csiln

I have not worked as an RN for 10 years but would like to return as an hospice nurse. Any thoughts?

Another example of a nurse who can lording it over a nurse who can't. There are some hungry nurses out there just waiting to "eat".

I was taught how to start an IV - in school, on jobs, etc. BUT I have a 2 out of 21 failure record. I keep trying, but it just seems like a skill I can't master. If there's someone that can start an IV, why in the world would I stick a patient twice and then get someone else who could do it the first time? I don't get the hangup about everybody being able to do everything. Its about patient care and putting an already traumatized person through more pain when its so unnecessary.

PLEASE RESPOND SOMEONE!! Is it possible to do a good job in HH with very little nursing experience. My greatest fear is not knowing how to handle a situation and being by myself. Post note: I graduated in Dec, 2005 work two jobs for 6 weeks each (VA & local hospital - horrid experiences - four-day orientations, hateful nurses, etc. it was awful) and quit nursing. I just started in Jan, 2007 at a rehab hosp in SCI and though the orientation was great and the nurses wonderful - I just don't like hospital nursing - staffing, scheduling, you know. BUT I'm tired of searching for my "niche" and many people (most of them nurses) have told me I would be good at HH. I don't want to change jobs again and then find I'm frustrated (and fearful) b/c of lack of experience. Thanks to anyone who'll give advice.

Being generous I would have to say a 5. (I graduated Dec, 2005, worked 3 months, hated it, quit and started a new job in Jan, 2007 -- although a much nicer environment, I still regret ever going into nursing and will probably quit after school loans are paid off.)

I just started on a SCI unit and was given this website for info. spinalcord.uab.edu.

Only you can make the final decision, but I'm a recent RN graduate and am sooo sorry I didn't get my LPN and stop at that. As an LPN you can practice much of the same patient care without all the paperwork (at least this was true at the local hospital I worked at). I met another RN at the hospital who had been an LPN for years (how many I can't remember) and she regretted getting her RN (it was some program offered for rural nurses or something --like me, she wished she had thought more about it). I quit hospital nursing and have been looking for an office job, but they hire LPNs or MAs. Personally, I would take some time off and work awhile. You can always go back to school -- I was 51 when I started! Good luck with your decision!

I tried to get responses within another thread to no avail. Hope someone will be able to give me some advice. I am 55 and graduated last Dec. Hospital nursing was very frustrating -- either too many patients (18) or, in another hospital, too little orientation (5 days with a preceptor). I haven't worked in 3 months now because I'm wondering what went wrong and should I just give it up. However, several friends and past fellow students have encouraged me to get into home health because I have very good client relationship skills and just need the opportunity to learn the ropes (especially paperwork). The Dept. of Health is hiring home health nurses right now and, if I'm reading the requirements correctly, does not list experience as necessary. However, (sorry this is so long) what do you that are in home health think about someone with no experience getting into it. Will it be another frustrating experience? Will I get an orientation? Thanking all of you who take the time to answer.

I graduated Dec. 2006 and worked 6 wks in two different hospitals. The first I had 9 pt. working up to 18 - there was just so little patient care time. The second the nurses were definitely "young eaters" and the bickering amongst themselves and back biting about me (I overheard a conversation that still makes me feel bad) and only 5 days with a preceptor made me hate myself for spending the money, time, and effort it took to become an RN. Anyway, I've been reading the posts on allnurses for three months and would really like to go into home health, but is that a good idea for a new nurse? Our state health department is hiring Home Health Nurse I now. My strongest asset when I worked was my patient relationships - even as a student the patients would say I was going to be a great nurse, many said I was compassionate and they were so glad I was there nurse. BUT, I know experience makes a really great nurse and that's what I want to be.

Wow, thanks!! Family situations right now are keeping me from looking, but after next week I am going to at least get a CV written up. Again, thanks all of you for taking the time to post!

Thanks for the replies. I have thought about doing just what you suggested dacry... I do have one question, what are you referring to when you say you used a CV?

Graduated in Dec 2005 and the VA was my first job. Orientation was awesome, but patient ratio (nights) was awful!! 18 patients and my first night with my preceptor she told me the first half of the floor the patients were mine (9!). The night I was on the med cart, I had all 36 patients. Emphasis was on electronic charting and not patient care. Also med cart and admits were done a lap top and I was soooo slow. Quit. Great bunch of people to work for, but most were waiting for retirement. Good luck!!

I graduated Dec, 2005. I passed boards in March and immediately went into Med/Surg -- lasted 3 months and hated it. I've since quit nursing and its taken 2 month to start feeling like a normal human being. The thought of going back to hospital is very depressing. My question to all of you is, how did you find your office position? I'm working on a resume that will accentuate my attributes (100% attendance in school, willingness to learn, excellent patient relations, etc.) that will reflect the possibilities if I am given a chance even though I do not have the med/surg one-year experience. Then I thought I would take it to the different doctor offices in the area. Any advice would be very greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Interesting.

How would you like to have just graduated? If its difficult for an experienced nurse, I don't see how the nursing shortage is going to be helped when nurses that have been at a facitlity awhile treat nurses (experienced or new) with a sink or swim mentality. Again and again, I ask why? What do nurses gain by not going all out to see that new nurses succeed? Hope it works for you. I hated hurting and legs cramping all night and I only had a 15 min. drive to work! You must be exhausted!