NCRN0802

I have worked in LTC off and on for over 13 years, first as a CNA, then LPN, and now RN. I love it. I have seen alot of nurses with hospital backgrounds come through the doors and really struggle. You have to lose the mindset of working in a hospital. You have to think like you are in your resident's home. Most of them will be stable most of the time. You can not possibly assess each resident, review each chart, and document on each resident. You don't have to in LTC. You have to learn to relinquish care to your CNA's. You have to learn that when you have to get your meds, treatments, charting, etc. to do, it is okay to tell a resident that you can't help them right now, but you will find someone that can--your CNA. Having a CNA background, I know what the job entails. I can do their job, but they can not do mine. Delegation is the key. You also have to be willing to help the CNA's when you have a few extra minutes of time in your day. They will respect you more and be more receptive to your lead. Unfortunately, resident's are not the hard part of LTC. The families make the job unbearable at times. They expect miracles sometimes. It is hard to convince some of them that if momma didn't eat at home, there is a pretty good chance she won't eat at the nursing home. Stick to it, you will find your groove. It is very rewarding to have the opportunity to share someone's last days with them. I wish you good luck, and yes 30 residents to 1 nurse is the norm.

I am an LPN working in LTC. It is a atmosphere that is not right for everyone. I love working with geriatrics, but hate pediatrics. It just depends what you are attracted to. For me, the money is a motivating factor also. I make about 7 dollars more an hour working in a nursing home than I could in a hospital or drs office. LTC is hard work. You get cussed out, belittled, vomited on, crapped on, peed on, etc., etc. But being a part of someone's life as they write their final chapter in life is irreplacable.:redpinkhe

I have sleep apnea and it does cause alot of changes in the way you act and react to different stressors. Just think how irritable you are when you havent slept good for a couple nights in a row. Now imagine not ever getting a good nights sleep? It would make the nicest person a little cranky.:zzzzz

right...

I am a LPN with a seriously crazy, drug addicted, alcoholic mother and a dad that was basically absent. I was the second child of two.

I think it is an ongoing problem in the nursing profession. Every shift thinks the other shifts don't do any work. It is just not true. I have worked every shift possible in LTC. Each shift has a large work load. The type of work varies depending on the time of day. I currently work day shift and I do work hard. I have to deal with family complaints, drs coming in and out all day long. But night shift you usually have twice the patient load and have half the staff. Nurses need to stop being so critical of each other. We all do an important job. We need to be building each other up, not knocking each other down.

I have experienced some real jerks as far as Dr's go. But I have definitely experienced alot more angry, rude, disenchanted nurses.

I have been a nurse since 2000. I currently work in long term care, but have worked other places. I live in North Carolina. I am a LPN pursuing my RN. I wish nursing could return to all white uniforms. I think this sets nurses apart from housekeeping, or dietary. I feel like I worked really hard to become a nurse and a white uniform would allow me to be recognized as a person that deserves at least a little respect.

i lived in naples 5 years ago and Naples Community Hospital hired LPNs. I dont know if they still do. I never worked there. Did my clinicals there though. I think back then the starting wage was between 13 and 15 an hour.

I work LTC and have been an LPN for 10 years and earn somewhere in the range you listed. I surely didn't make that much starting out. But it is possible in LTC. My advice to new nurses..ask for a salary much higher than you expect to get. Alot of places will come close to what you are asking. There is a definite nursing shortage and employers are willing to pay someone confidant enough to ask for the money.

I graduated from Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology in Naples, Florida ten years ago. I loved the program there. The instructors are fabulous. Naples is about a 30-45 drive from Ft Myers. Also, the other school mentioned Lee High Tech is for grown ups...I know people who graduated from there. But I would really recommend you contacting Lorenzo Walker. I don't think you will be sorry.:wink2:

I love this article. I am also a LPN and am pursuing my RN. Good luck!