Need help finding my way back

[Guest1030824]

Hi, 

I have a question if I should shadow for PCU or ICU before applying, or if I can even apply in any of these areas and if I should wait to apply because I may move. 

 I have experience working as a Medical Surgical nurse. I worked from 2015-2017 as a MS nurse, left for two years, and went back to same hospital and worked a few months in PCU in 2020. This hospital was not a good fit. I tried this hospital again for the second time because I didn't learn my lesson from the first time (hospital was not good fit at all; no training and not supportive)   I'm currently not working and taking MSN courses because I do want to pursue NP after I get more experience working at hospital. I figured it doesn't hurt to take the MSN core courses while looking for a job. Don’t worry, I can put classes on hold for as long as I want before going through an NP specialty track. I thought about applying to the MS area again, but I am not happy with that area. I would like to try PCU again, but not without the right training and support, but not sure if hospital will do this since I’m not a new grad. I also would like to shadow a nurse in the ICU if possible. Can I do this without working in the hospital? I run into same problem here as well. It is hard to find a hospital willing to train especially if not a new grad and if been off floor too long. I have heard others tell me to work in SNF, home care, or any other nursing job outside of hospital. I feel like this will not give me the acute care experience that I truly want. I worked at SNF before and was not happy working in this area either. I’m not sure what to do at this point, but I miss working in the hospital even though I didn’t like area I was working in.  I know that I will be happy working in a different hospital and unit. I don’t like walkie talkies. I like seeing people that are really sick and seeing them get better.  I’ve been off the floor since Aug of 2020 and feel like I’m losing my skills. The MSN program is teaching me how write really good papers but not helping me keep my floor nursing skills up.

 Another frustrating part of my bumpy career journey is that my husband will be retiring at an early age and wants to travel to AZ after we get vaccinated for covid. Well, we are going to look around for a place to rent for a year and look at moving there during Winter months. Yea, this complicates things even more. I can’t seem to plan out my career goals without figuring out these issues. I’m hoping someone can give me some ideas etc. to help me move forward.