New Rehab Nurse

[alabamagrad]

I just accepted a job at a rehab hospital as a RN. At first I was really excited, but when I tell someone they down the job. Are they right that I have made the worst decision?

[JerzeeMike]

I just accepted a job at a rehab hospital as a RN. At first I was really excited, but when I tell someone they down the job. Are they right that I have made the worst decision?

I suppose it depends on what aspect of nursing thrills you. I work in an acute care rehab hospital and I take a great amount of pride in seeing my patients achieve their optimum functioning capacity. This patient population has undergone some traumatic event ie., CVA, brain injury, multi-trauma accidents, etc., and sometimes have serious comorbidities that have to be managed in addition to their lose of function. It may not be as glamorous as some specialties but I find it fulfilling. I also enjoy getting to know my patients since they generally stay for weeks at a time instead of the few days in med/surg.

Many may try to torpedo your enthusiasm but give it a try before you make up your mind. If you truly enjoy working with people you might find it as enjoyable as I do. Hope this helped and welcome to rehab!

[alabamagrad]

Thanks for responding. Reasons you listed are the same reasons that make the job more appealing to me over a med-surg floor.

[amalbon]

I'm 6 months out of nursing school and I took my first job on an acute cardiac rehab floor. My patients are mostly CABG, valves, CHF, etc. I went through a period where I thought it was a bad decision too, so know you are not alone. I have found my floor to be a really good experience, not that I want to stay here forever, but I do think it has been a good place for a new grad. In my experience, my patients still have emergent issues from time to time. So I do get the occasional emergency. I do get experience with wounds and dressings and the like. I also find that my assessment skills are better than some other new grads because I don't have the machines to rely on that they do (no tele, etc). I run IV's, draw bloods and even start the occasional IV. If your floor doesn't have this kind of stuff hopefully you will be able to find something that excites you. And in the worst case scenario, make you assessments better than anyone elses, learn what you can and then move on when you've put in a year or whatever you hospital requires.

It's not the worst thing that's happened. Try to see the positive and give it a chance. Good luck!