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Discussion

Advice needed

I could really use some constructive advice here. The thing is, I have worked in one speciality for 10years. Although the first five years involved some ward work, the last five have been minor ops clinic mainly with the odd OP clinic thrown in. I have done the annual updating for Moving & Handling, CPR, etc. The last few years I have worked 'Bank' as we moved house quite a distance away (hour and a half by car) - but regularly and only on the same unit.

With budget cuts the work has become somewhat sporifice + the distance is a killer in the winter mornings. I applied for a position on the 'Bank' at a closer hospital (half hour) and was accepted. Thing is, they don't do 'my' speciality there. I did 3 shifts gratis to see something of their systems on 2 med wards and 1 surg. I felt like a right chump as I seemed to know so little. I have no idea how to work the fancy IV machines, apparently the drugs are in the lockers by the beds these days, the BP machine is electronic and so on and so forth....

I have not dared to give any availability as I am panic stricken that I will appear to be an imbecile for not knowing stuff. Honestly, I am very skilled indeed in what I have worked in for so long, in fact I was the only 'E' grade bank nurse (all others were 'D'). I am very good at basic patient care. It's just the other stuff that scares me. Will the other staff think I'm stupid? Will I be able to cope with a cardiac arrest (never seen one)?

I have mentioned these concerns to the person in charge of the 'Bank' but she seems to think I will be OK - and that a nurse is a nurse, if you know what I mean. ie. can work in any area.

What do you think? Do you think I should bite the bullet and give availability? I presume I would not be 'in charge'. I also would hope the other nurses would not mind too much me asking them things - or would they?

Any advice would be most welcome.

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I say go for it! I would if I had the chance. You will learn about the 'fancy' machines quick enough and the other nurses should be helpful if they know you are out of your specialty, this is your chance to get more experience under your belt.

Does this new trust have an induction / welcome event that you can attend? My trust has a two day welcome event for all new staff and a three day RN induction and I would advise you to attend. They may also have medical devices days - where the reps for the various equipment, IV pumps, beds, mattresses etc are in attendance and these are opportunities for you to play about with these things in a non clinical area.

I would suggest that maybe you request to work at weekends at first as the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed and you will hopefully feel less pressured.

I hope this helps, and it is ok to feel a bit anxious - I do work in an acute area and when I do bank I feel nervous when I go to a different area but usually really enjoy it when I do.

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Madeline the fact that you are concerned means that you will be fine. As a manager I would be far happier to have a bank nurse who is aware of her limitations than one who just struggles on.

Go for it, there should always be someone else on duty who can answer your questions and give you advice.

as someone who came from the uk to the us, i would say to go ahead, everywhere that i have worked they have had different machines and protocols etc. i have always just asked what i didnt know, the other staff would rather you asked for help than acted like you know what they are talking about. it doesnt take too long to get your head around new machines. coming out of acute care does leave you underskilled,, but you can soon re-orientate yourself, because as you say a nurse is a nurse, and we are very adaptable.

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