Thinking of switching to long term care

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Just looking for some advice and personal experiences. I have been working on a telemetry unit for the past 9 years and I am ready for a change. I was thinking of possibly trying out long term care. I have about 2 yrs left to work as an RN before I graduate with a DNP so this would not be a permanent career move, just temporary. I thought that ltc may offer me an opportunity to learn a little more about resources that are available and insurance issues that patients encounter once they leave the hospital (I know it won't be all good things though!). I would also love to hear any other suggestions. Thanks!

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What about case management?

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

yes, i agree with the above regarding case management. also, try umr or qa/qm. those career moves may be more along the lines of what you may be seeking rather then ltc unless your focus is geriatric care in the community.

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Specializes in LTC.

Before going into LTC try hospice, it is a much much less stressful position.

The patient care is more direct and the load is manageable.

I am a LTC LPN, I wouldn't suggest LTC to many nurses but your level of education and goals are not a happy fit for LTC floor work.

You are entirely too busy to even know the residents source of insurance and the management doesn't make a nurse aware of costs or any of that info concerning a resident. Ever.

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Try home health.. you will get to work independently for the most part. You get to care for the patient and whole family. You learn how to adapt without machines. And you get such a variety of patients. Best of luck!

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I also think you will really enjoy home health! And you will learn more about the resources that are available to patients. I personally find LTC very limiting. Just my :twocents:!

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I would go with home health, you will definitely learn more of those issues than in LTC.

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Thanks for all of the insight! Very helpful!

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Specializes in Home Health/Hospice.

Do home health I learned a lot about insurance issues during my 2 year stint in home health, in LTC you're wayyy too busy as a nurse to learn anything about insurance issues unless you do MDS.

Michelle

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