KDuncan890

I have been a nurse for almost 4yrs and I am completely lost. I know I do not enjoy Hopsital nursing, so majority of my experience has been in LTC. I would love to branch of into the informatics or EHR vendor sector. Because of my love for math and data, I have decided to get my masters in data analytics instead of nursing. I feel bad to say, but I no longer like the pitfalls of floor nursing. I'm hoping that getting this degree will allow me to understand data, and allow me to combined both of my loves. I one day hope to become a clinical analyst, but I feel that with my lack of hospital experience that my dream is a long shot. Are there any clinical analyst out there that could shed some light on how they broke into the field? I just think I could make a greater contribution to the nursing profession by making our charting alittle easier lol Hopeing to work for a major LTC EHR vender someday. Fingers crossed. PS- I also study SQL in my spare time

I currenty took a job as a HH ADON. Im new to home health and have basically been utilized as a case manager. I wanted to know what some ADONs do in home health. I could see it being very tough if i have to manage a case load and QA all nursing staff notes as well as be the right hand man to the DON. Let me add that the DON is new as well. What should I expect out of my new job title? If there is any home health ADONs or DONs please give me some insight.

LTC is a totally different ball game than Med- Surg. I have worked both and actually enjoy LTC the most if working the night shift. LTC allows you to use alot of critical thinking skills due to the fact that its just you. No hospitalist to come see the patient, no RT to come help you, the only people there to help you are your co- workers. LTC allows you to really obtain some good time management skills along with great communication skills. The only advice I can really give you is pay attention to the complaints of your patients, get to know the culture of your facility, know your chain of command, keep some cheat sheets on how to do things, always have your own supplies ( such as BP cuffs and ect.) just in case something doesnt work, learn to look for the information you need, and lastly PLEASE RESPECT YOUR CNA. They will help you greatly if you are respectful to them.

Thank you everyone for the advice. Taking additional courses at a community college would be a great option to learn about data analysis along with programing platforms. I am currently trying to teach myself somethings, such as javascript , online through code academy. I wanted to start something by March. To be honest, I would like to get a master's instead of getting another BS but I like the structure of the program. I also thought a internship of some sort would be good since I only work weekend option right now.

I have thought about this as well, but have been unable to find a MS program that will give me a strong background in applications such as SQL, javascrip, and other things.

I am a fairly new nurse( with a BSN and 3 yrs of exp.) that would like to spring into the computer side of nursing. Majority of my background is in long-term care. I have practiced a small amount of time in Med- Surg, but discovered that hospital nursing is not for me. This spring I hope to start a second degree to get a BS in data analytics. Do you think this is a good move to into the nursing informatics world? I love data and data sets and wanted to take my knowledge of this to the next level. I hope there is a way I can incorporate nursing and data analytics. I also wonder if this would give me an advantage when applying for clinical analyst jobs. Anyone ever heard of a RN getting a BS in data analytics?

Many forget that LTC is a specialty and requires a great deal of skill be become successful within it. I laugh when other nurses look down on the job that I have within LTC because I have seen nurses from all specialties, such as ER, ICU, and Med- Surg, that can not hang and complete the amount of work we have to do within the setting. There has been many days and nights that I have had to use my critical thinking skills to deal with a change in condition of a patient because the MD thinks the patient is okay. I love what I do and my patients do too. Majority of the negative vision of LTC nurse comes from the unknown about what we do. I job shadowed in the hospital one day just to see what all fuse was about and many of the Med- surg nurses could not believe the amount of work we do in LTC. Yes I draw my BUN/ Creatinine for my Vanc patients as well as spin them. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that LTC is were I belong. This is after a job in Med- Surg and Surgical Trauma. I plan to specialize in geriatrics and make LTC a place to be for our patients as well as for us.

Own it and dont let anyone tell you your not a real nurse. I spent 3 yrs in long term care and decided to try out the hospital after making the transition from a LPN to a RN and I hate it. Im trying to back into long term care so I can make a difference in a population that actually likes their nurse lol.

I have tried that as well, but Im not a good liar in interviews and once I start talking about patient care and safety it becomes obvious that Im not a new grad. I've learned so much in LTC but I have noticed that some managers think I don't do much (and I have to tell them specifically what I do and the patient ratio). I just wish someone would give me the chance to show my time management skill, and all the others skills I possess.

I have also tried getting into LTACH scene, but there are only like 3 within my area. I keep applying to those while I have been trying to get into the hospital too. I just keep my fingers crossed:)

Thank you for your input. Alot of my coworkers thinks that LTC makes you less marketable then a new grad that has never worked in LTC. I hope to get my break soon.

I have been working in LTC since I became an LPN in 2012. Last year I became an RN and have been an RN for a good year. Like most new grads I have put my applications in to the hospital, but sadly have not gotten any interview but two. One position I did not get the job and the other Im still waiting to hear back. Its just depressing to only get two interviews when all my other classmates are getting jobs within the hospital. I really think my LTC experience is hurting my chances of getting a job that, I feel, would suit me better. I love taking care of my residents, but im getting tired of the politics and the quality of care my residents are receiving. Have anyone else had any trouble getting out of the LTC scene after becoming an RN. If so, how did you go about getting a new job? I do have a second interview for surgical- trauma ( informal peer review) and I really want this job. Any information on any steps you took to get out of LTC full time would be great!!!