Med-Surg or Alzheimer's?

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Education, Community Health.

I just recently graduated from LVN (LPN) school within the past month. I've been sending resumes, etc, for weeks. I finally got two job offers. The first job offer is on a Med-Surg floor, the second is a charge nurse position at an assited living home with Alzheimer's and Dementia patients.

Here's the problem. I know if I want to get good experience the Med-Surg job is the way to go, but the pay is quite a bit less than the other position.

I'm a little stuck and and in need of some advice. :uhoh3:

Dave in San Antonio

Specializes in Staff nurse.

I am surprised a new grad would be considered as a charge nurse. Pts. with Alzheimer's will inevitably have medical problems: DM complications; COPD; PE; pneumonia; cellulitis; DVT; electrolyte imbalances; cardiac issues, etc. Would YOU be comfortable assessing these complex patients/residents for any of the above with the limited experience you've had in your clinicals? The buck will stop with you if you are in charge, so I would encourage you to do the med/surg first. Good luck

Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Education, Community Health.

Hey there,

The Alzheimer's/Demetia job is at an assisted living location where the patient's major problem is just the Alzheimer's/Dementia. During the interview I shadowed a nurse. Oddly enough, about of 60 residents only 2 were diabetic, 1 patient on oxygen, and a hospice patient who had a home health nurse. This is also the first place I've been to where they have medication aides as well.

The fact that they called it a charge position surprised me as well. According to my former instructor, this job would be almost like babysitting. :nono:

I'm leaning more toward the Med/Surg position because I'm wanting to learn as much as possible and eventually specialize when I'm done with RN school.

Dave

Do what is best for your career. Take the position in med surg. Get as much experience as you can for that, at least two years. This will be a firm foundation for your career. I did this twenty three years ago and they were the best years of my career. I now work in critical care and get paid well. I noticed that the nurses with a firm med surg experience always excelled and were confident where the nurses who got shuffled into a specialty area burned out.

Dave, go for the med/surg.

I took a job in LTC as a new LPN and clinically my skills are next to nothing. And I am bored! I recently accepted a spot in med/surg at about the same money.

Good luck! I'm working towards my RN, too.

Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Education, Community Health.

Thanks for all the information ladies and gentleman.

I took your advice and took the Med/Surg job. When I accepted it I found it some interesting information.

:nurse: Paid tuition for their LVN to RN program (you have to sign a 1 year contract with them). Only thing is its a diploma program not a degree program-- but an RN is an RN

:nurse: 3 month paid training. Meaning I'm following an RN and learning the ropes.

:nurse: Paid tuition for their LVN to RN program (you have to sign a 1 year contract with them). Only thing is its a diploma program not a degree program-- but an RN is an RN

:nurse: 3 month-day paid training. Meaning I'm following an RN and learning the ropes.

Excellent! Degree, schmegree. You can apply it to a BSN.

And following an RN and learning what s/he does will be marvelous.

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