Going back to the In-Patient setting...!

Nurses General Nursing

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Call me crazy...

I am an LPN with 21 years of nursing behind me; most of my experience is in out-patient work. currently i work as an Occupational Health Nurse in a manufacturing plant... (great people and a unique job, but very limiting). I recently completed my BSN program and anticipate RN boards in Dec. I feel such a a strong pull towards getting back into the in-patient setting RIGHT NOW- to get re-aquainted to the essence of nursing, and to start thinking more broadly, and functioning in the acute care setting- I feel that the time is right! I am more professionally focused, and less intimidated by in-patient nursing, as was the case when I first graduated as an LPN, way back when... This presents a challenge- both positive and negative... I'm up for the opportunity and can see myself moving forward, now- and after I become a licensed RN. But at the moment I am a bit concerned about bringing myself up-to-speed, since I've been out of the game for a long time. Any words of wisdom? :heartbeat HELP!

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

i say go for it! of course things have changed since the last time you worked in that setting, but the world of nursing is ever changing, so don't let some differences stop you! in spite of all of these alterations, assessment skills never change. normal limits never change. therapeutic communication never changes.

i think you'll do grand!

wish you the best.

jess

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Specializes in clinical pathways - ED, home infusion, IT, lab.

I'm in a similar boat - took a refresher course w/15 other women (average age 40's) at a community college - included clinical rotation on an acute unit. The verdict... you can do it!! Yes, it's every bit as challenging, tiring, sometimes aggravating, but there are some things that are actually better/easier than in the 80's and 90's. Now, if I could only land a job...:) Good luck!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Nursing Administration for SNF.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

You will do fine. You will receive orientation and you will get up to speed. Good luck to you.

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Hello...I have 11 years of experience. The last few have been case management. I just went back to bedside and I am orienting. I am loving it, but I haven't been so tired in I don't know how long. I have felt good the past few shifts and I feel so much more confident about all that I know now compared to the last time I was on an acute floor. I think you will just have to give yourself time to adjust to the physical change for a few weeks. It took me 6 shifts until my feet and legs weren't so tired. Yesterday felt great! Some people think I am crazy too...but this is why I became a Nurse. I admire Medsurg Nurses---always have and always will. I am proud to be back.

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Specializes in ICU.

ummm, don't mean to sound harsh but didn't you say you just finished your BSN? did that not require you to demonstrate skills in an inpatient setting? it shouldn't be that foreign to you now. orrrrr is this another example of how a degree does not prepare a nurse for the bedside??? good luck to you. if you put your mind to it, you will do it! :smokin:

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