mck149

I am looking into the infusion realm of nursing, and would like to know your thoughts on how home infusions compare with those at an infusion center? Is one more stressful than the other? If so, in what ways? How many patients do you typically see in each setting in a typical day? (I imagine it also depends on the medication that is being infused). As the nurse, do you find yourself dealing with insurance companies frequently? What are the greatest challenges this specialty faces as a whole? What are your favorite aspects of either setting? What advice would you offer for someone interested in this area? Lots of questions, but I'm interested to know your thoughts! ?

Hello, Recently, I have been thinking about the several facets the nursing profession has to offer, beyond the bedside. I have approximately two years of telemetry experience, specializing in neurology. I hold an associate's degree. Presently, I am not eager to leave the bedside, but I would like to return to school to obtain my BSN in the very near future. I have a strong interest in mental health. I have been thinking about becoming a counselor, or something along those lines. My first question being, what are the career options for nurses in the mental health setting? I read about becoming a nurse psychotherapist. It sounds very interesting, and something I would like to learn more about. Secondly, what might you suggest to help gain adequate psych/mental health experience? I would like to try working at the bedside in the psych unit, or at a clinic if the opportunity is possible. Ultimately, my goal would be to practice at an outpatient facility. I am looking at all of the possibilities, and am open to all input. Thank you for your time and thoughts! :)

Thanks for commenting! I currently have my Associate's degree, and would like to go on to get my Master's degree. Ultimately, I would like to work in administration. I do have a clerical background that aligns with such a path. This is another reason why I would like to change job settings, so that I can better accommodate going back to school.

Hi, everyone! I just graduated in May of 2018. I had accepted my very first job offer the day I interviewed at a reputable, level 1 trauma center. I've been working there since July on a busy medical telemetry unit that also has a large patient population with neuro-related conditions (ex. brain mass, seizures). In this short time of working here, I have seen and learned so much! I am fortunate to have a relatively small RN to patient ratio of 4-5 patients. (Almost unheard of in the med/tele setting!) I am also a part of a one year nurse residency program and union. I also just became trauma certified. On the surface, it all sounds very wonderful. However, in all honesty, I find myself dreading going to work. Please, don't get me wrong. I love nursing! But I am so emotionally and physically drained. I never wanted to feel like this, especially so new out of school. 2/3 of the nurses on my unit are brand new, and it feels like the blind leading the blind. When I seek assistance from my supervisor, I (and other nurses) do not receive support or guidance. It seems like a lot of "learn as you go", and I sometimes fear that my license is in danger (the MAIN reason I want to leave). I also drive nearly an hour to get there, and also have to take a shuttle bus from the parking garage, which takes an additional 15 minutes. I did consider this when I accepted the position... I didn't think it would bother me as much as it unfortunately does. With all of this in mind, I am looking to apply to other nursing positions closer to home. My ideal work environment would be in a doctor's office, or even the OR at my local hospital. (I didn't even bother applying there initially, for two reasons. 1: People that work there seem to only get in if they know someone that already works there. 2: A nursing professor of mine said that if I can work at where I currently am, in a big city hospital, I can go anywhere). Many job descriptions in my area do not appear to require any more experience than I have. What I am asking and hoping for is for some advice on: 1. How to cope with the feelings of uncertainty and stress as a brand new nurse. 2. Resume-building. I've included the name and type of facility and unit I am on, and described the patient population we care for. I believe I've included all pertinent information. Should I also include that I am in a nurse residency program? 3. When asked on why I am seeking other employment, do you think it is appropriate and professional to say that I am in need of something closer to home? I certainly do not want to shine negative light on how I feel at my current job. I don't want employers to only see me as a "quitter". I feel like I'm walking on eggshells. I just don't think I can go on working there for another 6+ months. I feel ashamed for feeling this way... I know it is a great opportunity. But I can't handle simply going through the motions every day. I am also newly married, and I'm cranky when I come home, or I just go right to sleep... or cry myself to sleep from what I feel was a bad day. Lol. I'm sorry for this long post. I truly appreciate your feedback, and taking the time out of your day to read this. I'm just trying to find my niche in the nursing world.