LTC is not "settling"

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Hi Everyone :)

I'm a fairly new nurse in LTC, and despite being very busy most days, I am enjoying the residents, the staff, and the environment. As you are all aware, the work can be stressful, and there is never enough time. However, I am getting into a routine, and as many others have pointed out, knowing the residents and developing relationships with the NA's really helps with overall time management. I try to reflect and provide the best care I can, with what I know, and the resources I have.

I guess the perception that irritates me (and the motivation for this post) is the common one that many nurses working other fields have, is the one that:

1) LTC is not "real nursing". Not true! Let them try to pass meds for 40 people. What about all the IV's, wound care, treatments, etc. And, where does this perception arise from, anyway?! Just what is it that people think LTC nurses do?!

2) Working in geriatrics is "settling" until something better comes along. Well, I actually enjoy LTC, and will gladly remain there over say ICU or emerg. Why is it that LTC nurses have to justify their value within the profession? This just seems very narrow-minded in general, and I like my residents.

Thanks. This is me thinking aloud and venting. I hope that geriatrics will come to be respected as the skilled area that it is as the population continues to age. In my opinion, LTC is acute, psych, and palliative rolled into one. Thoughts?

[Felicia LPN]

I completely agree! I am fairly new to nursing in general but.....I have been working in LTC since finishing nursing school and I :heartbeat it. It is very demanding and there isn't enough time sometimes but you do get a wide variety of nursing skills you get to implement, it is also very rewarding.

[GM2RN]

It's great that you are enjoying your position, but everyone has different personalities and temperments, likes, dislikes, and preferences. So you may not feel that LTC is "settling," but it may be for someone who doesn't want to work exclusively with the elderly in that type of setting.

Not everyone is geared to work in LTC and won't flourish there as you seem to have. There is nothing wrong with wanting to work in the OR, ED, ICU, home health, or any of the plethera of other areas of nursing, and it certainly isn't narrow-minded if one feels that they are "settling" if they have to take a job in LTC temporarily until something they are more passionate about becomes available.

Be careful that you don't become the narrow-minded one.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Yes, I would completely agree GM2RN, that not everyone is geared to LTC, and it is perfectly fine to want other areas. I also like other areas of nursing. However, based on comments I have heard from other nursing friends, as well as comments on this board, it appears as though the overall perception of LTC seems to be that it isn't nursing. That somehow emerg, acute, or iCU is better. When truthfully, all of these areas are just as valuable, but have different skill sets.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Furthermore, I am not being narrow-minded by expressing an opinion, based on various comments and perceptions of LTC. To each his own, I say. Whatever area of nursing makes you most fulfilled, go for it. However, it's no secret about how the majority of people seem to respond to geriatric nursing, and that's what my post was regarding.

[GM2RN]

Furthermore, I am not being narrow-minded by expressing an opinion, based on various comments and perceptions of LTC. To each his own, I say. Whatever area of nursing makes you most fulfilled, go for it. However, it's no secret about how the majority of people seem to respond to geriatric nursing, and that's what my post was regarding.

It's not narrow-minded to express you own opinion about LTC, but you shouldn't say that others are narrow-minded for feeling that they are settling when they take a job in LTC when that's not where they want to be.

The fact is that there is no lack of ignorant people who are willing to give you their opinions on all kinds of things, and many will not be nice about it. You will be much better off in the long run if you don't take them to heart and get offended by them. Let it roll off your back and let them feel however they want because it will be rare indeed for you to ever change anyone's mind. You will only get upset trying.

[itsmejuli]

I've seen plenty of posts here from people who enjoy working in LTC.

You're going to hear naysayers everywhere, whether they say negative comments about LTC nursing or something else. Don't listen to them :)

[nursejoed]

I know the work is varying and difficult. I think the "settling" part is actually putting up with the obscene ratios and expectations. That perpetuates the SNFs getting away with unfair and unsafe staffing.

[steelcityrn, RN]

Everyone has their favorite area to work. LTC IS NURSING!! I did not realize other nurses felt that way. I do not work LTC, but I know it comes with great responsibilities as all nursing jobs do. I would not have time to think about those who disagree, more in life to worry about.

[egglady, LPN]

People say it takes "someones special" to work in LTC. It does. But it also takes "someone special" to work in med surg, er, icu, burn units, etc... We all have our spot that we fit right! I know I couldn't work ER- thats just too darn scary and stressful for me- but thank god there are those nurses that do work there. It truly does take "someone special" to work in any area of nursing!!!

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

I think what the OP is trying to say is that if I asked 100 people or nurses at least 75 or more would probably think that LTC is "settling" or "just a stepping stone" or a place that lazy or bad nurse go or ...............

When I tell people I'm a nurse 95% of the people ask "What hospital do you work in?"

I'm not ashamed to admit that I work LTC and end up educating most people on what the typical LTCs are like in our area.

I don't think the OP was being narrow minded, but just expressing the fact that she like LTC and might have found her niche contrary to what others around her think.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Yes exactly. I'm not putting down nurses, nursing, or LTC, or any area of nursing, for that matter. But if you surveyed a bunch of nurses (not LTC or geriatric nurses) the perception/ stereotype exists that LTC is easier, or not as skilled as other areas of nursing. Which is not true. One is area is not better over another, they are just different.