where to work?

[firesun]

When I was in school I liked the clinical rotation I had working in a Nursing home. I thought I would apply for a job at the city owned nursing home, but after listening to someother students I went to school with, I'm not sure if that is the best idea for my first job, ( I just passed my nclex yesterday). I've heard people say that I will lose skills I recieved in school, and that I won't learn any new skills there either. I would appreciate any advice... Is it best to work in a hospital to gather experience and skills first? Thanks..

[hllybenn]

Congrats on passing NCLEX.

Work in the setting/place that is the best fit for you. If you like the LTC setting- go for it- you will not "lose your skills"- you'll aquire different ones than your classmates. You can also learn them again. I have a cousin who did psych nursing for about 10 years (no ivs, wounds, physical assessments) and just switched to OB- she said- it took some time but it came back.

Best of Luck

[happystudent, RN]

I agree with hllybenn, you will learn what you need to function as a nurse in LTC. If you like that type of nursing, you should do it. Its like anyother new job you start, you have to train to be familiar with your specialty. Good luck. Dont let anyone discourage you!

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

That "You will lose your skills in LTC" is a tired, old cliche'.

I started my career in LTC, and have done psych, medical-psych, hospice, homecare, med-surg, rehab, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis education, and nurse consulting.

I've gone from one area to another, and sometimes back without ever "losing" skills, just gaining new ones.