New grads...are alot of you starting out in LTC??

Scooter321 · Oct 8, 2011

I would say that most of my classmates (we graduated in May) who have found work are starting out in LTC. Not all, but most, and plenty are still looking for work. I have just started in a facility that offers long-term care for children (mostly) with severe neurological deficits. It's a kind of LTC but with a different population--most have trachs, several have vents, almost all have G and/or J tubes, all non-verbal and wheelchair bound. The bad thing (and this is not unusual around here either) is that I don't have many hours. Other than that, I think I'm going to get some great experience, even though it's not exactly med-surg! Nobody in this area (Massachusetts) seems to want the expense and hassle of new grads. They ALL want experience, and where we get it is not their problem. Sigh. :mad: Although, like most, I wanted to start in a regular hospital, we take what we can get and remind ourselves that we're more marketable with any experience under our belts than none at all. Besides, we might end up loving it (I'm impressed with this place so far). Good luck to you. :)

casnee · Oct 8, 2011

I think so...I'm also a new grad who has been looking for a job for months too. Today I had my very first interview in a SNF and was offered the job! So I'm definitely going to take it to gain some experience.

allnurses Guide · Oct 8, 2011

I graduate in December and was offered a position in a clinical decision unit yesterday. I have an interview in a neuro unit this coming Friday and an interview pending scheduling on a telemetry floor.

I am doing clinicals this semester at LTAC. Lots of skills, very busy. Attitude seems to make a huge difference, at least in this particular facility. The nurses have low turnover and they have no openings at all except for CNAs. It is a pretty happy place and the nurses are happy and eager to have students to teach. Not at all what I would have expected.