Not sure what to do

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I really don't know what to do. I have been a public health nurse for the last 3 years, the longer I am there the more I really dislike it. I work for a very small county health department and we wear multiple hats-it is myself and one other nurse. I took the position mainly because of the hours and the flexibility it gave me to care for my mom. She passed in December. I have been considering a job change for quite some time. I really miss patient care. I am currently only part time- but since COVID hit- I have been working 7 days a week and doesn't appear to have an end in sight. Just for the heck of it I applied at a local nursing home, within the hour of applying on Indeed I received a call from the D.O.N. We chatted for my entire lunch break. I am not looking to change jobs for the money, although what I was offered it is definitely worth considering. I was offered $5 an hour more than what I currently make, would be working 12 hour day shift (3 days one week, 4 the next) every other weekend and a $4,000 sign on bonus. I am just afraid to take the position and totally fail. I have not worked as an RN in a long term care setting and have also been away from direct patient care for 3 years, would I be able to catch on? Would my skills come back? Is it worth a try or should I remain miserable where I am at currently? What would you do? 

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Check out the LTC specialty forum here on AN. The fact they snapped up your application so fast is a red flag, they cannot find staff for a reason. The switch from public health to LTC would require a long orientation, that you will not receive. Do you want to be responsible for the entire wing, give meds to 30 residents, and  handle obstinate CNA's?

While those hours sound tempting, they will also push you to work extra. I would stay put while I search, and refuse to work seven days a week.

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Specializes in school nurse.

Don't do it. Whatever is bothering you about your current job, it is not in anyway near as bad as LTC is in most places. The money will not be worth it.

What is it about public health that is pushing you away, other than all the recent extra hours?

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Specializes in Dialysis.
2 hours ago, Been there,done that said:

Check out the LTC specialty forum here on AN. The fact they snapped up your application so fast is a red flag, they cannot find staff for a reason. The switch from public health to LTC would require a long orientation, that you will not receive. Do you want to be responsible for the entire wing, give meds to 30 residents, and  handle obstinate CNA's?

While those hours sound tempting, they will also push you to work extra. I would stay put while I search, and refuse to work seven days a week.

And a sign on bonus is another red flag...run

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Specializes in retired LTC.

BTDT - I think you may have OVER-negated the possibility of LTC employment for OP. A LOT of variables could affect the facility's ability to attract new staff.

OP - have you visited the facility? Got a sense for how calm/busy the place is? When you hit a floor, count the # of call bells on. Ask to shadow a nurse for a short period. As positive as the DON's telephone interview was, I'd want to the place! And that's me!

As for skills, what is there to relearn?  IV starts/maint care, wound care, inserting NGs & pumps, foleys, oxygen therapy, etc - everything is on Youtube today. Even as long as I worked LTC, I had off-days where I couldn't sink a fc or hit an IV. And I was GOOD!   NO ONE is 100% perfect all the time, so a new nurse can be expected to be a bit 'rusty'.

OP, you may be in the catbird's seat in that you might be able to negotiate a longer orientation period (say, 3-4 weeks, need to be realistic). If the facility wants you enough, they may concede. You would need to be actively, not passively, focused on your specific learning needs, particularly P&P, esp paperwork and computer programs used. Med passes are brutal, even for the experienced nurses. FWIW, I HATED med passes with a passion! And I haven't noticed here on AN where hosp nurses, or any others, are free of conflict with subordinates and upper mgt as well - goes with just about every job.

Sunflowers - DON'T UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF!  You're an experienced nurse with current practice. I truly don't see a problem with giving the new place a try. I would suggest STRONGLY that you check out on-line the facility's past CMS and DOH survey reports. Everyplace has problems, but you'll know the really bad ones when you read it.

Jedrnurse - I think you too are bashing LTC. It's not perfect, but can you tell me which specialty/field is?!?

If I had to offer 1 concern about OP resigning her current job, it's that she'd be giving up 3 years civil service - but that's NOT knowing what's causing her dissatisfaction.

Good luck to you, OP.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Hoosier - I'm posting here AFTER I saw that you did so. I too, am a bit concerned about the rapidity of the job offer, esp if OP HAS NOT visited the place.

But again, we don't have a lot of details here. How big a facility? What kind  of position - supervisor or staff? Is there a bad hx and where are they in the survey window? Stability of other nsg staff AND what about other dept heads?

I really can think of benign reasons for a facility to be so strongly .pitching recruitment. But yes, sadly there are reasons to run the other way.

For OP - I would SUPER STRONGLY suggest a 2nd interview IN-PERSON and AT THE FACILITY. If things seem OK to OP, then I do rec she go for it.

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Also Google the facility, look for State level violations and/or lawsuits -and no I'm not kidding.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
13 minutes ago, CharleeFoxtrot said:

Also Google the facility, look for State level violations and/or lawsuits -and no I'm not kidding.

I've googled past employing facilities. Very weird to read.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I'd be curious how long the DON has been DON there. Maybe DON is struggling to fix the facility.

A question for OP if she knows.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

I agree that there are some red flags so yes, ask some blunt questions, request a proper orientation and tour the facility.

Do not be stymied by the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone.  I changed specialities several times, and each time I wondered if I'd be able to manage it.  Just being alert and conscientious stood me in good stead every time.

Seven days a week would make anyone miserable in any job.  Could you not have a heart-to-heart with your current management?  Tell them you are looking for the exits unless something changes.

It doesn't hurt to tell everyone concerned what you need from them.  Then see who's most willing to deliver.  Good luck.

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Thanks for all the replies. I am still considering going to long term care. There is another facility very close. Also a sign on bonus, 3 shifts a week 9a-9p, I have worked as a CNA at both options many many years ago. What are some questions that I should be asking the DON's that would help me make a decision? 

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Specializes in retired LTC.

RE that first post -

The more I think about that post, I'm beginning to realize that during these C19 times, anything is possible. In lieu of that sudden telephone interview, many folk are opting/choosing for Zoom/tele conferencing.

And if the facility is rural, the pool of avail job prospects may be limited. Hence the bene package aims to be most attractive and enticing to potential staff. And the DON moves quickly to optimize your availability.

I say it again. Visit the facility. (Mealtimes are always the most naked, BEST revealing times!)  And if you're near a laundry hamper or dirty utility room, oh well,the fragrance might catch you off-guard!  WATCH THE CALL-BELLS!  You'll get that gut visceral sense when you do. Remember that NHs don't pretend to be hosps. They don't have all the fancy bells & whistles - won't win any 'beauty pageants' for its looks. But if the residents appear neat & clean, are up & about in some type of activities, staff appear busy but not FRANTIC, and the noise level is only a moderate roar (not eardrum shattering), then things appear worthy of a try.

LTC/NH is forever being bashed. But with caring staff who strive to do the best for that vulnerable population, the satisfaction is very positive.

Remain open-minded and give it a chance. Good luck to you.

 

 

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