TiredofLTC

I started in LTC right after graduation and I can tell you from my experience that I wish I would have started in a hospital setting. In a nursing home other for medication administration you do not use a lot of your skills. I have never started an IV and only recently got to draw blood. But from another standpoint you will get very good at pt assessment. I pass out meds at 0600 to 58 patients that includes two peg tubes, 4 insulins, and lots of pills and respiratory tx. Of course I'm from a small town in MS so we have a lot of diabetes, COPD, and HTN and heart disease so there is not a wide variety of diseases even in the hospitals. But I also was not comfortable with starting off in a hospital and if this is how you are then LTC would probably be a good choice. You will get A LOT of psych there, more than a lot of people think. Now I am looking into working in a large teaching hospital in Jackson, MS and I know there will be a wider variety of diseases and situations where I can use more of my skills. I'm not saying don't start off in LTC because you have to look at your individual situation and what you feel is best for you. The 8 hour shifts are really good and you get paid more than in a hospital. I would just say do what you feel makes you comfortable and if you do choose LTC you can always go to a hospital setting later. Good luck and congratulations on becoming a new nurse.

I'm glad you posted this. I have an interview for a home health position next week. I really hope I get it. I have been in LTC for a year and honestly I'm tired of it. Not the patients but the staff. I love the hours and flexibility of home health and the agency I applied for has great benefits and are very supportive of their staff. So ya'll keep your fingers crossed for me that I get the job.

I work nights and have two small children, 5 and 9, and it is hard. I'm tired and cranky and don't have much time with them. It does get better tho. I've been working nights for 10 months now. I just make sure I get as much sleep as possible.

I actually have a friend who does MMA fighting and he said they get tested for all of that stuff very regularly. They have to to be able to fight.