New nurse... Need guidance

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Specializes in Pediatric, Group Homes, Hospice.

Hey everyone! I'm a new LPN grad and work with an allergy company... I want to be more hands on with patients but afraid of the nursing home because of the risk of loosing my license... Any tips on where I can get good experience?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Your fears of losing your license in a nursing home setting are unfounded. Statistically, nurses are more likely to lose their licensure in a hospital setting. In addition, the most common reasons for loss of licensure are issues revolving around addiction, drug diversion, theft, impairment, or intemperate use of alcohol and substances.

In summary, nurses rarely lose their licensure for mistakes in patient care.

Places to accrue more hands-on experience include physical rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and pediatric private duty that involves extensive training with ventilator patients and tracheostomy care.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Depending on your area, you may be limited to community clinical settings; the ones that come to mind are: LTC, Home Health, clinics, corrections.

As a former LPN who worked in LTC, one would be hard pressed to lose their license in that setting; what it takes is good organizational skills and an attitude of anticipation; LTC helps to hone critical thinking skills and assessment skills as well as those "hands on skills" that you desire.

Find out what positions are available in your area, and go from there.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in geriatric/long term care.

Somebody gave you some wrong info on LTC. Working in a nursing home may not be very sexy or popular but it can be an extremely fulfilling and rewarding experience because you are caring for people who need it the most. One of the highlights of my Mondays is going onto my assigned unit and being told by residents that they missed you. LTC nursing isn't for everyone but it is not the place where bad nurses wind up because they couldn't cut it in a hospital. Try it you might like it

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Specializes in Pediatric, Group Homes, Hospice.

Thank you all for the feedback I'm looking forward to apply to LTC

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I started off in geriatrics as a cna, then an LPN, I LOVE my older people and miss working with them! I went into acute care to gain skill and experience which will benefit me in becoming an RN. I would not be concerned with losing your license, but with that said....always be vigilant in your med administration and keeping your patients safe.It is a HUGE responsibility!

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