What constitutes a "real" nurse? I have been an RN for 4 years, with experience in correctional nursing, and in the community as a supervisor of CNAs in the geriatric setting. I have never worked in a hospital except for in my clinicals in nursing school. While I can do phlebotomy and administer shots, I have little or no experience with IVs, trachs, tube feedings, vents, etc. This has always made me feel "lesser" of a nurse. The dilemma is that with the nursing shortage here, I have an opportunity to learn those skills since hospitals are hiring. However, I also have an opportunity to become an instructor for a medical assistant program. With 2 young children (4 and 2 years old) at home, I know it will be very hard to work at the hospital and go back to rotating shifts and weekend/holiday hours. The teaching position is M-F, daytime only. I am torn between feeling like I should be getting those hospital skills, and wanting to teach and have a more normal schedule to be with my family. What do you other nurses think? Should a nurse have a hospital background in order to be a "real" nurse? Has anyone had a similiar situation? I have always had high praise from supervisors, yet somehow, I feel I am not real. Any comments would be enlightening!
