What exactly am I in for?

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2006

LTC nursing is very different from ER nursing, but it's not any easier.

All areas of nursing are tough. Nurses in LTC must also run their butts off. When I was in LTC, I was the only nurse for 65 pts. I tried my best. I didn't get to take a lunch break for over two years. I was run ragged.

No area of nursing is any easier than another, imo. They are all difficult in their own way. Some nurses are cut out for ER, and some for LTC.

marjoriemac, LPN · Dec 4, 2006

I agree, as a human we all have different characterisitics and although some are required to be a good nurse (a desire to care for unselfish reasons!), we also have different aspects that suit different areas in nursing. I think to be good in LTC, you must have a sense of humour, be a good worker, be willing to do the work of carers, be a great listener, be nurturing and show empathy. You must also be willing to have fun and to use your initiative.

bargainhound, RN · Dec 4, 2006

There are tons of choices in nursing...........not just ER and LTC.

ebony2 · Dec 5, 2006

Wow, that's a loaded question! I think the nursing experience is somewhat different for all of us. I think you pretty much get out of it what you are willing to invest. That rarely includes accolades from outside sources. It's the satisfaction of knowing you did the best job you could for those who look to you to assist them through difficult times in their lives. It's the heart felt thanks given from those whose trust you have gained. If that expression of gratitude continues to feel as good to you the 100th time as it did the first time. You will understand why you do what you do despite the stress, overwhelming sense of responsibility and unwavering frustration. You may have to try on several pairs of shoes to get the right fit. That's another beauty of the profession, its diversity offers many shoes for you to try on for comfort. Good Luck in your search

meannana · Dec 5, 2006

I also thought about ER as my choice, but knew in my heart it had to beLCT, but it isn't easy either, there is no easy place in nursing

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2006

i've worked both the acute hospital and nursing homes over the years. i would say it's true that the level of physical activity is not as intense in the nursing home. there is still stress in any nursing job, however. licensed nurses are being asked to use critical thinking skills (which are learned in nursing school) all the time to make judgments on the job. this cognitive part of the job adds a lot of the stress along with the fact that you are dealing with people, so, naturally, you want to make right decisions.

i've put together some links for you to explore where you can read about some of the things that nurses do on their nursing jobs as well as some general information about nursing. happy reading!

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/day-life-registered-nurse-185298.html - a day in the life of a registered nurse thread on general nursing discussion forum

http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/ - can get short profiles of what the various types of nurses do. click on "health professions and related clinical sciences" to expand the menu. click on "nursing". click on the various options that are listed.

http://www.discovernursing.com/

http://www.wetfeet.com/content/careers/nursing.aspx - about nursing from webfeet.com

RNHawaii34 · Dec 5, 2006

hi all,
i am trying to research some of the nursing fields that i am interested in. i would love to be a nurse. however, i am very intimidated by the emergency room and what the nurses there do. :chair:they pretty much always seem to go 90 miles an hour and i don't know if i can handle that. i really want to make a difference in peoples lives, and in mine for that matter. what is it like to work with older patients in a nursing home or assisted living setting? does it even differ from the e.r?

i actually started from cardiac telemetry,which i am responsible for 4 patients, it was very hectic, it didn't work out for me, i quit within 2 weeks. i am now working at a nursing home, i am in charge of 40 residents, 4 cnas, and 1 lpn. i love my job now, because i am able to interact with the residents, and i don't feel like being rushed all the time. but it is not easy, because i am a new grad. but i am less stressed out than before.like the other posters mentioned above, some people are good with working in the e.r., or any hospital nursing specialty, but i am gonna stay in ltc for now.:holly3: :holly2: :icon_cheesygrin:

emotional_she · Dec 5, 2006

thanks so much for all your replies! It is going to take me a while to find my niche I bet. But when I do, I know I wont regret it

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2006

i actually started from cardiac telemetry,which i am responsible for 4 patients, it was very hectic, it didn't work out for me, i quit within 2 weeks. i am now working at a nursing home, i am in charge of 40 residents, 4 cnas, and 1 lpn. i love my job now, because i am able to interact with the residents, and i don't feel like being rushed all the time. but it is not easy, because i am a new grad. but i am less stressed out than before.like the other posters mentioned above, some people are good with working in the e.r., or any hospital nursing specialty, but i am gonna stay in ltc for now.:holly3: :holly2: :icon_cheesygrin:

wow, that is great staffing in your ltc!

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · Dec 10, 2006

I would give any amount of money for that kind of staffing.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2006

Don't assume that you have to choose one element of nursing and stay with it forever. That is one of the saving graces of nursing....variety.

You may choose one area and stay forever, or do like I have done and check out many areas. I have done ICU, ER, PACU, home health, administration, education, infection control, and dialysis. You can work full time, part time, PRN, offices, schools, hospitals, long term care facility, home health, as well as other options.

You can just look at the forum titles on this website to see the variety available. So it you want to be a nurse, don't worry about how you will fit in in a certain area, you will find your niche, it just may take a while.