Transition from Nursing home to hospital...

DizzyLizzyNurse · Jan 30, 2011

I just want to hear replies to this.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2011

I would do whatever you feel works for you. The fact is, no matter where you end up, skills can always be learned, and re-learned. Sure, someone will have to guide you the first few times you insert caths or IVs. But just like you are becoming proficient in LTC, you can do it anywhere. I think LTC is more demanding than people actually give credit for. Instead of 5 pts, you have 30. Anything can happen. I am also new in LTC, but I worked acute floors as a student, so I have a good idea about the workload for both. Good luck to you :) I also enjoy my residents, and the widespread perception that LTC is not "real nursing" is just baloney. Not to mention, people often overlook the care and expertise of LTC nursing in terms of all the psych issues and the behaviours exhibited by some of the residents. Knowing how to communicate with these people and provide the TLC they require is HUGE. But I would not trade it. I love my residents, and one day, that might just be me.

Ayeloflo · Jan 30, 2011

It's hard to know how the hospitals will view you LTC experience. But, you have to keep applying every week or every two weeks. Each time you apply, make a follow up phonecall. Leave a voicemail. Speak clearly. Be aware that those who do the hiring are judging you based on how you are communicating as well. Manage to communicate with nursing unit manager. Get a name. Mention that when you talk with HR about the position. All helps to convince the HR dept that you are determined and serious about it. It might encourage them to hold on to your application for the next available position. Chances are, they might call you or at least invite you for pre-employment test as soon as there is vacancy. You just might be might be the angel in the wing for them, who was waiting to fill a spot that somebody quit on short notice.

Oh and you can arrange to take the pre-employment test and make sure you score high, even if there are not openings at this time. Don't forget that many HR people are lazy so try to make their job easy for them :)

aileenve, ASN, RN · Jan 30, 2011

You will learn skills, don't let this keep you out of a hospital! There is orientation when you start and remember new nurses don't always have the opportunity to have trachs, starting IV's, foley's etc..just say I need more experience with some procedures, you have managed more pts than a lot of experienced nurses have.

ItsTheDude · Jan 30, 2011

um, i don't really understand your question/concern, it makes little sense, nurses go from ltc to the hospital all the time.

what makes it difficult for some (those with yrs exp in ltc) to go from ltc to the hospital is how the hospital treats the ltc experience. it can be hard to go from ltc with 5 yrs experience ($$$ and seniority) to a hospital were you're basically a newbie (less $$$ and seniority).

if you want to work in a hospital, go for it. you're better qualified than most newbie nurses. your ltc experience may not count for much, depends on the hospital.

Canggih1 · Jan 30, 2011

Where I live, I see job posts from hospitals that want nurses with hospital experience. That makes me think they don't value what you do in a LTC. I know alot of hospitals will take nurses from LTC but not around here.

etaoinshrdluRN · Jan 30, 2011

I spent almost 2 years in LTC and just got hired by a hospital. My NH was also one that specialized in Alz. with behaviors, so making the transition to an inpatient behavioral unit was fairly easy in terms of skills. The months under my belt taking care of 50 pts. at a time solidified that.

And in terms of skills, hospitals train their hires longer and better. And it doesn't take too much to get good at sliding tubes into orifices.

The difficulty is the time frame, with admits and discharges happening every day, several times a day. Another "difficulty" is getting used to the load of disciplines available 24/7 to help out. (I'm still shellshocked after being the only nurse in a 50-bed building, 'kay?)

Lemon_squeezy, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2011

Hmm..

Shouldn't be too bad actually finding a job..

I've been doing LTC since I graduated ('09), so for about a year and a half. I played evening charge for a year or so, and for the past few months have been the only nurse for a 25-bed vent unit (aka subacute). It's still LTC care, but i've done a ton of skill-based nursing, as well as organizing.

On your resume, focus on your skills. A lot of recruiters realize that the market has been insane (Some have even told me that), and realize that you can get a lot of awesome leadership skills and organization skills there.

Also, in your cover letter, just emphasize that point. I just got two job offers from hospitals that weren't hiring when I graduated, and both gave me credit for two years of nursing (I don't think they'll "jip" your experience like someone mentioned, especially just for a year or two!). There is hope!

Just wait to apply until after your "official year mark". It generally works out better that way when applying! :)

As for the actual transition.. not sure about that yet- I don't start until end of Feb.. but if you find yourself in a great hospital, I doubt it will be an issue. You still have to go through orientation and preceptors just like everyone else! :)

Best of luck to you!

NurseK99 · Jun 14, 2012

I was unable to get a job at a hospital directly out of nursing school, but I was able t o get a job in a LTC facility. So rather than be an unemployed nurse, I opted for the LTC facility. I was able to work on one of the more acute units which basically was a med-surg unit but less skilled. More focus on wounds and med passing but still faster paced. The unit was 22 beds and run by two nurses and two GNAs. So when I was hired at a hospital I thoought Yayyyy! Finally out of the LTC and on to the hospital. But after two days of orientation, I feel a little overwhelmed and like there is so much I dont know. I'm glad I've been able to get this position but I cant help but to feel like everyone else is looking at me like I dont know a thing. Is this normal?

DizzyLizzyNurse · Jun 14, 2012

NurseK99 I'm feeling the same way at my first hospital job after years of LTC as well.

marie6233 · Jun 10, 2015

I am an RN ADN. First Job at LTC. Ben there 2 years 3 months. Want to go to a hospital, but scared also. What are my chances of landing hospital job now? Do they think you have lost clinical skills, or are they willing to train? Also I am not polished on making resumes. Where can I get help with that.