Should I take a job in Nursing home

slauren · Jul 13, 2015

Stay away... far away. I was new nurse 3 years ago, could not get a job in a hospital because of lack of experience and/or the graduate programs weren't avaliable at the time. The LTC Rehab place offered me a job with awesome pay too but I have realized it's because they can't keep nurses. I orientated for a week also then it was like being thrown in ocean and learning to swim. You will see there is so much you don't know and LTC isn't as supportive with stressed nurses. I had to figure things out on my own pretty much and depend on generous co-workers to help me in the process. I at times was the only RN in the building and when other coworkers had problems they added it to my plate. If I could've gone back in time I would've rather waited two months for a graduate program to open and get my foot through that door. I am still working in one but currently looking for another job in a hospital. LTC/Rehab taught me a lot and I proved to myself that I'm a very fast learner. Good luck.

cshaw18 · Jul 13, 2015

I don't think it's a good idea, unless you desperately need the money. My first job (9 yrs ago) was a LTC. I had a month and half orientation and great co-workers. An organization that would throw a new grad out on the floor that fast sounds short staff. I second the previous thread. Run!!!

It can be difficult to get on a hospital as a new grad. With a year of direct patient care a hospital will hire you. Good luck.

randomhero · Jul 14, 2015

No. Stay away. LTC is not for new grads. Get your experience in a hospital where you'll gain more knowledge and skills. After a year, go find your specialty!

Sanhect1 · Jul 14, 2015

Hello everyone thank you for responding. I am still on the hunt. I took most of your advise and refused the job. After seeing the cons , it really wasn't wirth it. Life works in mysterious ways. I got a call from an amazingggg hospital in the city. I go for my interview soon. Hopefully it goes well.

Sanhect1 · Jul 18, 2015

Update had a interview at hospital

MiaLyse, APRN · Jul 20, 2015

I hope it went well for you :)

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jul 20, 2015

I don't know where all y'all work, but I have RNs as staff nurses and as managers. Most of the facilities around here are hiring more RNs because of the 5 star rating system. Our new grad orientation program is 3-4 weeks long.

B,RN · Jul 22, 2015

I hope your interview went well. Based on your latest post, I am quite worried about your situation. Nurses have to stop believing the lie that they are not cut out for work unless they go through a new grad residency program. If they are willing to train you, and willing to let you start right away, then you should go for it. You stated you are on the verge of homelessness and are desperate for a job; however, you did not take a job when it's being offered. There are plenty of amazing nurses that work in LTC who do not have their license in jeopardy, as you state you are worried about. You should at least consider it if the hospital interview did not work out. Getting experience in LTC is better than being homeless with no job. Just my two cents. Good luck to you!!

Sanhect1 · Jul 22, 2015

I hope your interview went well. Based on your latest post, I am quite worried about your situation. Nurses have to stop believing the lie that they are not cut out for work unless they go through a new grad residency program. If they are willing to train you, and willing to let you start right away, then you should go for it. You stated you are on the verge of homelessness and are desperate for a job; however, you did not take a job when it's being offered. There are plenty of amazing nurses that work in LTC who do not have their license in jeopardy, as you state you are worried about. You should at least consider it if the hospital interview did not work out. Getting experience in LTC is better than being homeless with no job. Just my two cents. Good luck to you!!

Hi and thank you for your concern I really appreciate all the feed back that is given to me. I initially wanted to turn down the job but am in the process now of taking it. I am still facing eviction and have run into another problem. It's almost like I am being plagued with bad luck. I went to go through the background check at the ltc I did not want to work at. And it would not go through. It turns out someone or an error occurred and I was accidentally reported dead to the social security administration. So now I am in the process of having that reversed because I am clearly alive.

Sanhect1 · Jul 22, 2015

This is why I have not updated I have been trying to sort things out.

Sanhect1 · Jul 22, 2015

Thanks everyone for the great post and not trying to make me feel stupid. For some reason people rather see you down and out then up.

tsm007 · Jul 22, 2015

I've got my first (really second) job at a nursing home. I feel like it is a good fit for my ability level and have been surprised at the number of skills I do get to do. For example unlike the hospital that has all their drugs in a library that you just sort through and find the right one, you have to actually do the math and set the pump here yourself. I don't do a lot of IV starts, but I do hang IVs, I do dressing changes, I do catheters, PICC line dressing changes, and we're supposed to get a trach patient. The patients are definitely more stable, but I feel like this is a good launching pad. I feel all of this will help me transition to something else down the road. It is way less stressful than the hospital. I was fired during orientation at my first job and it was a miserable experience. I didn't even get 4 full weeks on the floor before they decided it wasn't a good fit for a new grad. I eventually am going to try again for the hospital (I think), but I am pleasantly surprised by how many nursing skills you do use here.