Transition from Telemetry to Travel LTAC assignment

[emmyloo85]

I've done 4 years as a telemetry nurse with 5-6 pts and am making the transition to travel nursing. I've accepted a position at an LTAC facility and, based on my interview with the hiring manager, I will take 4-5 pts with the potential for vented pts. I explained that I do not have vent experience and they stated I could work with an RT to learn about the vent during my training day (yes, it's only one day. But I am studying up on the vent.) I was looking forward to this assignment but today I came across a post on facebook warning travel nurses about LTAC assignments. Apparently many nurses are unaware of how heavy the pts can be and treatment can include many ICU level meds such as pressors, etc. I feel a little silly, but I think I've underestimated the level of care involved. I'm seriously starting to reconsider. Has anyone made this sort of transition before? 

[NedRN]

There have been similar comments here as well, specifically saying if I recall correctly that the acuity can be similar to a medical ICU but with a higher patient load.

Probably better to stay in your lane for a first assignment. I think the risk is too high compared to the potential rewards of training or total failure. I would only do it if it was a goal of yours to work in such a setting, but even there you will be better served by working a year or two as a staff nurse in an LTAC: proper orientation and training and extremely low risk of failure.