Making LTC your specialty as an RN

[st4rl4dy]

Hello all,

All through school i was the lone student constantly raising my hand when asked about going into Geriatrics. I was working as a CNA in LTC and had for 5 years. I knew it was where my heart was and where i wanted to be. As school progressed and i fell in love and got married, i had to deal with the poosibility of having to move every two years (married a military man). So with this possibility i decided maybe Med-surg (being my favorite clinical rotation) could be my specialty while i am going through my RN-CNS-Gerentology program. Fast forward a year and here i am in southern california (Not the greatest ned grad job market) from Texas (all classmates found work where they wanted or their 2nd choice before graduation and there were about 65 of us), now it seems there are little to no jobs and LTC facilities around me either hang up when i ask about jobs or tell me they do not hire RNs.

My question is can i truly make LTC as an RN my specialty in management or on the floor?

[Flying ICU RN]

LTC, will boom with the impending aging of the Baby Boomer's.

Both entrepreneurial (ALF's etc.), and advancement opportunities to the level of D.O.N, will be greatest in this area.

Stocks to watch,... Geriatric Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, Public LTC related.

[JenMSN11]

You can definitely make LTC your career. You can get certified in geriatrics as well. I love working the floors directly with the patients. I would never go into management, just not my thing. All I see there is tons and tons of never ending work and low pay. Its more enjoyable for me to know and work with the patients/residents!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

SoCal doesn't hire RNs in LTC? Wow. We need them here.

[st4rl4dy]

Some LTCs don't have jobs and others don't hire RNs. Where are you located SuesquatchRN?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Way upstate NY.

Rural areas are always desperate for nurses.

[st4rl4dy]

oh......

[guest2210]

My instructor in LPNS for geriatrics was a ADN with certification in Gerontology. She was young and absolutely loved all of the residents at the LTC we trained at.

[st4rl4dy]

One of my instructors was a GNP and was HIGHLY passionate about it and it was truly inspiring.

[JB2007, ASN, RN]

Yes, you can make it your specialty. I work in LTC and work as a floor nurse. There are several RNs that work as floor nurses at my facility. We are always hiring RNs where I live. I also live in a rural area in the midwest so that does not help you much.