Subacute Care Jobs?

[KimRN03]

Hey everyone! Ok, so I graduate in 67 days and I am starting to worry about where I am gonna work. I interned on an Orthopedic floor this summer and I really loved it. My nurse manager even said I have a job when I graduate if I want it ( I am currently working as a CNA). The problem I'm having is whether I should stay there. Ortho can be VERY limiting as far as new learning experiences. We often don't see NG's, trachs, feeding tubes...etc. Most of the people we see are "broken" and not necessarily sick. So, if I stay I think I will be cheating myself of learning opportunities. I have also been toying around with the idea of working in a subacute or transitional care unit, just because I think I will see more. I really like working with the elderly. Other people in my class already have jobs. Most of them are starting in Med/Surg, but I HATE medicine, it's so unpredicatable. I really like surgical patients more, as there is generally an idea of how the patient should be progressing. I know I have babbled, but I am confused. I really thought I would know what I wanted to do when I graduate! Also, if you have any info about subacute or transitional care that would be great. Thanks for listening, you guys are great!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I was supposed to start at a subacute vent unit last Monday but the educator was off sick so I start Monday. I will start out doing that full time but want to find another job since I will be on 12s and that leaves ample time to work another job on my days off. Have you applied at one yet? Our unit holds up to 60 vent patients but they do not do cardiac monitoring. On the other hand I have worked acute care, home health and other jobs so I have that base of knowledge.

renerian