srimer

It's difficult for me to comment on this because I don't know what their training consists of. I do know that these corps"people" are wonderful in thinking on their feet, because they have to make split-second decisions in the field. However, there is so much involved in today's nursing that I feel they would have to pass certain competencies in order to test out of maybe the first basic nursing class. After that I think the curriculum would be so much different compared to what they would've experienced in the field. For example, how many catheters do they insert? And assessing the needs of a stroke/MI? Definitely something to think about, but Obama needs to do some homework.

I am a DON in an LTC. I came from an acute care background, so I wasn't sure if I'd like it. I went back to acute care TWICE until I realized that I really enjoy long-term care. It's not like it used to be. The residents are much more acutely ill, so we do quite a bit of advanced nursing (all except for ventilators). My nurses enjoy the close relationships with the residents, and when we rehab someone home, they have a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Any job is what you make of it, so GOOD LUCK!!!

I agree with this comment. I have been an OR nurse / RNFA for >25 years and started out with 6 months med-surg. It's a great building block prior to entering the OR "world." Also, if you're working tele, you'll also be doing med-surg, so you'll be killing two birds with one stone. AND, it's always a plus to be able to recognize cardiac troubles and be able to jump in and help the anesthesiologist when needed on the OR. I will NEVER recommend to any nurse not doing time in med-surg before moving on, no matter how "specialized" the interest may be.

Wow, such open hostility! I hate to see the facility you work in!!

I'm not quite sure if you've been educated enough to be able to handle "abuse" in LTC. Most residents are no longer able to control their behaviors, and "verbal abuse" just comes with the territory with dementia / Alzheimer's. Ask your Administrator for an in-service before you go off the deep end. Most of us who have years of experience have learned to smile with the behaviors and realize that that particular person could be a loved one someday, and do we want them medicated just so staff can "deal" with them? I say "no" and so would most state agencies. Keep your chin up and have some humor (it really helps). Or, you may want to consider a career change. Good luck!