kttc

Kudos to you for tackling a return to the bedside! I can't speak for the UK, but healthcare has really changed in the US over the last 8 years. You may already be familiar with all the core measures for safety and quality out there. Sometimes numbers and outcomes seem to drive things from a business point of view.The art of nursing and intangible things that nurses do don't always bring the kind of return on investment (ROI) that "numbers" do. That might strike you a bit differently when you return. Realize it for what it is and try to balance so that you don't become frustrated and burnt out. Not sure what type of setting you are interviewing for, but it would be helpful to be aware of what the outcome measures are for that area. Also, the mission, values, and philosophy of the organization. Be knowledgeable in other words. Attitude is important too - flexibility, teamwork (huge), lifelong learning interest, reliability, willingness to learn (especially given you are returning and may not know all the new technology being used now). Whatever you do, DO NOT ask for vacation permission or if you have to work "x" holiday. That can come later. I've interviewed young nurses who have done this (and weren't hired). Be respectful, polite, above all honest. Know what your weakness is and be ready to speak to it (everyone has a weakness...just put a positive spin on it). Manners are essential. Be sure to state somewhere how you really want to take care of/help patients. Thank you cards are helpful and may set you apart from other candidates. Bottom line: all things being equal, they are looking to see if you are a good fit for the unit and can answer "yes" to the question, Do I want to work with this person? Try to relax and "have a chat" vs a formal interview. They want to get to know you and who you are. Good luck!

Begs the question of how much bedside nursing input is obtained when the pharm companies engineered that design?

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I did start a home health job prn so hoping this will satisfy the clinical component. We'll see! I'm trying to be positive and will give the day job a litle more time. I wasn't doing too good with the micromanaging when it started in the hospitals several years back. The one post reminded me how still real that is. I thought about teaching clinical but heard the pay is very low for the amount of time and extra work that is expected. It's a thought though! Thank you again

Wow. Sorry to hear you had to go through that experience, but happy it ended up in a good way! I was most concerned, too, that the administrator was so flippant about if the patient dies - well, you tried - attitude. Totally unacceptable and shocking coming from an administrator. A very timely event though as TJC just made clinical alarm safety a national patient safety goal for 2014. I have had to work in suboptimal staffing conditions. I was obligated to stay (abandonment issues) but someone mentioned to make sure I document somewhere that I'm doing it under protest. Not sure of the legal end of that though. At any rate, you seem to be in a better, safer place with leadership that supports patient safety philosophies, values, and practices. Congrats!

I have been a nurse for 20 years, most being at the bedside. After my graduate work was done I took a position doing quality work in an office atmosphere not connected to a hospital. The majority of my work now is paperwork and administration stuff. I've learned a lot but I'm unhappy. I miss patient care as crazy as it sounds. With all the changes in healthcare I question being able to keep up with it all. Or will employers hire a nurse with a lot of experience for a staff position? I'm worried about giving up a good job in a nice environment working with great people for the "grass being greener" and it may not be. The work though is unfulfilling. I don't know how much longer I can sit at a desk. Advice?