Back to MedSurg........

imanedrn · May 23, 2008

So I am returning to med/surg after a 6 month hiatus in homecare. I want to learn all that I can and expand my skills and knowledge base. I left med surg after only 9 months...okay I ran. I know that I am (or have the potential to be) a great nurse. I just have such a hard time DEALING. I've decided to try to counciling this time around and work on my anxiety and coping issues. I hoping that this time I'll make it. Make it where? I don't know. Who knows....
But I'm jumping back in. I'm gonna be brave. Wish me luck.

Hey! You sound like me! I've been doing this med/tele thing for about 4 months, and I have a hard time dealing too! I'm actually taking on a per diem home health job because I think it might be a better "fit" for me ultimately.

In any case, good luck on your return!

lesrn2005 · May 23, 2008

Hey, sounds like me also! I did the med-surg/tele thing for about 8 mos right out of school in a busy hospital in a big city and was overwhelmed. Been with Hospice for almost 2.5 yrs (I always say that I was needing "respite" care for myself), and am considering returning to a med-surg floor in a rural town, thinking they will have a slower pace. I feel more confident to handle "things" now. Anyone else?

Rnmomajmj · May 24, 2008

Well, I too have returned to med/surg after two years in hospice. Anxiety is very high right now. Love hospice but wanted back to the 12 hour shifts. I'm finding that I remember more that I thought I did. My first day back on the floor was today and will have anywhere from 4-8 weeks with a preceptor.

I have been a nurse for 4 years now and have NEVER had to call a code. Very nervous that my luck is due to run out soon.

Anyway, good luck to all!

RockyCreek · May 24, 2008

I spent my senior year of nursing school in the CCU and graduated immediately into CVICU. After 22 years of hearts all the time, I went to a med/surg floor because I am thinking of teaching nursing. The first six months were H-*-*-*!!!! Now, I feel like I am part of the family. Be flexible, stay open minded and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it -- you will be welcomed!

:redbeathe

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · May 24, 2008

You are a far braver nurse than I. After a total of five years in med/surg, I ran like a rabbit and wouldn't go back for anything. Good luck to you..........and thanks for trying M/S again, because nurses are DESPERATELY needed!!!

EcyRN · Mar 31, 2009

and i was thinking of getting into this job?is it that awful?im a new RN and without experience..well,i guess i should start somewhere lighter then..i dont wanna be overwhelmed... i dont think i can handle that.

RockyCreek · Mar 31, 2009

Med/Surg is not for everyone but it isn't awful. I, personally, do NOT like peidatrics so I would never take a job at Children's Hospital [love the kids -- hate the neurotic parents!]. If you have an interest in a special area, there is no reason not to pursue it; if you want to get experience in a more general area, give it a try.

I said this before and I will say it again -- the biggest mistake that I see people of all experience levels making is the reluctance to ask for help. No one knows everything -- I have been in nursing for 23 years and I can honestly say, I ask someone for help every week! Maybe it is a new piece of equipment or just too many things all due at the same time -- my co-workers are PHENOMENAL about chipping in! On the flip side of the coin, I am always the first one to offer help whenever I can and I join in on procedures that I have never seen before just so I can learn a little.

Trust me -- if Med/Surg was awful, there wouldn't be so many wonderful nurses doing it! Best of luck in whatever you decide . . . and welcome to the wonderful world of nursing!

EcyRN · Mar 31, 2009

thanx rockycreek! im torn between med/surg or telemetry... so im thinking of going to med/surg-tele..but i kinda feel thats gonna be overrwhelming...still undecided but ur reply gave me something to think about...thanx..