LTC vs. Med-Surg

[Melinurse]

I was wondering if someone could help shed some light on the pros vs. cons of working in LTC. I was a LPN for 4+ years on a med-surg floor and am a bit burnt out and feel a need for a change. Almost half of the other RNs on the floor have left in the past 6 months ( long story of bad management ). However, I am also a new RN. So will leaving and making this change look bad to prospective employers? I am leaving partly because of management but also because I've been on the same floor for 8 years. Any advise from those in LTC would be appreciated. Thank You.:bowingpur

[Caffeine_IV]

I worked in LTC for two years as an LPN. It has it's up and downs of course b/c as a staff nurse you are responsible for at least 20 patients depending on your facility. You are doing large med passes and treatments and some paperwork for the most part. You do admissions, assessments, etc. The work you do is basically the same as the LPN with a few added responsibilties.

I worked at night so didn't have to deal with too much of the family stuff.

I just started on a general medical floor as an RN and I can tell I will get burnt out soon. First night off orientation and I had 8 patients and got the first new admit..so that was 9 patients until 11pm when an extra nurse finally arrived. Then I was down to 6..if this is how they treat new nurses, it's scary to me.

I really loved LTC..however the pay is lower and the shift premiums aren't as nice as the hospital. I would like to be nurse manager or DON at a facility (I think!)..so I will likely return to LTC sometime in the future.