Working in LTC... Transition to NP

[Zyprexa_Ho]

Hello all,

I've been a CNA for almost six years now, and just recently have tried working as a PCT in a local hospital. I've found after about 3 months working in the hospital that I'm not as anxious about going to work anymore, but that I just hate going in to work.

My past long term care jobs haven't been perfect, but I never dreaded going to work like I do now. I think part of it is that I work much harder and don't get paid much more, and I also just hate getting up early in the morning. My past jobs were all second shift, eight hour shifts. My favorite part about working in LTC has been caring for the same people and being well acquainted with their needs.

I am finishing up my prerequisites for an ASN program this coming semester, but I'm concerned about working as an RN in long term care. I'm always reading that the hospital environment uses more nursing skills, and I'm wondering if I'll be looked down upon as a nurse working only in LTC. I am also concerned about getting into a NP program or doing as well in a NP program as a nurse that only works in LTC.

Thoughts?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

If you like working in LTC and are interested in becoming a gerintological NP you will need to obtain a BSN first and in some cases a MSN before you can be accepted into a NP program. Suggest you obtain speciality certification in gerontological nursing after you have worked as a RN.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

No problem at all with working LTC and no hospital experience. Adult/geri primary care, psych/mental health and even family practice NP programs will love it.

But, yes, you need to get BSN and with GPA 3.5 or over to get into a reputable program nowadays.

[Zyprexa_Ho]

Thank you for your replies! I'm aware of the basic mechanics of what degree I'll need and that I'll need a good GPA, but I was wondering more about the soft features such as how I'll be viewed by the general nursing community as an RN that works only in LTC and how those soft features would impact getting into an NP program.

Thanks again!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If you plan on being a gerontological APN LTC makes sense. If you want to be a pediatric APN or CRNA it doesn't make sende

[dishes, BSN, RN]

You may encounter problems, if when it comes time to do your NP clinical placements there is a shortage of preceptors and the preceptor is choosy about which student(s) they select.

[Zyprexa_Ho]

To add...

I'm looking into adult/gero NP or FNP

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

To add...

I'm looking into adult/gero NP or FNP

Better chance at A/G NP but you may have a significant disadvantage with clinical preceptorships. LTC won't help much with FNP which is predominantly preventative care not subacute or ltc

[dishes, BSN, RN]

What kind of placements are required with an adult/gerontology NP program?

Can the placements be completed solely in geriatric settings?

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

No, adult/gero need acute care hours. The OP can either find a school which does placement, or become a good friend with some nurses/mid-levels she will inevitably encounter and who may help her.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Not sure about specific requirements for NP programs, but I will tell you that working LTC can allow you to gain a lot of skills.

Prioritization, triage, delegation, assessment, documentation, wound care, g-tubes, wound vacs, IV and PICC maintenance, and TPN administration are just a few things that I learned.