I am a new grad in the New York area who just got hired in a Home Health Agency. Initially I was trying to get into a hospital. I thought this was the right way to go since I have as of yet to develop skils such as starting IV's, drawing blood, inserting foley's, working with trachs, vents and the like. However, after 4 months of not finding anything in any hospital on any shift, in any field, I started applying to nursing homes and HHA's. I finally got called by a HHA and started in June. I am excited about being a HHN. I like the idea of so much direct patient contact. I am now in the middle of learning all about OASIS. I feel that I can learn and grow in any area of nursing. Ultimately though I would like to be an ER nurse or a Family NP. I feel so far from either one of those goals now. My question is though, how do develop the skills that I mentioned above while in homecare. I'm concerned that later on when the economy improves, hospitals still won't hire me, because even though I will have experience, none of it will be medical-surgical type experience. I thought about taking an IV therapy certification course and trying to get one assignment during this to maintain what I learn. I'm not sure of what course to plot to get back on track of pursing the goal of ER Nurse or Family NP.
I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
Nursing News