I graduated with my BSN in May 2013. I had a very successful sales career for over 20 years but wanted to make a difference. I have always wanted to do hospice nursing.
My first job out of school, I didn't have the confidence nor clinical skills that they expected to handle over 6 patients and lost that job. I work in a LTC/Rehab facility on a casual basis. Unfortunately, I think my sales skills are so good that I was able to get a job on a med/surg floor that was in a rural area where you would be the CNA, HUC and RN most of the time for up to 6 patients. I found that I was overwhelmed doing all that and couldn't do my patients justice trying to do it all based on my limited experience. Plus, there were nurses that were my preceptors that were making up rumors about me (administering too much morphine and needing narcan to get the patient out of it!), that I found it hard to trust anyone.
Now I stand as a casual nurse in the LTC/Rehab with two failures behind me. I was one of the standouts in school, on many extracurriculars and a single mother. I have a huge heart and have been repeatedly commended on my people skills and attention to detail. I have found I love the geriatric patients. My patients love me. I just don't like med/surg and feel that I really want to be a hospice nurse.
I have found myself second guessing my decision to go back to school and giving up a secure, lucrative career. It seems that the only jobs open to a new grad is med/surg or LTC. I also volunteer in hospice nursing where I visit patients and support them and their families. I love it and know in my heart, this is what I was meant for.
I guess my questions are:
1. If I go into LTC/rehab, can I get hospice down the line? It seems it's more of med dispensing to over 20+ patients and never get to spend more than 1 minute per patient.
2. I have tried for hospice jobs and they say they want med/surg experience, is that the only way?
3. Are there other nursing specialities that would utilize my strengths but not require that med/surg be the only past experience?
4. Would additional education be helpful, such as masters in geriatrics or case management or even certification in hospice?
I would appreciate any help you could give.