New grad RN working at LTC for 9 mos (really long)

[EwokRN]

Hi. I graduated from a 2nd Degree BSN-RN program back in Dec '08, and obatained my RN license Jan '09. At first I worked at a local hospital for what lasted only about 1-2 mos. at a Med-Surg unit starting in Feb '09 before they said that that area was too fast for me, and I should try a slower area in their vast units at their hospital. Well, it turns out they didn't have any, so I ended up at this LTC facility outside that hospital organization. The facilty I work at has been pretty flexible overall for my schedule. I work 3-11 pm and so far I've been here for 9mos. Well, I just found out I was pregant with twins late Feb '10. Mind you, I'm married and already have a 3 1/2 y.o. daughter.

Well, before I found out that I was pg I was applying for a job at the hospital (same hospital where I first worked)where they said I could still apply as a new graduate. Unfortunately, like so many hospitals around this country, this hospital has not had many new grad RN positions available. I did a phone interview over 2 weeks ago with one of the recruiters. Around a week ago the recruiter said that my application was still on file; however, the unit manager apparently neglected to look at the application as of yet.

I tried calling the recruiter about 2-3 days ago, and I left a message, but so far no response. On one hand, I'm hoping to interview at the hospital before I show so I can at least get my foot in the door, on the other hand I'm playing it safe by staying at this job, but at the same time I know I'm starting to plateau in my experience here. This LTC facility really overworks its nurses. I'm passing meds to 30 pts sometimes many them are grabbing me for little things, the CNA's talk back sometimes, there's not much equipment here which makes this facility a health hazard not only to the pts but also to my license. Plus, there's no unit secretary to really take calls, so basically I'm writing up my own orders and taking calls at the same time.

I applied for a Surgical nurse position, a position in Cardiac Stepdown and an ER position (yeah, like I really want ER at this point in my life). I talked with my OB, and she said we'll see if I need to rest more around 24-28 weeks. I'm at 16-17 weeks.

In June '10 I would have been there a year, and I'm ashamed to admit it, but I haven't really perfecting starting an IV. I know the procedure, but I'm not really a sharp-shooter yet, because there haven't been that many opportunties to really practice. Plus, I'm sure my other skills are not that up to snuff. Plus side though, is that I do have experience with trach suctionings, trach care, clisis, wound care, IM/SQ shots, of course administering PO/inhaler meds/PPD's. Plus, I have experience taking phone orders.

I guess my question is should I really stick it out over here for a year? I know we need the money esp with twins coming, and my dh is looking for a higher paying job once he found out in Feb '10 (OMG, will it take him a year?!). Plus, i heard from one hospital that they won't really consider me a new grad once I have one year of experience. I feel that translates into they expect me to learn quickly not knowing that my LTC experience didn't provide enough experience esp since I can't start a freakin' IV.

Sorry Just needed to vent my feelings. Please, if anyone has any input let me know. Thanks.

Ework

[beachgirl17]

Hi Ewok! It seems as if you are asking for input, so here is mine...I would stay at the LTC until after you have your twins. Then, after you spend some time with your babies, you can look into getting a hospital job. My concern is that you will get hired, then have to take time off either for rest or just because you want to spend time with them during the first months of the babies lives. You probably wouldn't want a fragmented hospital orientation, so it may be best when you know you can return for good after the babies are here.

Many of the job postings I see for hospitals simply say 1 year of RN experience. Well, you will have that soon and can apply to postings that are not for new grads. Yes, I know you are probably worried about getting a good orientation, since you are new to the hospital, but I would ask lots of those questions about orientation time during interviews.

I would not worry about skills like starting IVs, trach care, etc. Those skills will come quickly. Just let your hospital preceptor know what you may need some extra time practicing. If it is a good orientation, then that should not be a problem. I am pretty sure in my place of employment that even "experienced" (meaning at least 1 year), get 2 months of orientation.

Skills, such as time management and dealing with difficult patients/families, you are probably already good at from your LTC experience. When you apply to a hospital, I would sell myself based partly on those qualities. Those qualities are universally necessary no matter where you work in healthcare.

Good luck Ewok in whatever you decide! Keep us updated! :)

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Please don't underestimate a twin pregnancy! I worked in a dialysis clinic when I was pg with my twins and had to stop at 31 weeks due to PIH (it was my first pg, and I was 41; but still, nursing is not an easy job when you're expecting multiples). This should be your priority right now. I agree with pp, I would probably not try to start a new job right now (besides, they *might* just think you were trying to hide something if you don't mention your pg when hired and then have to take maternity leave).

Regarding your hospital orientation, nowadays even experienced nurses often get 12 weeks if they transfer to a new area (and LTC to acute care certainly qualifies); that's far more time than I got as a new grad years ago! You'll actually make a better impression if you stay in your first job for about a year.

Just some food for thought, the final decision is of course yours. Wishing you the very best, and congrats on your twins (mine are 5 now!)

DeLana :)

P.S. Regaring IV starts: I'm lousy at it, too, but know that it will just take time. Don't worry!