New Nurse in LTC

[RoyalNurse2010]

Tell me what you think of a new nurse working in LTC as a unit manager.

[NurseKatie08, MSN]

Tell me what you think of a new nurse working in LTC as a unit manager.

As a staff nurse, sure....as a unit manager ...no way, not in any speciality. A new grad does not have enough experience for that. I wouldn't feel comfortable considering a position like that even at this point, and I am three years out of school.

[Brea LPN]

I agree with the above post. I think LTC is great for a new grad as a staff nurse not unit manager. Plus, if you're a staff nurse you'll get more experience with skills that you learned in school.

[Chin up]

Years ago, I would have said, no way. Unit managers were clinical managers then. Now, the trend seems to be new grads, both RN and LPN. Their function, paper compliance. Mostly, chart audit, appointments and getting the correct forms, to then correct department, etc. The only patient care is from taking a cart during a call out, helping with admits and the quarterly summary. If that is what you want to do, then fine, but doing the basics first seems to make the most sense. Peace!

[NurseSuzann]

I think personally you should get some hands on experience first. You will not be well connected with your staff if you go straight to unit manager, as a result it will be very difficult to understand them, and them you. However if you do this, I suggest you try to help on the floor whenever you can to get some idea of what those you are managing are going through.

[lesliel]

WOW, as a new graduate in long term care, this is something that I find very surprising! I think that working on the unit is something that is of most benefit, because similar to what everyone else in this post has mentioned it's important to get the basics down first before you tackle a management position! I, personally would not want to be a unit manager, I'm still young and don't think I would get the respect let alone manage a floor as well as a veteran or senior nurse! The person who manages the unit that I'm on does her job amazingly and you can tell it can be credit to her experience

[RoyalNurse2010]

I took a tour of the LTC facility today and its very small it has about 20 rooms with some being private and semiprivate. The DON informed me that I will train to work the med cart and do all the other things the LPNs are responsible for... but most of my job will be during paperwork and making sure the LPNs and CNA are doing their jobs. I didnt have a interview b/c she wants to interview me with the Exceutive Director. She stated that she will definitely be calling me back for an interview.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

how can you manage something you dont know or have experience in. ltc can be a ugly monster and extremely different than nursing school clinicals and the hospital environment. just the shear idea that a nursing home would hire a new grad for that position should through up a red flag.....as a nurse with many years experience as a manager and staff nurse in ltc i recommend you work the floor first....

[RoyalNurse2010]

Thanks so much for your input on this b/c I am confused on what to do. Even if I work the floor wouldnt I be still making sure the CNAs and LPNs are doing their jobs.