Non skilled to skilled nursing

[lauriepat, ASN, RN]

Hi everyone

Not sure where exactly to post this!

Anyways, i have been an lpn for two years. Worked at an md office for a year and now i worked at an assisted living facility. We are not a snf.

I am starting rn school this month and will graduate in may.

I know i will cover skills and basic procedures in school again, but to be honest i am terrified to work in a snf or a hospital.

Feeding tubes, iv's, foleys, even oxygen and rebreathers etc etc

I feel like i've lost those skills not working in any snfs.

Any advice? I know you get better skills w more experience..i am just scared i won't be able to do more skilled things bc i've never really done them on my own and i've been a nurse for two years? At the places i've worked i've gained a really good understanding of dr's orders, meds, pt care, responding to emergencies/assessments,

and awesome communication w md's and coworkers.

Skills just scare me, even reconstituting iv meds :/

Any advice??? :/

[Smiley06]

Don't worry! I think your concerns are definitely just thejitters and excitement. They will definitely teach you those things in yourprogram to make sure that everyone is comfortable and understands the basicsbefore you get to the "nitty gritty."

[chrisrn24]

You will be fine! When you start working just tell your preceptor "I'm rusty on these skills. I want to make sure I'm doing it right."

[fmxkrazyone]

Going into a new nursing job, you should get some sort of orientation and that is your opportunity to refresh those skills. I was in one nursing job for over a year where I didn't really get to practice many skills, but when I moved on to a regular med-surg floor, I was in a 10 week orientation that allowed me to practice my skills with a preceptor and all those skills I learned in nursing school came right back. I was especially nervous about starting IV's because I didn't get to practice very much, but now I feel pretty comfortable with it. Getting practice and experience will help you get more comfortable, utilize your orientation, ask questions and take advantage of opportunities.