Rljohnson8

I think the biggest issue about going into home health is that some are afraid they will "lose valuable nursing skills" in the home health field of nursing. I was given a lot of discouraging input about going into a rehab/long term care facility as a new RN graduate. I was told I would have a hard time getting another job in the hospital setting if I ever wanted to because I dont have "hospital" experience as a licensed RN. I only have the 2 yrs of experience, while in school, in a variety of fields such as:med-surg, ICU, ER, OB, L & D, Peds, Oncology. I decided to go into the rehab facility F/T and Im super happy. They treat their employees wonderful! I get 3, 12-hr days a week, ALWAYS the same 3 days, and NO WEEKENDS! PLUS I got the added bonus of immediate benefits, paid time off and paid holidays! I couldnt ask for anything better! I hope I wont get the "I told you so" years from now if I end up having to look for another workplace for some reason or another!

Hi, I am a new grad May 2010 and new licensed RN July 2010. I have been offered an excellent position in a rehab facility as a RN that works with case workers, social workers, family and physicians to develop care plans and Id also be responsible for daily head-to-toe assessments, med admin., wound care, IV therapy, foley's, catheters. As a RN there I would also participate in planning for discharge to LTC, Hopsice or home. I feel the same way you do in regards to feeling like it might affect my long-term career prospects since I am technically not doing a whole lot of "bed-side" nursing. I understand how you feel about the whole job- market too, contrary to popular belief its not easy finding a RN position as a new grad! Congrats on your new job too! Take that happiness and apply it into the work you do, you cant go wrong with that!

Thank you llg for your reply! Yes, the hospital does have a pay back penalty if you terminate your contract before the 2 yrs. The amount depends on how much time you have left to complete the term. I had a phone interview and they said they were not sure if they could guarantee a "day" intern and they could not guarantee which "campus" I would end up working at. I also have to agree to work every other weekend. In addition to this the hospitals benefits do not become effective until 3 months of hire. At the rehab center benefits start DAY ONE of hire including PTO. There are no weekends involved and it involves working 3, 12hr week-day shifts. The rehab facility is a private center and with a more personal work environment but it has the benefit of a large corporate facility because they have branches throughout the US. The nurses and staff that have worked there have been there for years. I will be responsible for assessments, passing meds, documentation of care, admission/discharge assessments, team "care-plan" meetings every week with the physician, social worker, family and director of nursing, basic nursing care (foleys, straight cath's, wound care, IV therapy, teaching, central line care, diagnostic testing)I really feel this is a good opportunity for me but again,I get conflicting opinions from well meaning friends that I will "lose skills". Couldn't I take a refresher course of some sort if I decided to move back into the hospital environment? Besides, what if I really enjoy this rehab-field? I like the idea of having more personalized patient care and having more of a role in the rehabilitation of patient's. Anyhow, thanks again for your opinio, every little input helps!

Hi everyone! I am a new RN and I have been looking for job opportunities in my area and so far have 2. One is as an intern in the hospital setting but the pay is not very competitive because this city only has ONE hospital system and you must sign a 2 yr contract with them if you are hired. The other is at a rehab facility designed to help geriatric patient's get back on their feet and back into their homes to avoid long term care. The rehab facility has great benefits, excellent starting pay for new grads, and there is NO contract! The issue is Im getting a lot of opinions from nursing classmates that say starting in a rehab facility isnt a good idea because I may lose skills and have little chance to move on up into another field if I wanted. Im hoping an experienced nurse:nurse: can give me some good advice. Thanks!

Ok so I tried the Pearson Vue trick but it will not do the "search" for my school in my city. I tried the 2 cities that also have campuses from the same state college I graduated from and the "search" pulled up every other college except mine! So needless to say I could not go on any further than that to finish up the trick and get the "good" or "bad" pop-up!! Uugh, just my luck. I took the test today, it shut off at 75 ques! So the waiting begins!