RN in LTC

How would you be functioning as and LPN there? Do you have both licenses and they are hiring you based on the LPN?

A lot of hospitals want someone with direct care experience so a lot of RNs end up working LTC or transitional care for 6 months to a year and then moving on.

Do you have to do CNA duties?

If not, this is a great opportunity for you. You are doing the job of the LPN, but being paid at your RN wage (you are, right?)

As long as you aren't wiping bums and changing diapers, this is something you shouldn't pass up.

How would you be functioning as and LPN there? Do you have both licenses and they are hiring you based on the LPN?

The RN scope of practice encompasses everything within the LPN scope of practice. The OP will not require both licenses. The RN license is enough. The OP is simply doing the job of a LPN at this facility.

Do you have to do CNA duties?

If not, this is a great opportunity for you. You are doing the job of the LPN, but being paid at your RN wage (you are, right?)

As long as you aren't wiping bums and changing diapers, this is something you shouldn't pass up.

The RN scope of practice encompasses everything within the LPN scope of practice. The OP will not require both licenses. The RN license is enough. The OP is simply doing the job of a LPN at this facility.

The wiping butts experience should be good for her especially if she ever takes a crack at critical care in the hospital.

That's ALL we do.

You won't be functioning as a LPN. You'll be functioning as an RN since that's what you, in fact, are.

Now, you might be being hired for a job that *could* be filled by a LPN. That's par for the course in LTC. All they're really looking for is a licensed nurse to work a hall for a designated shift. That's why 99.9% of staff nurse job openings in LTC are listed as LPN/RN. Either will work in most cases. They need someone to pass meds and do treatments and call the physician an take orders and to chart everything. All of which is within every state's LPN scope.

But it's all valid experience and it's all "real" nursing. An RN with a year of LTC experience looks a heck of a lot better than an RN with zero experience.

And if, after a couple months, the hospital does extend an offer, well great. Give the nursing home notice and move on. At least you'll have a few paychecks in the bank. You aren't beholden to the nursing home just because they hired you.

The wiping butts experience should be good for her especially if she ever takes a crack at critical care in the hospital.

That's ALL we do.

NO PUN intended right?

I agree with other posters than an RN with LTC experience looks a lot better than an RN with no experience. If you have a large gap in your resume after graduating then potential employers will want you to explain that gap. The longer the gap becomes, the more difficult it is to get hired anywhere.

NO PUN intended right?

Haha I thought the same thing after I posted!

Thank you everyone for the responses you have provided! I have officially accepted the job offer and will be starting orientation November 16th!

Good Luck! I started my nursing career in LTC and learned so much. It gave me a great foundation. Organization, critical thinking skill development, learning delegation, exposure to lots of different diagnosis (and many patients with multiple diagnosis!) are just of few of the benefits. It is hard work, but worth it.

Plus, I'll bet you'll get the opportunity to care for some amazing residents. If you get a chance, pick the brains of any retired nurses who are your residents:)