Need Advice, switching specialties from ICU to Rehab Nursing

[Rnnurse777]

Hi!

I've been a nurse for 7 years now and am switching from working ICU and PCU/Tele as a travel RN to working full time permanent staff as a Rehabilitation RN at a rehabilitation hospital just 15 minutes from home. While I love the commute time and am very happy to be settled and not travelling anymore, I am anxious about starting in this new area.

What's the best way to manage your time when working in a less acute setting?

I tend to be thorough and precise when doing bedside care, and sometimes get behind when charting because I like to spend more time with my patients.

Advice would be greatly appreciated, as this is a completely different area of specialty for me. I do have some LTACH experience, but I think my biggest challenge will be time management going from a 2-4patients: nurse ratio to 8-12patients:nurse ratio.

Rnnurse777

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I worked at a freestanding rehabilitation hospital for six years with an average patient load of 7 to 12 patients per shift.

I survived by not being thorough. I managed my time by spending a maximum of 15-20 minutes to assess and medicate each patient while changing any applicable dressings. The charting requirements were too onerous to spend extended time with patients.