returning to bedside nursing

[bcollins185]

I've been away from bedside nursing for about 3 years and even then I didn't stay on the floor long (maybe 3-4 months). I've always done psych nursing plus I took a year off to take care of my grandma. My question is I've returned to acute care but for a hospital that has an RN Residency Program. Are there any suggestions about how this program or any other supportive resources to survive in Med-Surg?

[jjjoy, LPN]

I'd suggest looking for a refresher course with a clinical component so that you could have a taste of bedside nursing again before applying for and committing to a full-time position. If you didn't take to bedside nursing before, there's a good chance you won't like it again. But there's a chance it could work, too. If you're not sure, it's worth a try!

The better and longer the preceptorship for new grads and returnees cost more and facilities are likely to require a contract where you repay them at least of portion of their training costs if you leave before the specified time. If you do this, I'd suggest socking away a good portion of each paycheck in case it doesn't work out and you've got to hand over some money to leave.

In other words, expect that there will be time and money costs in making this transition. If this is what you want to do, it will definitely be worth it in the long run.

Good luck!