Jacqueline Vance, RN

Do you ever try to attract “talent” to your work environment? I mean, long-term care has such a negative reputation, I am surprised we recruit at all. I know most people fall in love once they get there, but the getting there is the key. And then I was thinking, how do we sell LTC to our nursing colleagues?

Do we “sell” LTC like it’s too tough, or do we evangelize our setting? (And before anyone jumps on me, I use the term in the definition form — “missionary zeal, purpose, activity or to bring good news.”)

Soooo here’s what I mean: Do you ever try to get someone to work in your setting by explaining it like married peopled describe what it is like to be married? Something like, “Well, you have your good days and your bad days.  (Sadly shake head) It takes a lot of commitment. (Big sigh here)  It takes a lot of work, but when all’s considered, it’s worth it!” (Thumbs up!)

Yup, I can see the recruits just banging down your door to get in!

But how about the applying what I call the “Game of Thrones” approach? I mean, have you ever had anyone tell you about that show? Talk about full-on activity of zeal and purpose?

It usually goes something like “WHAT? You’re NOT watching ‘Game of Thrones’? Well you just HAVE to. It’s full of adventure, excitement, and lots of cool people. It’s totally life changing. I mean you have to start right now!”

So, like what if we applied that kind of passion when we share what it is like to work in long-term care?  Sure, we do have our good days and bad days and it is challenging. But for goodness sakes, it is SOOOO much more than that. (But no wearing swords!)

Just keeping it real,

Nurse Jackie

The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, a 2012 APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, she also is an accomplished stand-up comedienne. She has not starred in her own national television series — yet. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.