Old Nurse--New to Peds

Hi everyone,

I have been an LPN for 19 years, and recently obtained my RN. I have not worked as an RN yet. My most recent experience was on an inpatient adult rehab floor. I just accepted a fantastic job offer with Children's Hospital on their inpatient rehab floor.

My questions are:

1. Is working with pediatrics eaier or harder than working with adults? ( I have never worked with peds.).

2. Is the "fear" I feel normal to a new peds nurse?

3. PLEASE.... Are there any hints or suggestions you can offer?

Thanks ahead of time for you help!!!!!

[llg, PhD, RN]

It is not easier than working with adults ... nor is it more difficult. It is just different. Each has its plusses and minuses and you just have to figure out which you like the best by giving each a try.

The nervousness, etc. is totally normal. You are starting new chapter in your life ... a new adventure ... and you are understandably a little anxious about what will happen next, how you will respond, etc.

The 2 pieces of advice I would give you are: keep an open mind and give it time. Some nurse who switch from one specialty to another have trouble because they can't emotionally "let go" of their old ways of doing things and adopt new ways. They compare everything in their new specialty to what they liked about their old job (viewing their old job through rose-colored glasses because, even though it wasn't perfect at least they were competent and comfortable in it.) Because the new job is different from the old and they don't yet have the same level of comfort and competence, the new job ends up suffering by comparison. That's where "giving it time" comes in. As you get more comfortable in your new work, you will feel less insecure and anxious about it. You will be able to more fully appreciate the positive aspects of the new job rather than focusing on what you might miss about the old one.

Good luck ... and welcome to peds!

llg

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

It is not easier than working with adults ... nor is it more difficult. It is just different. Each has its plusses and minuses and you just have to figure out which you like the best by giving each a try.

The nervousness, etc. is totally normal. You are starting new chapter in your life ... a new adventure ... and you are understandably a little anxious about what will happen next, how you will respond, etc.

The 2 pieces of advice I would give you are: keep an open mind and give it time. Some nurse who switch from one specialty to another have trouble because they can't emotionally "let go" of their old ways of doing things and adopt new ways. They compare everything in their new specialty to what they liked about their old job (viewing their old job through rose-colored glasses because, even though it wasn't perfect at least they were competent and comfortable in it.) Because the new job is different from the old and they don't yet have the same level of comfort and competence, the new job ends up suffering by comparison. That's where "giving it time" comes in. As you get more comfortable in your new work, you will feel less insecure and anxious about it. You will be able to more fully appreciate the positive aspects of the new job rather than focusing on what you might miss about the old one.

Good luck ... and welcome to peds!

llg

Thank you so much for your kind words. They have helped me alot!!!!

I have a feeling that Peds is where I will stay!!!