cross training in nursing

[swillmsrn]

I am a psychiatric nurse with 15 years experience in the field. Recently, I have begun to believe that I need a change due to burn out or just plain boredom or something. My question that I hope you all can help me with is this, how does a nurse go about getting cross-trained or retrained in a new area? I really would love to learn dialysis, endoscopy, GI lab or cath lab; I do have nursing skills that are rusty, but I do know how to do the tasks. How do you go about getting a nurse manager to consider you over some young, new nurse?

[lalaxton]

The difference between you and a new nurse is that you already have good critical thinking skills. You may have some catching up to do in a new area, but generally if you show your enthusiasm to learn that's half the battle!

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

One thing you can do is look for changes to make at work. It gives you something else to think about and focus on besides your work with the patients. Actually, if you really want to switch to another area all you really have to do is go out there and apply for jobs. There will be some places that will take you on because of your 15 years of experience. Be prepared to answer the question, "why after 15 years are you looking to change the area of nursing you are in," because it's going to be asked. Also, be prepared to answer a question about how you feel your experience in psych nursing will help you in the new area you are applying for. You will clinch a new job with your interview. You will know when you feel a good chemistry between you and your interviewer. Play up your advantages and your willingness to learn something new. Project a positive attitude. Be honest and open with your interviewer. You will get a job offer. You will find that you, as an experienced RN, will be able to find work quiet easily. An RN will always work. That's what my mother always told me, and so far she's been right.