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First off, I just want to say that I LOVE this site. It has given me so much insight. My question is kinda different. I am graduating in May with my BSN, and have recently interviewed and got hired as a Pharmacy Nurse/Nurse Quality&Educator Coordinator. THis is in a small hospital who do all the medication handling by hand ie no Omnicell. I have zero experience in nursing, but 5+ years as a CPhT (Pharmacy Technician). I was hired I am guessing mainly because of my pharmacy experience, but I am worried about the other portion of the job ie how will other nurses feel if a new grad is trying to teach them? Also how much will this hurt me in the idea that I will not be having much hands on patient care. I was told that once I am trained, they will keep training me so that I can work as a floor nurse if needed. My ultimate goal is to continue my schooling and eventually become an FNP. Any comments/suggestions are appreciated. I have accepted the job. The hours are GREAT and I enjoy that I will be utilizing the prior experience that I have. As a new grad, I feel as though this is a rare opportunity and that I'd regret not taking the chance.

THANKS!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Hard to respond without understanding the job functions/responsibilities. For instance, I don't see how you could possibly function as an educator unless the scope was limited to pharmacy issues since you don't have any nursing expertise yet.

Sounds like an interesting position, but kind of 'dead end-ish' if it is out of the nursing mainstream. You won't have an opportunity to develop skills that could result in career advancement in nursing.

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Thanks for the response!! The job function of the educator portion is assisting with data collection/reporting, analyzing data and improving activities and goals, maintain up to data patient safety best practices, and coordinating nursing education. Typically they were wanting someone with more experience, but the job was a package deal together so I am guessing they really wanted me for the pharmacy portion and are willing to work with me on this side of the job. I had the same concern with "dead end-ish" feel as well, but I liked the idea of being able to work on the floor after I am trained! Any other recommendations??

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You should realize that you have a position that many, many floor nurses would die for. I think experienced nurses will appreciate YOUR knowledge and experience, and the teaching role you are in.

Learning to apply your clinical skills can never be a bad thing.

But trust me on this.. floor nursing SUCKS.

Let us know how the floor nurse orientation goes... it will be interesting.

Good luck in all of your endeavors.

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Thank you so much!!! And that

was how I felt when I applied. I just had to go for it!!! I take my NCLEX in a couple weeks (fingers crossed it goes well), then I'll start my job!!

thanks for the encouragement!!!

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