Think I will have to pass this up

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

As much as I am broke and desperately need a job, I think I am going to have to pass up the LTC charge nurse offer. Being a relatively new grad RN and inexperienced, I feel that after reading these forums, 3 days of orientation is going to cause me to crash and burn. I worked too hard for my license. Just don't know what I'm going to do now

[labrador4122, RN]

I think you need to use common sense!

if 3 days orientation is all they offer-- then make sure you follow all LTC policies and procedures according to protocol & you should be fine!

I would get that job & get my experience until i found something better-- but that's just me.

you won't lose your license as long as you follow your guidelines as stated per institution. If you see something shady then you have to report it.

it's hard to get a job these days.

that is what I would do if I were in a situation similar to yours!

best of luck!

[DaniannaRN, ASN, BSN]

That happened to me also. When I was first out of nursing school, I became charge nurse in a nursing home. I was so happy to have that position straight out of school and thought I was on top. Then I got out of orientation and reality hit. I didn't know what I was doing. I lasted a year before I realized I was over my head.

It's good that you realize that this job would be too much. It takes a very smart person to admit that they will be in over their head. My suggestion would be to try to get in as a staff nurse in long term care. Good luck in your job search.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

I loved the patients in my LTC stint, but absolutely hated the job and administration. You could always try it, if it doesn't work out give your 2 weeks. Just document wisely and ask for alot of help if you need it. If they do not feel you can cut it, they will not keep you. But at least you would get some experience. My several week experience really opened my eyes to ALOT of things I had no idea about as a new grad BSN. If you do go for it, remember to not let it take over your life....they are very good at that.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I've never had more than three days of orientation in any LTC facility. When I was a new grad in 2006, I only received one day of orientation before being cut loose.

Learning does not stop once you are officially off orientation. You will have other nurses, CNAs, and other staff around for questions that you need addressed. In addition, your DON and ADON will only be a phone call away.

[caliotter3]

No matter the facility or job, you have to work through it sometime. You are not doing yourself any favors by putting your 'toe in the water' experience off for some time in the future. If not now, when?

[Siddhartha]

My first job out of nursing school was 11-7 charge on a snf unit. Everyone was very helpful when i asked for help. I think LTC is a great place to work. Our general population is getting older, so geriatrics is a good place to be for job security.

good luck!