Getting assigned in an area I have no previous experience in.

[ThinkerBelleRN, BSN, RN]

Hello fellow nurses. Excuse this long post, but I just don't know how to go about my situation and would like to ask for your insights.

I am a foreign RN recently hired by a hospital in the United States. I prefer not to mention the name of the hospital for privacy reasons.

During my interview, I was told that I will be assigned to Hyperbaric and Wound Care based on my nursing experience as I have been working in this area for the past 5 years. After almost 2 years since the interview, my immigrant visa finally came through, and prior to commencing employment, about 2 weeks ago I was informed by a coordinator from the hospital that I will be assigned in step-down/progressive care.

I have no previous experience in this area, and the last time I worked in an in-patient setting was 6 years ago, in a medical floor where patients did not require close monitoring. I am fully aware of my limitations in skills and knowledge as a nurse, and do not feel comfortable about this assignment. Also, my goal is to get a certification to become a WOCN and really focus on wound care, and hopefully get a certification to become a hyperbaric RN as well. My passion is in wound care.

I emailed the coordinator regarding this but she hasn't replied for almost 2 weeks now. So I decided to email the recruitment agency who paired me with the facility. However, they couldn't give me a clear answer either and pretty much telling me that it's still "business" and the hospital's priority are the patients.

I am keeping an open mind regarding this, but still anxious about the situation.

How can a nurse pursue her passion and be able to specialize in a field that holds her interest, where she will be happy in? What can I do in this situation?

Thanks in advance.