I'm a new nurse, graduated last Summer and I was hired on a PCU and didn't make it past my 12 week orientation. I was told to go to nights after being hired on days because I wasn't getting the hang of things on the floor during days. Unfortunately, I have epilepsy so I can't work nights and had to request an accommodation. As much as I would've liked a longer orientation, that wasn't an option, and neither was going to another floor. I'm fortunate my hospital system was able to place me somewhere else, but I'm now working outpatient neuro and it's not as exciting as the floor.
I'm worried that I won't be able to transition to another area of nursing, when I decide I'm ready to look again, because I'm not sure this job really entails much except a lot of phone triage, med refills, and some case mgmt. I thought I knew what I wanted to do as a nurse, but now I'm realizing the floor was too stressful and I didn't feel ready near the end of my orientation. I was hoping to look into wound care or infusion, but many of those jobs require acute care experience, which I lack ?
I am open to different areas, but I'm worried I may not be an ideal candidate given my lack of hands on skills. The only skills I gained were being tele & IV certified. Does anyone have any words of advice for someone like myself who's still pretty new to the profession? Thank you
Specializes in Outpatient Cardiology, CVRU, Intermediate.
I started on that unit as a new grad, and (before we moved into a remodeled tower) the EMU generally was staffed by one more experienced RN and a newer RN, plus a CNA. Once we moved into the new tower, the EMU was one whole floor, and staffed just as any other unit would be, new and experienced RNs, etc; we just had some extra Neuro education hour/class requirements. I'd suggest calling over to HR at one of the hospitals with that unit and asking if you could shadow for half a shift or something like that? Or just ask if you could get in touch with the manager. Sometimes the hardest step is the first step! (I know that sounds hokey, but it's true!)
Specializes in Progressive Care, Sub-Acute, Hospice, Geriatrics.
I wound opt for PRN sub-acute or rehab position in addition to your full time outpatient. At least in rehab, you get the same med-surg patients but less acute, at the same you are able to utilize your nursing skills. In the rehab, I do IVs, TPNs, trach care, wounds, pain management, Foleys, ostomies, G/J-tube, and etc.
SarHat17, ASN, RN
58 Posts
I started on that unit as a new grad, and (before we moved into a remodeled tower) the EMU generally was staffed by one more experienced RN and a newer RN, plus a CNA. Once we moved into the new tower, the EMU was one whole floor, and staffed just as any other unit would be, new and experienced RNs, etc; we just had some extra Neuro education hour/class requirements. I'd suggest calling over to HR at one of the hospitals with that unit and asking if you could shadow for half a shift or something like that? Or just ask if you could get in touch with the manager. Sometimes the hardest step is the first step! (I know that sounds hokey, but it's true!)