karen11

Hi, I am a PHN and would be glad to help with your questions. Send me a post and we can do a phone interview if you would like.

Here is another thought/slant: After graduation I worked a busy med-surg floor and felt like you did. I hated every work day and ran scared the whole time. Luckily I didn't make any med errors, but before I did I decided to take another nursing route. I got out of acute care and went to Home Health, then scaled down (but far from dumbing down and definitely a plus for me) Public Health. Home Health gave me confidence and great patient/assessment skills because you are focused on only ONE patient at a time and have the orders in your hand or they are given to you on the phone. It is rewarding because 99% of the time the patient's are sooo happy to see you. Additionally, you are able to follow their progress and feel you have made a difference in their recovery. Just a thought. It is important to get some acute care experience under your belt to buiild the confidence needed to go into Home Health, but in the end it is well worth it. If you have a BSN, Public Health is great as well. New grads (with a BSN) have gone straight into Public Health. I have done that for years and LOVE IT!! Good luck in your nursing career and find what makes you happy!!

This is my first time to post and I just became a member to this site. Here is my situation and would love some words of encouragement. I am returning to acute care (Endoscopy and PACU) after being out of the acute care arena for 24 years! I have been an RN since 1983, BSN 1995, MSN 2005. I have worked primarily in Public Health, Home Health and School Nursing. I will be given your typical orientation and I do not believe I will be "thrown to the wolves" but I am really nervous of making a mistake or not being quick-thinking enough. I did this same job 24 years ago, but ALOT has changed! I will be expected to take call and this is a full-time position. I hope someone will respond and give me some suggestions. Thanks!