questions about community nursing

loriangel14, RN · Aug 20, 2013

You would be best to get some experience under your belt first.When you are in the community you need to be able to work independently and use your judgement in many situations. As a new grad you would have no experience to fall back on.Assessment skills are very important and practice is the best way to develop those.New grads learn a lot by collaborating with,and asking questions of coworkers. You can't do that when you are on your own in the Community.Most agencies give very minimal orientation and expect you to hit the ground running.Usually they are one of the lowest paying areas to work in.

It can be a great job for the right person.

Marie12 · Aug 20, 2013

Thanks Lori. The experience requirement is what I imagined. Would you happen to know what areas of nursing are particularly good experience to get before a transition into community nursing? I heard that med-surg is a good area to work in first as you do tons of assessment. Also, how many years of experience would I need before I could properly consider a move into the community? 5 or more?

IrishErin · Aug 20, 2013

Thanks Lori. The experience requirement is what I imagined. Would you happen to know what areas of nursing are particularly good experience to get before a transition into community nursing? I heard that med-surg is a good area to work in first as you do tons of assessment. Also how many years of experience would I need before I could properly consider a move into the community? 5 or more?[/quote']
Hey there! One of my close friends in school did her final practicum with VON and was hired right after graduation. She loves it! She had a great preceptor and they ended up working the same areas so my friend was able to call her with any questions while out on the road. She's full time now and said that although its very much a job that leaves her on her own and requires her to be independant, she's never felt like she didn't have enough support when needed. I loved my placement with VON and would love to try it out at some point in my career :)

loriangel14, RN · Aug 21, 2013

Thanks Lori. The experience requirement is what I imagined. Would you happen to know what areas of nursing are particularly good experience to get before a transition into community nursing? I heard that med-surg is a good area to work in first as you do tons of assessment. Also, how many years of experience would I need before I could properly consider a move into the community? 5 or more?

Well maybe a couple anyways. It would depend on the person. Everyone's experiences are different.

Daisy_08, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2013

Many of the 'older' students go into community. There is more '9-5' hours. Easier to get a ft job, and fits into an already busy life. It also is less physical.

I did it casual. I enjoyed it, but too hard juggling my ft job. I found I could call someone if I needed help or advice. Hard to contact a supervisor though, and not having supplies can be challenging. I would try and do your pre-grad/consolidation there, if you’re interested. They will most likely hire you when you’re done.

The woman that trained me said she was born for community nursing and it was all she has done for 30 years and loves it. Never misses a kids appt, there to see the plays and baseball games, if you finish your work early, you can go home. There are some great perks to it.