Low confidence

[Pishi]

I've been an RN for only 4 years but its been a bumpy ride. After spending a few months on the floor, I went to work in a level 3 inner city ER. I loved it. I feel I was competent, gaining more skills every day and had the respect of my co-workers. However, after 13 months on the job, I was forced to quit due to severe illness. After I started recovering in a few months, I went back to work in a smaller suburban ER. I was very nervous about going back to work. I couldn't even start an IV on my first day. The nurse who trained me there told me I had poor skills and had a hard time believing I had ever worked in such a high-level ER. I don't think I ever got over hearing that. I only stayed at that job for a few months, quit when I gave birth to my daughter at 32 weeks pregnant. I decided to stay away from the high-stress jobs, so my next position was at a dermatology office close to home starting when my daughter was 5 months old. I took a big cut in pay, and, with all due respect to dermatology offices, often felt like I was working in a beauty salon. But the hours were good and I got a lot of free samples. My skin never looked better. I quit after 16 months when my husband and I moved East. I decided I would be a stay-at-home mom. Well, after 4 months at home, I have decided that is not for me. I'm ready to go back to work but I don't know what kind of job to look for. I like the hours and less stress of the medical office but part of me wants to go back to the ER - if for no other reason, to show myself I can do it. I feel like I need to get past what that nurse told me over 2 years ago and prove that I have good skills (or can get them again). But I'm scared. Any advice?

[3651bht]

Just do it..... Listen when you were a kid you had no control over your life but you are an adult now and you can do anything you set your mind to..... So if you had it once then you still have it.. Remember stupid ( that other nurse) is forever dumb can be fixed.. Don't be stupid And have a great day.....

[babsRN]

I vote ...go for it as well, Pishi. The "culture" of the suburban ER wasn't right for you. I had a similar experience in a suburban ICU, but I was going in with about 15 years of ICU experience...the 'burb nurses just didn't like new folks stirring stuff up. I stayed and fought through it but it took months(5-6) for hard work...but looking back I have to say I grew a great deal from the experience.

[workinurse@aol.]

BSN may be needed to become a

Wound Certified Nurse.

Low stress with full autonomy.

Doctors will sign any order you write, most wounds heal, if not there is surgery, jobs are 8-5 Mon-Fri.

Hospitals will destroy your life.

Aging population guarentees work.

You will be able to help yourself and loved ones.