Am I missing out by not working in acute care?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Hi Nurse Beth!

I have been a nurse for about 4 years now. I started out by getting my LPN when I was 18 and have worked med frag pediatric home health (trachs, vents, g-tubes, central lines) since.

I graduated about 9 months ago from college with my BSN and obtained my RN license. Since then, I have kept my home health job as I have made deep community connections and like the comfort my job offers me. I have received 3 raises in my time with my company, my managers and patients make me feel appreciated every single day, and it is nothing short of great.

While I love my job, I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough when compared to my peers. All of my peers are working in the hospital doing bedside care with fast pace care and new learning opportunities. Sometimes I feel as if I'm missing out or not living up to the full nurse title.

I want to keep my job for another year or two while my kiddos transition out of care and then maybe transition into bed side nursing in a hospital doing general peds. I'm nervous that once I'm ready to go into bedside nursing that my experience will not matter as it will have been so long after I initially graduated. I love what I am doing and am so happy where I am but I'm worried that I'm comprising my future career opportunities for the comfort and communities ties I have now. Thank you for reading my long winded story and for all the support you offer to nurses everywhere.

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2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear FOMO,

Thank you for sharing your story and concerns. Having these thoughts and doubts about your career path is normal. Each nurse's journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to nursing.

When it comes to prioritizing, it's essential to consider your children as your top priority. Your values should guide your decisions, especially concerning your career goals. If you believe that staying in pediatric home health for a year or two to support your family as they transition out of care is the best choice, you should go for it. Your decision deserves respect.

It's essential to recognize the value and impact of your work in pediatric home health. The specialized skills and experience you have gained in trachs, vents, g-tubes, and central lines are highly valuable. You have provided crucial care to vulnerable patients and their families, and your dedication is commendable.

Pediatric home health offers a different type of nursing experience that allows you to build strong relationships with patients and families over an extended period. This type of continuity of care can be incredibly fulfilling and impactful. Your deep community connections and the appreciation you receive from your managers and patients are significant indicators of the positive impact you are making.

It's natural to compare your career to those of your peers working in a hospital setting, but it's vital to remember that nursing encompasses diverse specialties and roles. Every specialty presents its own set of challenges and benefits. If you find yourself comparing, acknowledge it and shift your attention.

Transitioning to bedside nursing in a hospital setting is a valid career aspiration. If you decide to make that transition in the future, your previous experience in pediatric home health will still hold value. The skills and knowledge you have gained will be transferable, and your ability to provide holistic, patient-centered care will be an asset.

While you may need to refresh some specific acute care skills, your overall nursing expertise and ability to connect with patients and families will continue to be valuable.

If you do decide to transition to a hospital setting in the future, you can take steps to update your skills and knowledge. Consider attending continuing education courses, participating in relevant workshops or conferences, and seeking mentorship or preceptorship opportunities to ease your transition and build confidence.

Attending events and networking with pediatric nurses in your community can make a difference when landing a job in the future.

Life circumstances and personal priorities often influence career choices. Remember, nursing is a lifelong journey. The beauty of a nursing career is that there will always be opportunities for growth and new experiences.

Ultimately, finding fulfillment and satisfaction in your nursing career is essential. You have already made a positive impact in pediatric home health, and your dedication is evident. Trust in your abilities, continue to learn and grow, and remember that your unique nursing path is valuable and worthy of recognition.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
Nurse Beth said:

While I love my job, I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough when compared to my peers. All of my peers are working in the hospital doing bedside care with fast pace care and new learning opportunities. Sometimes I feel as if I'm missing out or not living up to the full nurse title.

That's the beauty of nursing. Nursing is not just bedside in the hospital. There are so many more settings where nurses are a vital part of the medical care team.  Sounds to me like you found a setting other than the bedside hospital nurse that you enjoy.  If you decide to expand your nursing horizons and try something different that is absolutely fine but don't do it just because you feel like you are missing out or not "living up to the nurse title."  

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