Good idea or not?

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

I have been an RN for 3 years and have worked as a case manager for a homeless clinic, been an assisted living manager and am now currently working as a medical review nurse.

I recently applied for a flex-time position on a med surg unit and was offered the job. The orientation is 8-12 weeks or longer depending on how ready I am to go it alone. This is where I wonder if I can do this. I currently work full time days and I plan on working two weekends a month, maybe work one day another weekend and then work a short 3-7 or 7-11pm at least one evening a week to get as many days in for the orientation.

I like my day job and don't plan on leaving it. I need to pay off some bills and that is why I am looking for a flex-time job or PRN as some call it. I also want to keep my hands into the nursing side of things.

Has anyone else ever done this with no prior hospital experience and succeeded?

I really want this to work and who knows down the road if I like it I just may make it my full time job.

[WindyCDE]

Greetings Little Panda, although I must say you look an awful lot like a Mogwai...

Anyway, congratulations- sounds like a great opportunity!

First, consider that it wasn't that long ago when you did your clinicals, so it won't be like a completely alien (get it?) environment to you with all this brand-new technology you've never seen. Also, it sounds like they provide a generous period for orientation and, I would imagine, a seasoned nurse as a preceptor who can help steady you after the training wheels are removed. And last, they must have seen someting in you during the hiring process that intrigued them, so take some confidence from that. Be prepared to communicate openly and frequently with your mentor-nurse. He/she will have a much easier time helping you acculturate to the unit and will have a lot more faith in you if you do. Don't do anything that would be a potential safety risk to you or your patients and speak up if you need another demonstration of technique or a little more time observing before you are ready to do it on your own. Ask for feedback when necessary. And for heaven's sake, keep a notepad close at hand! Come prepared to learn, keep your game face on, and before you know it, you'll be flying solo and someday when the time comes to move up the career ladder, you'll be able to say, "...acute care bedside experience AND I can do case management, too!"

Good luck,

~W.

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

Greetings Little Panda, although I must say you look an awful lot like a Mogwai...

Anyway, congratulations- sounds like a great opportunity!

First, consider that it wasn't that long ago when you did your clinicals, so it won't be like a completely alien (get it?) environment to you with all this brand-new technology you've never seen. Also, it sounds like they provide a generous period for orientation and, I would imagine, a seasoned nurse as a preceptor who can help steady you after the training wheels are removed. And last, they must have seen someting in you during the hiring process that intrigued them, so take some confidence from that. Be prepared to communicate openly and frequently with your mentor-nurse. He/she will have a much easier time helping you acculturate to the unit and will have a lot more faith in you if you do. Don't do anything that would be a potential safety risk to you or your patients and speak up if you need another demonstration of technique or a little more time observing before you are ready to do it on your own. Ask for feedback when necessary. And for heaven's sake, keep a notepad close at hand! Come prepared to learn, keep your game face on, and before you know it, you'll be flying solo and someday when the time comes to move up the career ladder, you'll be able to say, "...acute care bedside experience AND I can do case management, too!"

Good luck,

~W.

Thank you for responding WindyCDE. I appreciate you advice. I guess the biggest thing that concerns me is I wont have as many days on the floor during orientation due to my full time day job. However, I am going to give it a shot, never know until I try:)