Outgrown PDN

caliotter3 · Jun 12, 2014

That feeling is one of the drawbacks to the extended care area. You could get a part time position elsewhere to liven it up so to speak.

ceebeejay · Jun 12, 2014

Forgive me, because I you may have answered this before... what is "fully certified". If I am remembering correctly, was that something offered in Wisconsin for home care? Either way, that's really interesting and I wish we had something like that here in NY.

Are you qualified to get a per diem or part time job in a hospital on a peds, picu, nicu unit?

CloudySue · Jun 13, 2014

"Fully certified" in my company just means I've completed the clinical hours and passed their tests and they deem me satisfactorily trained to work with their clients. They don't let any employees work infants, trachs, or vents unless they have passed their respective requirements for each specialty. Another agency might not have these requirements and just throw anyone on any case, presuming the RN or LPN automatically makes them experts in the specialty.

rnrg · Jun 14, 2014

Thanks for the feed back :-) ceebeejay I am qualified to work in facilities that care for NICU/PICU/ PEDS pts. Ive been juggling the idea of taking the jump into the hospital but still have some reservations about how demanding these positions actually are. Next semester im doing more clinical time in my areas local NICU. Maybe being back in a hospital (actually as an RN now) will motivate me and transpire some networking. I guess im even more cautious because I am the bread winner in my house and dont want to mess up a good thing. Ya know?

ceebeejay · Jun 14, 2014

I completely understand the financial issues. Perhaps try an agency that staffs area hospitals per diem. That way you can take the days you wish and keep your PDN days (or most of them).

joy&caring · Jun 14, 2014

So, im a fully certified PEDS Rn PDN. three years under my belt. I work days/nights/swing and have split days off. My agencies (currently employed by three) always switch my schedules and work location because im one of a few fully certified RNs. I only do high acuity cases. Here's my issue. Im feeling stagnant. Even with the constant hyper vigilant assessment skills and my baby pts always having some medical issue transpiring im not feeling challenged to critical think at all... Im already actively in pursuit of BSN I take 2-3 classes a semester. Im married. I have 3 children and 1 step daughter. I stay active! I just feel like I need to be more engaged. See more, learn more. Do you other PDN feel the same way?

I was feeling that way after several years into it. I had a great schedule, great patients, what more could I ask for? Another PDN suggested I go back for my BSN. Learning new things in the program helped a lot. I also considered going for a few certifications related to my specialty area, since I have several years of nursing experience already. I have considered pursuing my MSN, and hope to take 1 course at a time, along with working full time and keeping my current work schedule. What was an eye opener (for me) was when I did some clinical time in the hospital for my BSN courses. Wow! After 2 semesters of that, I saw how good I had it in having a flexible full time work schedule, having great patients, working with positive and upbeat nurses, and working for good agencies.

Are you currently taking courses for the summer semester?

rnrg · Jul 20, 2014

Unfortunately I had to take the summer semester off. Financially related. Im jumping back in for fall semester. Im currently trying to pay for more certifications out of pocket but boy they add up fast! I just re initiated my intensive search for a hospital or skilled facility position. I've made my mind up. Im hoping to land a part time somewhere and stick with one or two PRN cases I love.