MedSurg or Subacute/LTC???

minurse · Dec 18, 2002

Nursing is what you make of it. I have done it all. NH as a tech while in college, med/surg/onc, er, icu, home health. I am now back in NH as a supervisor. You dont have to loose anything, there is always PRN work available if youre worried about specific skills being lost, ie., IV starts.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2002

Which sounds more appealing to you? Both are very worthy.

renerian

RNonsense · Dec 19, 2002

I have worked in both Acute Care and LTC since I graduated 10 years ago. I love both. I have a PPT in a trauma hospital, and pick up casual at LTC whenever I want to...both are rewarding, and the change is welcome. Hope that helps.

aimeee, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2002

If you love the nursing home and feel that is where you belong, then go for it! You don't "lose" your skills in extended care, you develop a different set of skills than you do in med/surg work. You never go wrong with following your heart.

2banurse · Dec 19, 2002

Originally posted by AMBOO
Just wanted a few opinions..I graduated on Friday (R.N) I did my precep. at a nursing home and loved it esp. b/c the CNA'S were real nice and caring about the resident (rare-I have worked in the LTC before) and the facility just got Superior when state came through and honestly it really is what it appears to be...anyway I want to go work there but I am already employed at the local hospital and they will pay for boards,NCLEX reveiw with Kaplan $1000.00 sign on bonus or go to the NH who pay more but don't help with anything else....now here is what the prob is,,,when people ask what I am going to do and I say NHthey look at me like I just said McDonald's...and say I will lose skills and wasted my time and I should stay at the hospital and work med-surg...do I really have top? Will I be worthless in the NH? i LOVE MY GERRY PT'S !So I know this is where I belong but I don't want to be lacking skills either...please help

Thanks, Amboo:kiss

:balloons: :balloons: First, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RN!!! THAT IS WONDERFUL!

Since this is your first nursing job, I would go where I would feel most comfortable. The most important thing is that you said "I want to go work there"...I think you should follow what you enjoy. I'm not sure how much the NCLEX review would cost, but if you are making more at the NH, that shouldn't be to hard to come up with the finances and to be honest $1000 sign on, isn't that impressive. Med/surg usually has a high census and what if you don't like it...you might find yourself stuck for a while.

JMHO, but I would go for the NH...who cares what others say...plus if you really enjoy working with geriatric patients, NH is the answer.

Good luck!

Kris

P.S. what area in Florida are you?

night owl · Dec 20, 2002

Originally posted by AMBOO
i LOVE MY GERRY PT'S !So I know this is where I belong

I think you've said it already...go where you'll be the happiest. The NH pays more and you're happy there.

JANRN · Dec 20, 2002

as a fellow NH nurse, i can honestly say i have gained many skills. i know i am great at assessments ..i really know my patients..you develope independence b/c the doc's arent in every day ..they really rely on us to keep them informed about pt status..i do more iv starts than i ever did in acute..no iv team to rely on...bottom line is listen to that lil ol' voice inside your head..it wont steer ya wrong....best of luck to you!!!

el camino man · Dec 20, 2002

As most others have said, go with your heart. I'm a MDS coordinator at a LTC facility. I love it. Work the floor sometimes too. Also work prn at the local hospital to keep those skills up. You will enjoy LTC.