DixonRN27

I have been working on a telemetry med/surg unit since march and I love it. Definitely a challenge, but worth it!

Hello all! I am an RN-BSN currently working in a LTC facility. I have worked at this facility for one year as a CNA and an additional two years as an RN after graduation. I have worked evenings/nights on our dementia unit, long term skilled nursing, and acute rehab units. I generally run our Acute Rehab hall, which has up to 25 patients, with the help of one CNA on night shift. I want to make the transition from LTC to a hospital. As much as I love LTC, I'm getting a little burnt out on it. There is too much to do, not enough time, not enough staff, and no support from management. I bust my booty every night to get everything done and meet everyone's needs while trying to maintain the level of care I expect of myself. I love my residents but it is so discouraging to feel as though you are fighting a losing battle every time you clock in. I stayed at the facility after graduation because I have a few excellent nurse mentors here, but many of our best nurses are leaving now due to recent changes in management and work conditions. I am asking for advice from anyone who has made the transition. Did you find the workload was manageable based on your LTC experience? Was it difficult to transition from LTC policies to hospital policies? Did you feel like you had enough orientation at the hospital? Many of my mentors, supervisors, and fellow co-workers have said that they have confidence I would do well in a hospital. I feel like it would be a great step for me, but I am fearful that the "grass is not always greener" or that I would not be able to hack it. Any advice/encouragement would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I will actually be a Junior in our program in August and I am spending the summer reading. I am reviewing everything we have covered for the past two years. Not going in to much detail, but glancing over things and if I can't explain it to myself, then I review it further. I want to feel a little more prepared for the upcoming semester. That being said, I'm also taking a lot of time to do the things I miss out on during the school year. Spending far more time with my lonely yet very supportive fiance, catching up with friends, fishing, and just relaxing!! Hope everyone has a great summer!!

My situation is a little different because I'm not working full-time currently. After highschool I went to a fancy college to study Aviation Management. Two years into the program it was clear to me that I was not on the path I wanted to be on. Nursing had always been a strong interest for me so I decided to follow my heart, even though my wallet disagreed. I moved back home, switched schools, and now I am a Junior in my nursing program. 100% the best decision I've ever made. I think that if your heart is telling you that nursing is what you want to do, then fight for it. You are already on your path even though the destination may seem a little fuzzy right now. Keep going! There is hope!