Nursing Home vs Hospital

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Specializes in Critical Care.

So I am a RN in a nursing home in NYC. I currently make about 85k a year after differential but before over time with 2 years experience. Nursing home is a lot of work and has 5 /day a week and since ive never worked in med/surg in hospital I don't have anything to compare it to. I'm not sure if the hospital will be any better. From what ive seen hospital salary will just be about the same. Is it worth it to go to the hospital?

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Specializes in retired LTC.

What are your long term expectations? Can you see yourself staying in LTC and moving into upper mgt or admin?

Are you thinking moving into education? That might require more than your BSN esp if you're looking into teaching other nurses.

Hospital nursing might be restricted to clinical bedside since you don't have any acute care exp. But if you put in some 'bedside time' you can move on upwardly.

Advanced clinical practice, like family/adult healthcare or gerontology? You're definitely talking Master's degree.

Acute care problems versus LTC problems? Words of wisdom = 'same problems, different faces".

What are your family obligations and/or future plans? Can you finance advanced education?

Only you can determine which way to go and it sounds like you're at a crossroads right now..

Wishing you well.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Thank you replying to me.

I have decided to actively persue a hospital RN position to transition into acute care. Market is tough but I won't give up.

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hi, im about to start in LTC ina few days. i was wondering if you made the transition to acute care yet because that is my ultimate goal and am worried it will be difficult to move to acute care after LTC

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I got ICU position straight from the nursing home. It can be tough. I used a whole lot of fake it till you make it. Ive heard med surg floor is quite similar to sub acute. I was in sub acute for most of my RN career. Unfortunately LTC does not really allow you to learn except maybe time management and practical skills.

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Oh okay, i graduated in december and have been looking for a hospital job since, but i cant even get an interview so i settled for nursing home for now. Really hope it doesnt hurt me in the end. Thank you!

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Oh okay, i graduated in december and have been looking for a hospital job since, but i cant even get an interview so i settled for nursing home for now. Really hope it doesnt hurt me in the end. Thank you!

Sadly you may have hand the misfortune to have graduated/get licensed just as another NYC hospital is closing down; Beth Israel.

Mount Sinai has promised all current staff at that place they would be found spots at their other facilities; however informal word on the street is some are simply choosing to go elsewhere.

Don't think of nursing home/LTC has "settling". Rather take it as an opportunity to put your education to use, hone your skills and of course learn. This way when the time comes to move on you'll be prepared and have experience.

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