should i start in LTC?

[december2905]

i just got my RN license and thinking of working in an LTC. i never had any experience of working here in the US, from reading the posts here, i feel like i am going to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work to be done in the LTC. i love working with the elderly, i just don't know if i can handle the job..is it advisable for me to start right away in the LTC? thanks

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

Look into an Extended Care unit at a hosp. THey are usually filled with the elderly if that is the area your wanting to work in. LTC/Nursing home nurses are almost totally autonomous and only have each other as back up. It is very hard work just keeping track of 30 patients and thier med pass, yet alone if one of them goes bad. By working in the hosp setting you have a ton of resources at your disposal. Including Respritory therapy, an ER Doc, a house supervisor, an ICU team, sometimes an IV team. You dont have any of that in LTC.

[morningflower26]

Racing-mom4 is correct. You have to pass all your meds to 30+ patients plus resp tx, cath care, peg tube flushes/meds, insulin c/s +insulin shots,assessments, new admits(at anytime) discharges,narc.counts,pharmacy faxes,dr appointments, transportion,etc. I work part time LTC and I am overwhelmed at times. Leaving crying some nights after a 12 hr day. Patients family are sometimes demanding. But it also has some good times. Somewhat rewarding. If your day is crazy and frustrated you always know it is appreciated by the patients... They love you and you know it..... Some of my patients have no one and they are thankful I am there for them making sure they are cared for...

[TiredofLTC]

I started in LTC right after graduation and I can tell you from my experience that I wish I would have started in a hospital setting. In a nursing home other for medication administration you do not use a lot of your skills. I have never started an IV and only recently got to draw blood. But from another standpoint you will get very good at pt assessment. I pass out meds at 0600 to 58 patients that includes two peg tubes, 4 insulins, and lots of pills and respiratory tx. Of course I'm from a small town in MS so we have a lot of diabetes, COPD, and HTN and heart disease so there is not a wide variety of diseases even in the hospitals. But I also was not comfortable with starting off in a hospital and if this is how you are then LTC would probably be a good choice. You will get A LOT of psych there, more than a lot of people think. Now I am looking into working in a large teaching hospital in Jackson, MS and I know there will be a wider variety of diseases and situations where I can use more of my skills. I'm not saying don't start off in LTC because you have to look at your individual situation and what you feel is best for you. The 8 hour shifts are really good and you get paid more than in a hospital. I would just say do what you feel makes you comfortable and if you do choose LTC you can always go to a hospital setting later. Good luck and congratulations on becoming a new nurse.