow a nurse before making any commitment!

passing thru · Aug 21, 2004

Thanks for the information. I think I have decided against trying it.

Adult incontinence - - I can't handle. Even if I am not the one cleaning it... the feces under the nails, feces smeared here and there , etc., is more than I want to deal with on a daily basis. ... not unless I am forced to.

Cognitive impairment - - so sad.... and so frustrating to attempt communicating with those "who are not at home."

This is a medicare/medicaid facility...no private pays...

God bless those who do provide this care with compassion and caring.

mscsrjhm · Aug 27, 2004

LTC position- 100 % of patients are cognitively impaired.

Depends on the phase of the moon!! Sometimes it is only 75%.

johnson0424 · Aug 29, 2004

I know exactly how you feel. I went from Med Surg at a busy hospital to long term care and I LOVE IT. everything is worth a try. Geriatrics have so much to give and some of the best nurses are in long term care(I guess I am biased). IT takes patience but it is for some and not for others. Let me know how it goes

veteranRN · Nov 18, 2004

I would expect a position like this to be very mentally challenging but fun. I love the confused elderly and every day I work at the LTC is a day of fun with lots of stories to tell.