lvn/lpn in hospital setting

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hi all, I have a few questions. I have previously posted questions about HH but now have some about agency work. I have worked in LTC for close to 2 years and need a change. I have looked into HH and have sent some resumes out with no response. Now I have a friend who is a CNA starting at an agency who also employs LVN's. My question is, how hard is it to transition from LTC to acute care? Would I be in the weeds most of the time? What are the things that I should know and things that would benificial to me? I know this may be a difficult task to undertake but I really would like the opportunity to expand my knowledge but seriously have a fear of failing. Plz help!!!:confused:

I went from LTC, to Med/Surg in Hospital setting. It depends on hospitals in your area, if they are open to hiring LPN's. In my area, due to the economy and cost saving measures, they employ a good number of LPN's in Med/Surg. They are very demanding about policy and procedure, and have competancy testing out before you perform tasks on the floor, then test yearly after that.

I kept up on my skills, continuing education, and kept my GPA in school above 3.7. It took me 4 years of LPN experience in LTC/Rehab unit, to transition into the hospital setting. In Med/Surg the ratio was generally 5 patients/1 LPN. LPN given more stable patients, and of course teamed with an RN to supervise certain tasks.

LPN to do all medications (with the exception of IV push meds), and provide patient care, documentation, updating MD's, etc. It would help if you are IV certified, and are good at starting IV's.

We also are Not able to hang blood products.

Of course make sure your CPR is up to date also. The biggest difference, (from LTC) was that orders changed very frequently, as did pt's status. Nicest thing, having Clinical Leads that are there to help in emergency situations. Biggest frustration...finding your teamed RN to provide IV push meds in a timely manner. (Not their fault, they are Busy, Busy too...) But seldom does a pt care when they have nausea/vomitting and need something now, so it can be frustrating both for pt and LPN...

Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

I, too, transitioned from LTC to the hospital setting. While I found it to be an easy transition for me, it is very very different. Keep in mind, most agencies will not allow you to work in a hospital without prior hospital experience. You will want to talk with the agency to determine their requirements for nurse placement.

Thank You all so much for your info. I do remember it being very different and it does worry me that I would not be able to handle it. At my last job I was charge nurse for 6 cnas and had a load of 48 patients as it was LTC. It was very hectic and I did not feel I was able to give my full attention to the patients that they deserved. But going from that to a hospital is very nerve racking and I just need to know if I could handle it. I would love to try home health but I am not sure if I should go with an agency for that or not. Do agencies pay well? What are some good agencies to look into (i'm in so cal).

Working for an agency like PRN Nurses, can be risky. You are going into a facility blind, no idea where items (like drsg's, etc) are, and expected to do a good job without having the experience of previously working in this facility.

Not knowing the full histories of the people you are caring for.

In my experience, agency nurses did not receive a lot of support from others they worked with. The orientation was one hour long at my facility...pretty much here are the charts, this is your med cart, here is the med room, and this is a list of your patients.

Lots of attitude from facility staff.. "She is getting paid $10 more per hour, let her figure it out, I'm not helping her" It happens, I've seen it happen.

Agencies do tend to pay well, but Not worth it, Imho.

If you are serious about getting an agency or home health job, go in person. When you arrive, dressed to interview, with all your employment papers in hand, you usually get to speak to an agency recruiter and get hired immediately.

You guys are so very helpful and it is nice to know that there are people out there willing to give advice and help when needed. I will take all your advice and hope that I have found my perfect job soon. Will keep you all updated!

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