Within the healthcare industry, there is a growing demand for nurses that are qualified to work in long-term acute care (LTAC) settings. However, misconceptions about LTAC patients and the work environment prevents many nurses from pursuing these career advancing positions. Continue reading to find out more about LTAC facilities and why a job there might be the right career choice for you.
What is a long-term acute care facility?
A long-term acute care facility is specifically designed for patients with complex medical conditions that require the ongoing support of an interdisciplinary team. While patients in a LTAC unit no longer need extensive diagnostic procedures or the level of care available in an intensive care unit (ICU), the severity of their condition(s) makes them inappropriate for a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing facility or home healthcare service.
I would have to say that I came to the conclusion that a career in social work was right for me after I had a progression of jobs working with people. Before I got my social work license, I had the opportunity to work with autistic children in my school district and with survivors of domestic violence. It was from these experiences that I realized I had a passion for working with people. However, I didn’t immediately make a career transition after having these jobs. Around 2012, I was working in the insurance industry and there was a reduction in force at my company. I was left without at job. At the same time, there were personal circumstances that led me to reevaluate my life. It was then that I decided I wanted to purse a license in social work. 
While I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I knew that I wanted to end up in a career where I would have the opportunity to help and care for other people. At the time, I didn’t know that nursing would be the place where I would land. As I was trying to decide on a major that was right for me, I took a very general class about nursing. From there, I was hooked. I had so many amazing teachers along the way that encouraged me. Their enthusiasm for the profession was contagious. I’ve never regretted my choice to become a nurse.
The phone interview is the first stepping stone on your journey to landing a new position. That is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the job description. Take the time to really understand what the position entails and what qualities or characteristics an applicant will need to be successful. Doing this will help you convey a persona of competence and confidence, setting you apart from the other applicants. Additionally, it is a great idea to have a printed copy of the job description in front of you during the interview for quick reference.
For healthcare professionals in the modern medical environment, finding the right position can be a challenging undertaking. Traditional healthcare jobs tend to offer little upward mobility and are often accompanied by excessive workloads, easily damaging employee morale and limiting earning potential. However, for a growing number of medical professionals, the opportunities available through a healthcare staffing agency are providing the chance to earn a competitive income in their chosen field while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If you have ever wondered why some medical professionals choose to work exclusively for healthcare staffing agencies, keep reading to learn about the five key benefits those clinicians are experiencing.
A travel nursing career offer unique challenges and real advantages for professionals interested in pursuing this type of work. As the name suggests, travel nurses take on temporary nursing assignments in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities across the country. They go where the jobs are and can enjoy exceptional benefits and salaries while doing the most good for patients in need.
