I had previously posted on here relating to deciding on whether to opt for a homecare RN position or a hospital one. I am a new grad and graduated last September 2015. I had been offered a PDN position with a lady with a peg, trach and ventilator but decided to decline as I thought I may not get the exposure I needed for future career prospects.
HOWEVER, I attended an interview and was offered a hospital job today for med/surge. I realised that it was a disaster when I asked the interviewers what the patient:nurse ratio was. They had no answer and spent five minutes talking about new documents that were coming out etc and blah blah blah. She eventually said that on a ward of 32 patients that there would USUALLY be 4 nurses!!. She said sometimes only two or three depending on available staff. This is one of the busiest hospital in the country. I then asked her whether I would get any training or induction and she said "It could be a month after you start" and its for a few hours!!!!. *****?!!. I am fresh out of college and no training or orientation whatsoever is available!!!
They offered me the job at interview and I said that I would think about it over the weekend. I am 40 years old this year and a death wish is something that I do not have. I rang the agency about the PDN job and she met with me this afternoon. I met with the family and they seem lovely. It is full time and permanent and one patient!! It also pays a lot more than any of the hospital jobs. Why kill myself, perhaps a patient and my nursing licence just to get broad spectrum experience?. I am at peace with my decision now and hope it goes well. The agency told me that I can shadow for three months or more if I want it due to the vent and trach etc. They will also send me for trach and vent training. What more can I ask for!!!. With the questionable practices in healthcare where I live, I think I will be staying on in the community for the forseeable future!!!
Sounds like a good decision. Our health is also important and has to be considered in any job decisions we make. I knew going in that I would only work part time as that is best for me.
I worked private care one patient for nearly 4 years, albeit not trach or peg tube (got that experience in a skilled unit) and it was Fantastic pay learned a lot about diabetes caused by alcohol induced pancreatitis. Take it! When you do have to move on to a new job, the breakdown on your resume will be a lot more than you think because in home care you take care of so very many responsibilities.
Sounds like your senses are pretty keen. Good that you didn't get overly tied up in the desire to work in a hospital. It's not all it's cracked up to be!
quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN
953 Posts
Sounds like a good decision. Our health is also important and has to be considered in any job decisions we make. I knew going in that I would only work part time as that is best for me.
Enjoy your new job and your patient.