Need Info on LTC

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Hey everyone,

Just need a few questions answered. I am usually a med/surg nurse, and love to do that. I recently moved to a new state and I am having problems finding a job in a hospital. I have interviewed at a few other places, including LTC. What is the norm for number of patients to pass meds too? I would be working 3-11. I have never worked LTC and I am very nervous to do it. I dont know why, but I am. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated. I am suppose to call them tomorrow and let them know if I want the position or not. I am still hoping that the hospital I applied at comes through, but, just in case I need a back up plan.

Thanks again!!!!!

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Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

I pass meds to 28-30 residents. Once you get used to it, it's not bad. No IV push meds, periodic IV antibiotics. Mostly its just everyday meds like cardiac or psych meds and monitoring their responses to it. A few residents just take some basic vitamins and Tylenol. Give it a shot, you may like it.

-Deb

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

My first LTC job involved passing meds and doing very simple treatments to 30 patients. Once you get to know the patients it becomes extremely easy. I now work at a more upscale nursing home where I pass meds and do simple treatments on 17 patients. It is a different style of nursing than what is practiced in the hospitals because LTC patients tend to be more stable.

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Hey! Thanks for all the info. Just an update, I got a job at a hospital in the ER. I am so excited to start, yet so nervous. I appreciate everyone who answered my questions.

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hi there: i live in ks and i am working in a place that if my med aide does not show up i will have to pass meds to 36 people and do my job. i just started and they told me i may have to pass one med pass in the a.m. since i have worked there i realize that no one ever shows up for work. yesturday i was short an aide and i had to do cna and my job. i am getting some good nursing experience but i am working my but off in the process. everyone i speak to tells me that, that is how nursing homes are. so i am going on for my r.n. next year. i will work here for 6 months and move on.

good luck!

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Congrats on getting the hospital job. Just to be safe, I moved the post to the LTC Forum, in case you ever DO go to LTC.

Like a previous poster had mentioned, you see the patients "long term". The beauty of this is that you can see the patient's "base line" before they go bad.

Maybe someday you'll give it a shot?

Suebird :)

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