Help - Returning to Nursing

[ame31]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and hoping I can get some advice. I graduated 2 years ago with a ADN degree. I started working and then had to leave because of personal reasons. I only worked for 4 months on a med/surg floor and never really got to be totally independent in my nursing. Now I'm looking to come back but feel very nervous because I never got my skills all down pat but will have to start somewhere too.

To be honest my first experience was in a very bad environment and I was secretly relieved to be able to leave. I really don't want to work in a hospital envirmonment again but feel I have to if I ever want to work anywhere else. (home health whatever..) If I could find a supportive environment to learn as a new grad that would be great but how do you know for sure what you are walking into? Unfortunately, I live far from where I went to school so my friends don't work at the hospitals by me so I can't network that way.

I have 3 major hospitals close to me and all have job ads out. AGain I just don't want to end up on a floor like I did the first time that wasn't very supportive of new grads or a person who may need some coaching in the beginning.

If i wanted I am in a situation where I could go back to school and change careers or whatever but I feel as if I worked so hard to get my degree and pass my boards I hate not to use it.

Apologies for the long post, I guess I'm just trying to figure out where I want to go and if I do go back in the hospital how I can at least try to ensure I end up in a positive supportive atmosphere.

Oh, There is also an ad in my paper looking for nurses for a VA hospital which kind of sounds appealing. Anyone have experience working for the VA?

Thank you for any advice direction you can give. :)