Moving from LTC to hospital

[ahlarabeautty]

Hello fellow nurses! I have been working in LTC for 6 months now and am really interested in getting a hospital job. This is my first nursing job out of school with my ADN. I have been a bit discouraged because I have not been able to use many skills. Got to do a few straight caths, minimal wound care, and one attempt at an IV with a dehydrated resident. I am worried if I try for a hospital position they might look down at the little experience I have gained and minimal skills I have gotten to do. I have really learned great time management, working well with the interdisciplinarity team, communicating with families and deligating my CNA's. I have only worked down one hall with, for the most part the same 25 residents. So I have gotten to know these wonderful people very well and a lot of their needs. Does anyone think I will have luck finding a hosp position? Any advice? I really appreciate it and will take any advice I can get, especially from you nurses with more experience then me. Thanks so much:)!!

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I think you would do well to stay in your current position for at least a year before attempting to move on. As for keeping your skills sharp, try working on the skilled wing of your facility if you have one. There you can learn and practice wound care, IV therapy, even trachs and vents if your facility takes them. Look for opportunities within your own job to learn more about it.....after only six months, there still is plenty you haven't been exposed to. Be patient, and wait a little longer before looking elsewhere.

[xsnurse]

I've been a nurse for 3 years and just recently landed my first hospital job. A lot of clinical things were new to me. I had previously as a RN not hung an IV bag or started any. Put in only one foley, etc. I had worked an an ALF previously so I am comfortable with my meds and blood pressure and calling doctors and such. But everyday I am learning and there is so much to learn in a hospital. Most nurse are helpful some are not, But the prior experience did help me. I only got 3 weeks of training on the floor but still ask for help.

If you really want to work in a hospital. I say start applying!You never know... It might take you a while to land a job and while you look continue to find opportunities to learn more at your current job.

Good luck!

[Jessie71385]

I always recommend, after receiving your RN license, that you work in the acute care setting before long term care. It gets you aware of acute issues and critical thinking skills. It also lets you become competent of duties of a RN. That being said, I would make sure that when you apply for acute care positions, you let them know that you want to improve your ability to think critically in acute processes, not as much chronic illness. I wish you the best, and sorry to see you leave long term care.