Cross-training

[Claire RN]

I recently started cross-training from PACU to ambulatory care due to management mandate. How do you feel about cross-training? Do you have to cross-train at your hospital? If so did you find the experience helpful or frustrating?

[fedupnurse]

Cross training is useful if you are working in both areas frequently enough for the training to be remembered. If that makes any sense. Our hospital floats people constantly and doesn't cross train. So you can end up on a floor with a specialty you know little about and you are stuck! I would find it frustrating if I was cross trained and then didn't work there for a year. Are they doing this to fill vacancies without hiring people? That I do disagree with. Suits needs to stop robbing from Peter to pay Paul.

[lever5]

Any additional training you recieve is to your advantage. Take all that you can get, it makes you more valuable, and it make you more confident.

[biscuit_007]

I am a PICU nurse that happens to enjoy taking care if adult ICU patients every once in a while. I am changing jobs, hospitals, and even states to go to a jobs that encourages cross training. I feel that the more Jobs i become competant at the more marketable i will be in the event that i ever NEED to go find another job.