Foster Care Nursing

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I'm a new grad RN looking for my first job and I have an opportunity to work at a foster care facility. I think it would be a good fit for me, but as I would be the only RN on staff, and a new nurse at that, I want to get a better idea of what I'd be getting into. I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience in this area. Any tips, advice, or stories would be much appreciated!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I've never heard of a foster care facility, only foster families. Can you describe what one is like?

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I know a nurse who fosters medically fragile and addicted babies. Is that what you mean, OP?

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My understanding is that it's a private facility where children in state custody who need more supportive care than can be given in a foster home are placed. The kids live on site and commute to school from there, and they have counselors, social workers, etc. all on campus. I'm not sure what the "official term" for that kind of place would be, so I just call it a foster care facility.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I don't feel this is a good fit for a new grad. As the only RN, other staff members will be looking to YOU for guidance and clinical expertise. Frankly, and please accept this as sage advice from an experienced RN, you have no demonstrable skills for this position.

I would say 'no thanks' to the offer for your own good and the good of the facility.

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