Passed nclex finally after being out of school for two years

[Blacksheep80]

Hello there. I have recently passed my nclex after being out of school for years. THe funny part is i passed my test just three days after my graduation date two years ago. I have been working as a tech at a local hospital for nine months. THe problem is i have no desire to work on this particular floor as a new nurse. I have no desire to work in the hospital setting, because i feel i would put the patients in danger being out of school for two years. Secondly i have this feeling i would not be happy and would have a very difficult time being a floor nurse in a hospital. I love bedside nursing and talking to family members and have no problems with giving meds or assessing patients. I do have worries with care plans and shift reports and all the anxieties a new nurse would have but feel i am at more of a disatvantage because of my time out of school. i honestly feel i dont know a damn thing and may have forgotten some things. So i figure my best option would be to start in a nursing home or hospice to get my feet wet and the basics of nursing back under my feet before i tackle such a big responsibility such as hospital nursing. I dont want to start my career hating nursing because i have worked so hard and have waited two years just for this opportunity. Just wanting some advice on my situation. I am very eager to start my career and help people but honestly feel my heart just isnt in the hospital.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Congratulations - I can only imagine how relieved you are to finally defeat the NCLEX monster.

I understand and respect your anxiety about putting patients at risk in an acute care (hospital) setting. However, I think you will find that responsibilities of LTC and Hospice nurses may actually be greater than those in a hospital setting. Hospitals tend to have a lot of support resources, including more experienced co-workers, charge nurses, and supervisors that can step in to help when you need it. Hospitals also have more on-site ancillary resources such ad phlebotomy, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc. Non-acute settings will not be able to provide you with an extended orientation/training period either.

My advice? Be sure to weigh all the positive and negative aspects before you make up your mind.

[Blacksheep80]

ThanK you Houtx. That is great advice. That's definitely a different aspect that I did not think about.

[compassionresearcher]

Have you looked into taking an RN refresher course? That might boost your confidence regarding your nursing skills and help you decide where you want to work.