New grad in LTAC?

[jead1]

Hello all! I am a senior in nursing school who graduates in May! Yay!! I know this question has been asked several times but most of the threads are from 2008-2012 so I wanted a "fresh and new" perspective! What do you think about a new grad in LTAC? My friend says that I should start off on a med surg floor since I'll be a new grad because I would learn more on the med surg floor than I would the LTAC. My mentor says that most LTACs only hire nurses with critical care experience so my chances of getting hired are minimal. What do you all think? Also, does can you all tell me what LTACs pay nurses an hour? Just curious. Select Specialty or any LTAC in general?

Thank you so much for your insight!!

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

You will learn in "acute" LTACH just as much or more than in med/surg, but for this very reason "acute" LTACHs prefer not to deal with new grads. LTACH generally has less resources, less support and less attention from docs, therefore nurses are expected to be top-notch in their assessment, critical thinking, prioritization and time management skills because our patients are still critically sick, and many of them sent there because their very multiple problems cannot be managed anywhere else.

My suggestion would be to start in med/surg or even subacute and try PRN LTACH after you feel a bit more comfortable with your nursing skills. Long term acute "acute" (i.e. taking weaning vents, critical drips and generally "stable" ICU patients) is extremely tough environment with heavy physical and mental load, so I strongly suggest trying it first before you jump in.