Help! UK based.First days nerves. Nursing home to Hospital Bank!

[Lemoncrumble]

Hi

I started my career in a nursing home and I will soon be starting at the hospital being a bank nurse. The last time I was in a hospital was just over a year ago as a student. I'm feeling very anxious but also thrilled and excited at the same time. I knew deep down I shouldn't of gone into a nursing home as a newly qualified nurse. I've gained good management and leadership skills. However, no point in dwelling I like to think positively and think I went down that path for a reason and now I'm restarting my passion for nursing.

My worries are that I'm out of touch with the general running of a hospital ward. Do you have any positive, honest advice you could offer or even share your general routine. I will be doing nights due to lack of child care places. Any help would be greatly appriciated.

Ideally I would love a permanent position in the hospital, my issue is I have no idea what department to work in.

Thanks in advance

[mirandaremy]

Hi. It is normal to feel this way. Many hospitals in the UK offer Preceptorship programs so i strongly advise you to consider this. I think you should be honest with the ward manager about your limitations and strengths and i am sure they will support you. Unfortunately working as a nurse in nursing homes usually does not build your clinical skills more especially as a new graduate. Remember that you will always be accountable to the NMC

[Lemoncrumble]

Most certainly. I will always adhere to the nmc code of conduct. Recognising own limitations and boundaries at all times. I would love to have a full time contract that offers the preceptorship program but unfortunately. I would be working to pay childcare, this is why I had to resort to bank work due to the flexibility of shifts. On the plus side, I might be daft for thinking this.... we're all nurses and we are there to help one another. I'm sure I'm not the first or last nurse to come from a nursing home enviroment. All advice appriciated.