Jack of all trades but a master of none

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

A little background on me. I was an a Navy Hospital Corpsman, and LVN/LPN for 12 years and now an RN for 2. I've worked a WIDE range of places, and I'm currently a float nurse (since getting my RN) working mainly in tele, neuro, icu stepdown and ER. I still have no idea what I want to do, and not in the fun adventurous way.

In the beginning I loved floating because I learned so much. I don't dislike it now. I just want a specialty. I feel like a jack of all trades, master of none. I'm tired of it and it's starting to cause me a lot of stress.

I've spoken to my supervisor and coworkers on different units that I trust and they all were very surprised and feel like I do a great job and love working with me. I trust these people to be honest with me. That should have given me comfort but somehow it just made me feel more false.

I'm not even sure where the self doubt and frustrations are coming from. I love the ER the most, but the fast pace gets to me some days and I question if I'm good enough there (even those the managers ask me to come full time on a regular basis). I've been thinking about getting my WOCN, not as stressful, it's a specialty and I have always loved wounds. When I work on the units I often do other nurses wound care because I love to and they don't (they help me out in return). I'm afraid that might just be another place I don't completely fit in and then I've spend the time and money to get the certifications. I feel sooo very lost right now.

Words of wisdom? Is this just a phase?

Dear Have Self-doubt,

Thank you for your question.

To overcome the self-doubt which is keeping you from making a decision-make a commitment.

For example, decide "I will go to the ED and stay for 2 years". Then do it.

Or "I will earn my WOCN because I have a unique talent and love wound care". Then do it.

According to people who know you, you are talented, capable, and others love you. People that are insecure do not give credence to positive feedback from others. They discount the source; they think "they don't really know me or they wouldn't say that I'm smart, or beautiful, or kind".

Your problem is not a nursing problem, or a phase, it's an insecurity problem. Consider getting a few counseling sessions to help identify the root of your insecurities and learn to see yourself as you really are, and as others see you.

You deserve it! Your accomplishments thus far are remarkable.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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Dear OP,

As a (now) curmudgeon, who was in a similar spot in her career as an RN about 2 years in, I have to agree with Nurse Beth. Co-workers you trust acknowledge your skill and ability - in departments that are often tricky to navigate for newer nurses. You can do what you do, but it just doesn't satisfy your definition of nursing. Self-confidence in nursing is not always the easiest thing to acquire, and perhaps consultation with a professional might help you tease out the tiger in your tank.

I entered my career as an RN with a TON of previous medical experience in different roles. I was sure I wanted to be in the MICU, SICU, stepdown, etc. After about 2 years floating between all of those and telemetry/oncology, I found that oncology was my "heart's desire", and, like you, I snagged the most complicated cancer patients from nurses who were glad to make an assignment switch. I put blood, sweat, and tears into certification....and it was the best thing I ever did. Caring for oncology patients not only improved my nursing judgement and clinical competence, it also fired the tiger in my "fulfillment" tank.

Listen to your heart....it may be trying to tell you something. We all have different gifts, and our hearts lead us to the discovery of how best to use them.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Vascular Access.

Hey, great topic! I'll share my experience but I'll keep it somewhat abbreviated. I started my nursing career on a tele unit. I LOVED it! For the longest time I believed that I would do that forever. On the other hand after some time I wanted to spread my wings and experience other areas of nursing. I tried outpatient type areas such as endoscopy, cath lab, pain management, and at one time even nurse manager. I have been one to always keep a PRN job on the side for different experiences, and let's face it, more income. I was also very fortunate that I had an affinity toward vascular access. Early in my career I learned that I just had the talent for IV insertion. Well this was noticed. I learned to place PICC's. Eventually I was hired at a different hospital as a full time vascular access nurse. Then the VACC was formed and I was able to earn my VA-BC. I LOVE providing my services in my expertise to patients. I LOVE being the local expert in all things in my specialty. I LOVE the fact that I have over a 99.9% one stick IV insertion rate with the ultrasound. I LOVE the fact that I have 100% PICC insertion rate over the past 7 years. My point is (besides from bragging) is that if you can work for your wound care certification and if it's something that you are truly passionate about... go for it! You can become that expert that is so needed for your patients. And if you do choose to pursue that specialty be the absolute best!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
Hey, great topic! I'll share my experience but I'll keep it somewhat abbreviated. I started my nursing career on a tele unit. I LOVED it! For the longest time I believed that I would do that forever. On the other hand after some time I wanted to spread my wings and experience other areas of nursing. I tried outpatient type areas such as endoscopy, cath lab, pain management, and at one time even nurse manager. I have been one to always keep a PRN job on the side for different experiences, and let's face it, more income. I was also very fortunate that I had an affinity toward vascular access. Early in my career I learned that I just had the talent for IV insertion. Well this was noticed. I learned to place PICC's. Eventually I was hired at a different hospital as a full time vascular access nurse. Then the VACC was formed and I was able to earn my VA-BC. I LOVE providing my services in my expertise to patients. I LOVE being the local expert in all things in my specialty. I LOVE the fact that I have over a 99.9% one stick IV insertion rate with the ultrasound. I LOVE the fact that I have 100% PICC insertion rate over the past 7 years. My point is (besides from bragging) is that if you can work for your wound care certification and if it's something that you are truly passionate about... go for it! You can become that expert that is so needed for your patients. And if you do choose to pursue that specialty be the absolute best!

Love your passion!

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I agree with Nurse Beth.

If you make a commitment and stick with it you should find more satisfaction. If wound care is really something you like then get the certification and go for it! If it still continues to be something you are very good at and you develop even stronger skills I would like to suggest you pursue an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in wound care. There is a pretty good demand for this specialty and it is an interesting field with a lot of variety to keep things interesting. Not that you cannot do great wound care as an RN...

Yes, the Emergency Department can get very hectic and you deal with a lot of unhappy people there. This can be very taxing but can also be very rewarding to be able to help people in crisis. It takes a toll on nurses (as do many other areas).

As a float nurse you only get a more superficial experience in these areas when you are there and not the in depth, day to day, experiences that can help you realize your strengths.

I wish you well in your decision and experience.

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