What is a typical day like?

Specialties Geriatric

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Hi all you LTC nurses out there! Believe it or not, the hospital I work at will be laying off 20 or so nurses after the first of the year, unless enough retire early or resign (with severance pay) before Dec. 31st. Since I have been at my facility for less than a year, I might be getting laid off simply due to lack of seniority :crying2: There are two other hospitals close to home but the chances of getting a job there are looking slim because there isn't much hiring going on around here.

So my question is: What is a typical day (or night) like in LTC? What kind of assessments are done? I am used to doing a thorough assessment each shift, vitals Q4 hours and work on a tele unit. I hear a lot about passing meds in LTC but am curious about what the other duties are. What things are you typically calling the doctors for?

Also, what are some questions to ask the DON when interviewing? What are some red flags to look for?

I really enjoy working with the elderly but of course I am a bit nervous of the unknown. I am very much in a comfortable place working in telemetry but I think I will enjoy LTC very much as long as the management is good.

Any info about LTC would help!!

okay another question,there is an 11-7 open,how would that be??anyone ever do this shift??

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
okay another question,there is an 11-7 open,how would that be??anyone ever do this shift??

Did it for 7 years while my kids were very young- it takes getting used to- your body might or might not adjust. Some nurses love it - the peace and quiet...

When you arrive the pts are in bed (or should be unless they want to stay up and watch TV) You get report, make rounds, do charting, do vitals, give meds if needed. Its usually calm ( unless the flu is going around and then you are jumping from pt to pt as the ratio is higher at night). The hours of 5 to 7 are more active as you "open" the unit and pts start to get up. Every facility has its own schedule and demands on the night shift. If you work only nights and then come in once day you will not recognize your pts.

You also get night differential in your salary.

Latest research connects working nights with a rise in certain cancers due to the inbalance of the hormone Melatonin.

If you drive you must be careful- both coming and leaving work (theres another thread on that)

You must learn to sleep in the mornings. I used to come home at 7:30, do a bit o housework till i was sleepy( about 10) then slept till 3 or 4. My kids still tell humorous stories of me during that sleep deprived state. I remember fighting more with my neighbors!

My advise: try it and see!

Good Luck

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