Nursing Home vs Hospital

Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B · Feb 17, 2014

Well I'll solve this debate for you. Your chances of getting a hospital job in NJ as a new grad LPN are pretty astronomical. I'm not saying don't try, however if you land a hospital job, buy a lottery ticket.

Realistically your first job will be LTC. I would focus on those opportunities.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2014

Here's a simple equation:

Working as an LPN in the nursing home setting = LPN pay + LPN experience

Waiting for an LPN position at a hospital = Zero pay + Zero experience

New grad LPNs cannot be picky, especially in NJ where the nursing job market is tough with the odds stacked against you. Beggars cannot be choosers in this sluggish economy, so accept whatever LPN position comes your way. Work it and learn until something 'better' comes along. Good luck to you.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Feb 17, 2014

There are no acute care hospital jobs for LPNs especially new grads in NJ. Try subacute rehab.

Agency jobs are intended for nurses with 1-2 years work experience as they give minimal orientation and expect the nurses to be experienced and ready to go from day 1.

Home health (skilled nursing visits) requires a minimum of 1 year experience per Medicare/Medicaid rules.

Some private duty agencies, like Bayada, have started new grad programs where you get extensive classroom & field orientation to do shift work, usually pediatrics, in client homes. The programs are selective & competitive as not all new grads are ready to function independently after a month or two.

LTC is good because you have orientation, you are never the only nurse on the floor/ facility and patients are often more complex so you get significant clinical skills to practice.

New grad RN-BSN have difficulty securing acute care hospital jobs in NJ and RN-BSN is the preferred credential.

libran1984, ASN, RN · Feb 17, 2014

I couldn't hack it in LTC. However, I'm excelling in the hospital (sadly, we don't hire LPNs anymore *shakes fist at management*)

Look for clinic work! I think you'll find good experience in a clinic or outpatient setting. To break into a clinic of great standing, you may have to take a job less appetizing to the general nursing population such as correctional nursing, methadone / drug treatment / drug rehabilitation clinics, etc.

Sadly, keep in mind, clinic nurses are often not paid as well as LTC.

Nurseypoo82 · Feb 18, 2014

I understand where you are coming from OP. I had that mind set you have that I didnt want to work at a SNF. I too was a new grad and quickly came to realize I couldn't be picky or else I would end up with no job. Pretty much everyone is looking for that 6+ Months of experience. So I ended up where I was initially not trying to be and love it. I take care of 30 Pts and learn new things everyday. I think it's a great place to start to get experience because there is still so much to learn. I am in California and make 20.50/hr. Im going on 7 months there.

Allstar2014 · Mar 1, 2014

Thank you guys very much for your input. It has really put my mind at ease. I totally understand that as a new nurse I cannot be picky. On the bright side I've heard back from one hospital and hopefully an interview date will be set up soon. Thank you again

bbyRN, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2015

I am working on getting my first job as a new grad RN. My experience is 3 years in LTC as an NA. Now I've interviewed at a few LTC/TCUs and received offers recently, while I have applied to hospitals and not gotten any interviews, yet. From what I have seen and heard, there are LTCs and then there are LTCs and that goes for hospitals, too. Some people who end up taking jobs in LTCs find out that they like it and it works for them. Plus, it doesn't have to be forever, regardless of the experience and conclusions that a few people have. If we're not flexible in whatever case to go where we can get the jobs that come our way, then it doesn't matter where we apply.