Nurse Internship on Ortho Floor at 50

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

I am interviewing for a nurse internship position on a surgical/ortho floor. I'm obese and no young thing but have lots of energy and motivation. Nurse interns do the work of nursing assistants plus foleys, suctioning, tube feeds, etc. I'm wondering if I'm up to the task. I worked as a tech on a med/surg floor last year for 6 months and found the work exhausting but doable. The patients that exhausted me the most were the confused sundowners. Anyways, If everyone works as a team, I see ortho as something I might actually like even though my heart is in peds. Unfortunately, nurse interns are usually floated into peds from other floors.

What do you all think?

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Nurses working as a team is something that has to be fostered. If you have the energy, the will, and the ability to show leadership in working as a team then you will do well. Sometimes people have to be taught how to work as a team by example and then they catch on.

I hope things work out for you,, they can if you want them to.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

Thanks for replying Meownsmile. I just don't want to hurt myself before I've even started my career as an RN. When I interview for the job, I will be candid about my concerns. I don't want to come across as an over-the-hill type but it wouldn't be wise to jump without looking. The worst that can happen is that I might have to put out more applications at other facilities.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

50 isn't old (I'm sixty) We "seniors" show more restraint when learning new tasks. Just watch your body mechanics. If you are cathing, Raise the bed high, have a friend with a flashlight. DO NOT lift anyone alone. I think you will do just fine and if it's not your cup of tea, at least you'll have those skills under your belt.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

50 isn't old (I'm sixty) We "seniors" show more restraint when learning new tasks. Just watch your body mechanics. If you are cathing, Raise the bed high, have a friend with a flashlight. DO NOT lift anyone alone. I think you will do just fine and if it's not your cup of tea, at least you'll have those skills under your belt.

Good advice. I'm looking forward to getting started.

[KristinWW]

Kat, my South Florida fellow student, let us know how it goes and good luck!

Good advice. I'm looking forward to getting started.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

Thanks Kristin. I'll be starting my orientation at the end of the month. Looks like a strong fellow PBCC student will be precepting me. So far, so good. I'll be at Bethesda.