talk me into or out of it

[asapstat]

I am considering a major career change. have been working in acute care setting as Rn for all my career (30+ years)...in critical care/emergency dept.

Recently started per diem in long term care facility..while keeping FT position in hospital.

Have considered moving full time into long term care...but am concerned about the "culture shock" and the change of pace ..

Those who have made this switch please advise..:roll

[bargainhound, RN]

Consider other options also.

I have done what you say you are doing now.

But, I made other choices. There are so many choices.....don't think

that is your only option.

I have been nursing 34 years and have done most types......am currently

trying corrections nursing.

Anyway, give yourself some space for other ideas to float into your areas of

consideration.

[johnson0424]

hey,

although i have not been in nursing for as long as you have that is the beauty of nursing that we can switch to whatever we would like. I switched from med surg to LTC and am thinking about going back to the hospital so i am kinda in the reverse of your situation. I love LTC but the regulations are ridiculous..abuse is a big thing and dignity issues. you really get into ethical issues in LTC but be prepared to work hard!!!i think LTC nursing is the hardest there is because you dont have a md at your disposal and have to be the picture painter for the doctor and you know the patient better than anyone else. but that is gratifing too! email me with any specifics[email protected]. i will tell you the good,bad, ugly

[snowfreeze, BSN, RN]

I went from ICU to LTC almost 6 years ago, I just recently went back to hospital nursing on a telemetry unit in a teaching hospital. I loved the LTC experience and all of its paperwork. Working closer with the patients and families was nice. I also did a lot of teaching and encouraged many nurse aids to go to nursing school. With my ICU background I was a reference nurse...everyone felt comfortable coming to me with questions and they learned a lot.

Go where you are happy, nursing is so special in that there are so many places you can explore.

[dekatn]

I have been a nurse in LTC for many years now. We have a co-worker that came from the hospital approx. 6 months ago. She reminds me alot of snowfreeze. She is a joy to work with and we all look forward to working with her. She has added soooo much to our team.