Need advice on transitioning from LTC to Hospital

[DixonRN27]

Hello all!

I am an RN-BSN currently working in a LTC facility. I have worked at this facility for one year as a CNA and an additional two years as an RN after graduation. I have worked evenings/nights on our dementia unit, long term skilled nursing, and acute rehab units. I generally run our Acute Rehab hall, which has up to 25 patients, with the help of one CNA on night shift.

I want to make the transition from LTC to a hospital. As much as I love LTC, I'm getting a little burnt out on it. There is too much to do, not enough time, not enough staff, and no support from management. I bust my booty every night to get everything done and meet everyone's needs while trying to maintain the level of care I expect of myself. I love my residents but it is so discouraging to feel as though you are fighting a losing battle every time you clock in. I stayed at the facility after graduation because I have a few excellent nurse mentors here, but many of our best nurses are leaving now due to recent changes in management and work conditions.

I am asking for advice from anyone who has made the transition. Did you find the workload was manageable based on your LTC experience? Was it difficult to transition from LTC policies to hospital policies? Did you feel like you had enough orientation at the hospital?

Many of my mentors, supervisors, and fellow co-workers have said that they have confidence I would do well in a hospital. I feel like it would be a great step for me, but I am fearful that the "grass is not always greener" or that I would not be able to hack it.

Any advice/encouragement would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I went from LTC to Post Acute to a Level I Trauma Pediatric ED.

I received 8 weeks of orientation and was in sponge mode; I passed orientation and have been at this position for 18 months; I have started helping with precepting and educational exercises.

LTC has high ratios and sick patients; you will see sicker pts but have time management skills and nursing judgement and may be able to handle that ratio vs a nurse who only knows hospital nursing; there is documentation that once you get the hang of it, is not as much as what one does in LTC; if anything, that will be an easy transition.

Don't discredit your experience...the BS that hospitals do pales in comparison to what we endure in LTC-some days when I share those stories, less people comparing, or I have to help pick up their faces as to what I've seen and had to manage in LTC.

You will be fine.

[ashnicole227]

your post was exactly what I was looking for! I see this was a year ago, did you transition or have any updates?

I remained at my LTC facility also and it's been 4 years now and I always ponder on going to the hospital.

[DixonRN27]

I have been working on a telemetry med/surg unit since march and I love it. Definitely a challenge, but worth it!