RFA158

I have been an RN for 3 years, working full-time in community health in CA. Am returning to the hospital (med-surg) full-time, as I am obtaining my MSN in nursing education. I am a bit nervous about the switch, but wanted to do it, as I felt I was losing clinical skills. A few questions: 1) What should I purchase in terms of supplies? Of course, already being an RN, I already have a stethoscope, scrubs, etc. 2) Also...any suggestions of any books I should consider to be invaluable? I read the advice on another thread in terms of what everyone suggested for surviving med-surg....loved it! I just had a few more questions. Thanks in advance!

I have been an RN for 3 years, working full-time in community health in CA. Am returning to the hospital (med-surg) full-time, as I am obtaining my MSN in nursing education. I am a bit nervous about the switch, but wanted to do it, as I felt I was losing clinical skills. A few questions: 1) What should I purchase in terms of supplies? Of course, already being an RN, I already have a stethoscope, scrubs, etc. 2) Also...any advice??? Please? Thanks, Sascha B.

Hello, everyone- I am an RN/BSN, and have been for 3 years. I live on the west coast. Since graduation, I have been working in Public Health (which I love, but the pay is AWFUL, and the politics of being supervised by non-medical staff are even worse). I am also getting my MSN in nursing education (graduate in May, 2008), so am teaching part-time in preparation for this (co-lecturing for med surg). I have been thinking that it would be best to work med-surg just to get all of the fundamentals down pat, plus it would make me more marketable once I obtain my MSN degree. The pay would be better, too. I am looking at a day shift, full-time (12 hrs per shift) med-surg position. Question is: do I leave a job that I love, but is not challenging or mentally difficult in any way, or......... do I take a job that I might not like as much, but challenges me as a nurse and keeps my skills fresh, plus makes me more marketable as a nursing instructor? Please help....I have a huge dilemma here, and will be having an interview soon. I don't know who to ask if this is the correct decision or if I should just stay put! Thank you in advance for your replies...I will definitely take them to heart! Kathy F.