50 yr old LPN in LTC

[Lutie]

I've been an LPN for 1 year now, and have been working at a clinic. I really like my job, but the pay is terrible. I have the opportunity to work at a LTC 7-3 days with every other weekend, for 30 residents. I realize that in LTC the work is more stressful and physically demanding, but the pay is great. I am having a hard time making the decision and any advice would be appreciated.

[AllSmiles225]

I would count my blessings and take the job at the LTC facility if it is really the money that you need. If not you might be better of staying where you are. 30 patients is probablly about average patient load in a LTC facility if not towards the low side. Work is physically demanding but I have to be honest.. for the most part you are a pill pusher so generally the only PHYSICAL work you do is standing on your feet for 8-12 hours. Not a lot of patient care going on--at least not at where I work. If you need the money give it a go..maybe you can see if you like it before you quit your other job--ask to shadow at the position your being offered.. Good luck to you!

[kstec, LPN]

30 residents is a lot. Where I work the limit for true LTC residents is 25, that is with no medicare charting at all. We have a wound care nurse, but we still have to do dressing on PM's. There is a lot of falls (incident reports), lots of behaviors (Alzheimers and dementia) and a lot and I mean a lot of meds to give. Most are probably not necessary but you obviously still have to give them. I do work with some 50 + year old nurses but along with the younger than 50, we are darn tired at the end of the shift. It's like working in an adult daycare except your residents act like new walking 1 year olds (falling) and have behaviors like 2 year olds. When I get done working that unit I'm emotionally, physically and mentally drained. I do make great money, but I work for every penny of it and then some. I worked in a family practice office and the work is like night and day, along with the pay. I would definitely shadow, especially because not all LTC facilities are created equal. Understaffing, poor quality of care, lazy coworkers, etc. If the facility is promdominately medicaid, definitely beware. I told you the above all from my personal experiences.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Maybe you can do the LTC per diem to get your feet wet?

[systoly]

I like the above suggestion. Can you work a couple of weekends at the LTC?

[LEN-RN]

I ditto the suggestions of maybe going prn or partime to get your feet wet. It can be very demanding at times. But also rewarding (as much as time allows:). Just on your feet the entire time.

Have you considered home care, or hospice?

[Futurelpgirl]

7 to 3 schedule is pretty good. Can you work P/T at the new job? U will have to weigh all your options. Can you possibly work both jobs? Do you plan on eventually pursuing RN degree? If yes, I would work the job that pays more F/T and work the lower paying job P/T or vice-versa. Do they both offer insurance? What is the difference in pay & hours?

[kythe, LPN]

The 7-3 schedule seems really ideal, that is often the shift people are vying for in LTC. I disagree about working per diem to get you feet wet. I tend to think it should be the other way around. When you don't have a regular unit, you always feel "new", never really developing a routine or learning the ins-and-outs of the job. I can't imagine learning to just walk in to a unit and go with it without having some experience in the field first so you can learn the flow, time management, and organization you need. This is what per diems are expected to do.

If you really want to do LTC, the shift you were offered would be a good starting point.

[colorado nurse]

I agree prn is not really a good way to go at first in LTC, and yes all facilities are not created EQUAL some are definately worse than others. your co workers can also effect the outcomes hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones and get some one who cares to orientate you well and not think of you as a nuisiance.

does the facility have a pretty good reputation in the community? as far as what is the turn over rate in nurses and why? how long has the manangement been in place, does that have a pretty high turn over rate as well? if you do work prn are you going to be on the same hall/floor consistently or are you going to be working different hall/floors evrytime they need you if so how much orientation time are they going to give you will they put you with a nurses that somewhat know the other residents if you have questions issues? Just a few questions to ponder. best of luck with whatever you choose :) didin't mean to discourage just want you to be prepared