Finding my place

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello fellow nurses, I am currently looking to graduate in 14 months with my BSN and have been throwing around ideas in my head. My biggest concern is finding my place where I'm valued and treated like I'm wanted. I work in an ER as a PCA and love my patients but I'm learning that ER nursing might not be my fit. I'm looking more towards actual patient care like a med/surg or ICU of some sort. I'm not going into nursing to make it rich but to do my part to help make a difference in a patient's life. My instructors have said that we all will have that "moment" where we connect with a patient and they will forever be a part of us, but I'm worried I'll miss mine by not choosing where I'm destined to be. I'm sure I'm overthinking this but I truly want to make a difference. I have a place in my heart for the homeless, underprivileged children, our veterans, and others as well. 14 months might sound like a long time but it's quickly going by. What do you guys suggest?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Depending upon where you live and the local market for nurses, I suggest applying for anything and everything that comes your way. In most areas of the country, there is no shortage of experienced nurses and positions for new grads can be hard to come by. Waiting for a perfect position that involves the homeless, underprivileged children, or veterans may cause you to miss any actual opportunities that might arise.

As far as finding a position that values you and makes you feel wanted, I don't know what to say. Remember that you are about to start your career, not a personal relationship. While we all hope to be appreciated by our employers and provide work of value, I don't know that that's a commodity that you can shop around for.

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I know I want to help do overseas medical mission trips. The idea of going to another country and making a difference is a great way to help a huge need.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I know I want to help do overseas medical mission trips. The idea of going to another country and making a difference is a great way to help a huge need.

Yes it is.

Traditionally, medical mission trips are unpaid. They are for volunteers. I'm assuming that you will need to earn a living.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

"My instructors have said that we all will have that "moment" where we connect with a patient and they will forever be a part of us, but I'm worried I'll miss mine by not choosing where I'm destined to be."

"Moments" can happen anywhere, not just when you find your niche. I've worked in an office, medsurg, ortho, pre-op & PACU and had those moments with pts in every area. To me, it's more about quality & effective care delivered (& received) rather than the specialized task.

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As a PCA, I pride myself on providing the best patient care that I can give. I have many patient's that have complimented my charge nurse and our dept. manager about being so nice to them. I deal with many psyche patients as well and love the interaction. I don't look for any pat on the back but just love to feel like I've made a difference somewhere.

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