Anyone started in Pediatric Private Duty Nursing without experience?

caliotter3 · Aug 10, 2009

I did not have experience when I started doing pediatric home care. I was scared to death and today wonder where I ever got the inkling to do this (the staffing coordinators and supervisor talked me into it). As time went on, as with everything, I started to feel comfortable with what I was doing. PSA has a reputation for starting people who do not have peds experience, as well as right out of school. In my area, they also had some other important problems. I would not recommend going into this specialty without a strong support system. A very strong support system and all the orientation that you need. You will have to be prepared to answer tough questions about your qualifications from the parents. They expect, and deserve, to have highly qualified, experienced caregivers for their children. Peds cases can go bad in an instant and there you are. Many times, they are little more than high level babysitting, when they are long term. But the acute cases can be excruciating for someone who doesn't have a strong background. Speak up if you are offered a case that seems beyond your abilities, nothing wrong with that. Good luck.

QueenCityNurse · Aug 14, 2009

When I first started working in Peds Home Care, I had recently graduated from an LPN program and I only had 2.5 months of nursing experience. My first case was for a 2 year old with a trach. Now, I have a little over 5 years experience in Peds Home Care and I can't think of any job that I love more. With that being said, it can be done "but" I would suggest that you start out with a basic case. Maybe a child that only has a GT and work your way up to more complex cases after you have a certain comfort level. My suggestion to you is to never take a case without meeting the patient first. A lot of nurses are called last minute and fill-in without meeting the patient but I always like to know what I am getting myself into. Also, until you get comfortable, you can always try starting out on nights (if you can) because it isn't as busy as days. Try to get as much orientation as you can and once you get comfortable, ask your agency if you can do orientation on another case. Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

msslim · Oct 2, 2009

Thanks to you both for the information. I had chickened out for a while, but I think I am going to go for it. :yeah:

caliotter3 · Oct 2, 2009

If your agency truly wants to put you on peds cases they will insure that you get the orientation and support that you need. Remember to be assertive about it. Good luck.

Heatherst78 · Nov 7, 2009

I did not have any RN experience in pediatric when I started as a new grad. I get major anxiety over it but I am sure that will go away with experience. Good luck.

H.S.

PDNPROVIDERINTEXAS · Dec 15, 2009

Depends on the agency. Typically this is not the norm at this point. I would make sure you demand as much orientation as you need to feel comfortable. If they will not do it, they do not care about you as an employee or your license and are unecessarily putting your license and the patient in danger. Just keep that in mind. Hopefully they have you orienting with a nurse who has been working for awhile.