Qualified for 7 years but no ward experience

World UK

Published

I'm wondering if anyone can give me some honest opinions/advice.

I qualified 7 years ago and my first nursing position was on a busy urgent assessment unit. I was chucked in at the deep end and didn't really receive much support. The total opposite really, I was made the black sheep as I was so anxious, made worse by the pressures of the unit and the feeling I had no support. I managed to last a year in that environment and moved to a clinical area where small procedures are carried out. I have been in this role for the past 6 years.

my problem is, I really want to be a ward nurse. However, I'm really worried I would not have the first clue of what to do. I have not completed any admissions documents or care plans, not had any wound care experience, or even done a drug round for 6 years. I'm worried I would be expected to know all this when for the last 6 years I've had to deal with a maximum of 3 drugs and probably put up the same amounts of fluids. I can't even remember how to mix antibiotics! I know I'm a quick learner and would eventually get back on track. Do you think I would be ok and the ward would give me a small preceptorship type period. Or have I just left it too long? Any comments would be appreciated, especially from people in similar circumstances. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

I am not sure where you work but as a recruiting manager yes, I would give you a similar package to the newly registered nurses to support you into ward work. With the current nursing shortage you can ask for what you need and I think most areas would be sympathetic

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Call me a devil's advocate. Why do you want to leave a clinic setting?

Are you doing shift work now?

You speak of lacking skills for ward work, but you have skills that you use.

Be careful what you wish for, you may miss the routine of clinic and defined hours.

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Specializes in Critical care.

I can't really add much to what's already been said, apart from the mixing ABX thing: Medusa is your friend.

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