New Grad entering Skilled Nursing

[beat2beat]

Hello,

I am a new member of the forum and I am in need of some advice, encouragement. I graduated in January, and have had a real hard time finding a job. I just was offered and accepted a RN position at a skilled nursing facility. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Is this something a new grad can handle? What is the difference in the role of a RN at hospital vs. the RN at a skilled nursing facility. I am quite nervous. Any one out there to help me along with some information or experience, I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.

[msslim]

Hello beat2beat,

I applied to a SNF and I would like to know how your job has been going and what I can expect?

[sallynRN]

Hello,

I am a new member of the forum and I am in need of some advice, encouragement. I graduated in January, and have had a real hard time finding a job. I just was offered and accepted a RN position at a skilled nursing facility. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Is this something a new grad can handle? What is the difference in the role of a RN at hospital vs. the RN at a skilled nursing facility. I am quite nervous. Any one out there to help me along with some information or experience, I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.

Can you tell us which skilled nursing facility hired you? I desperately want to go into rehab and/or LTC, but even those facilities aren't hiring new grads (I just graduated in May).

[lacylynnette]

I graduated in January as well with my lvn. I was hired on at a skilled unit on rehab before I even took my nclex. Its a tough job and not for everyone. I was big pregnant, and dealt with combative and sometimes violent patients. I'm on maternity leave now and have accepted a job as a case manager, the hours are better for my little one. Depending on whether your facility has a med. aide or not, you can expect alot of Gtube meds and blood sugars. The scariest thing to me was how fast your little old folks can go down hill on you. Good assessment skills are a big plus, and try to know every inch of the pt's skin. Once you get past all the confusion of not knowing who is who, and begin to recognize your patients moods and temperments, it's sometimes like being with family. I personally will not miss it, I'm more fond of a revolving door kind of deal, in one minute, out the next. It's very hard to see someone everyday for months and months, and then come in from you days off and they are gone.... but good luck to you and hopefully you find your place in the profession quick, I havent found mine yet !!