Need Opinions: Is a Nursing Home a Good Career Move?

[curleyq]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate advice right now. I have been a nurse for just one year and I recently left what I thought was my dream job in OB. Let's just say that management was horrible. Almost immediately, through personal contacts, I fell into an RN supervisor job at a local nursing home. That was about a month ago and I am actually enjoying my time there. My concern is that I'm going to corner myself into a field that I'm not sure I want to be in forever. Any opinions on how nursing home experience looks on a resume?

Thanks!

[SaoirseRN]

I think the "supervisor" part of that would look good on a resume. Supervisory experience is always a good thing, no matter where it is. However, if you don't want to be in long term care forever I would recommend at the very least taking shifts in an acute care area (maybe med/surg if OB didn't work out, or OB at another facility?) just to keep up on your skills and also to get your foot in the door should a different opportunity arise.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

I can only speculate, but from what I've noticed, most nurses avoid LTC facilities, nursing homes like the plague. Too many patients, not enough patients, dangerous environment all around.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I can only speculate, but from what I've noticed, most nurses avoid LTC facilities, nursing homes like the plague. Too many patients, not enough patients, dangerous environment all around.

I somewhat agree with this statement - "avoid like the plague" might be a little too strong. No doubt, most new nurses have strong desires to go into acute care as opposed to LTC right off the bat. However, times are changing and not everyone can get a job in acute care right out of nursing school. In fact it seems as if most new grads can't do that these days. So LTC is where lots of new nurses are landing by default. And although LTC's in general have bad reputations, some facilities are way better than others. OP, if you're enjoying your new position and facility, I would say enjoy your enjoyment and don't worry too much about being stuck. You do after all have your golden year of experience in acute care that is so valuable in most employers' eyes. It is a good idea to take an occasional PRN shift in acute care, as another poster advised. The fact that you left acute care after one year and are now enjoying your new position says to me that maybe you will find your niche in some type of nursing other than acute care.