Need advice for middle age.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2011

My friend's entire nursing career had been spent in LTC and nursing homes when she accepted a job at a womens' health clinic several years ago. She left the clinic after a few months due to the low pay, lack of downtime, and the fact that she was on her feet all day with virtually no chance to sit. In addition, although the clinic closed at 5:00pm, staff had to stick around until the last patient left the building, which might not be until after 6:00pm.

My friend said that she experienced far more downtime and 'sitting time' in LTC than she ever did at the clinic.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2011

Ditto with her friend; I worked in a clinic all of two weeks and I quit. You will not sit in a clinic. We stayed late every night not matter what, it was crazy. Why don't you get into being an RNAC (RN assessment coordinator) or what they use to call them RCM (resident care manager).

It includes many hours of detailing care plans, revising or doing the MDS and making sure everyone on the team does their part. The RNAC is responsible for the MDS process and all it entails (the MDS, family meetings, team meetings, etc...). In most cases the RNAC is the last signer and responsible for the MDS. Make no mistake; this position is one of huge responsibilty.

There is walking around and assessing depending on how the house has the MDS process set up. Don't say you don't have experience because if you've worked in LTC for a few years then you have experience. Talk to your DON if you think that might be something you would want to train for.

There should be an increase in pay and when I was working as an RNAC I had my own office and made my own hours (as long as they were full-time and it gave me a chance to observe the other shifts and the residents other then during the day). Anyway just a thought.

montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN · Jul 21, 2011

I am an MDS coordinator at a LTC facility & I agree with the above post..I sit down about 80% of the time & work at a computer. But, I must caution you that I feel more tired and achy now than I did out on the floor. I try to get up and walk around every hour or so, but the work is so detailed that I often loose track of time...I also have worked in a physicians' office & although the work is easier (much, much easier), there wasn't a place to sit & I was on my feet literally all day long. Good Luck:)

LR59 · Jul 21, 2011

I am 59 work 12 hour shifts as night charge this is my fifth straight night work smarter not harder keep moving it will keep you young