Returning to the Hospital after 3 years in Public Health - Only 3 months Hospital Experience

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Specializes in school nursing, autism, behavior disorders.

Hi everyone, I'm having a little a bit of a career crisis and could use some advice.

I graduated in May of 2021, and started my first job as a New Grad in July of 2021. I was admitted into the New Grad program and worked 3 months in the Trauma ICU. I was 20 years old, and this was the first job that I ever (literally ever) had. My dream was trauma/emergency medicine, and so when I realized that the job wasn't right for me at this time (due to the stress and pressure), it crushed me and I wanted out. So I only worked for 3 months before I left. After that I spent time re-evaluating (about a year) what I wanted and fell into school nursing and I LOVE it. After 2 years of working here though, I feel called to go back to the hospital. While I love what I do, I really don't feel like I'm a nurse at all. Yes, I do more than just Band-Aids and ice, but I really truly don't utilize much of my nurse training. I MISS the skills, the documentation (EMR, Epic), I miss the environment, everything. But, I am scared to death to go back to the hospital. It's been 3 years since I worked in the hospital, and I only had 3 months to grow as a new nurse... which is not long enough to build a foundation. That being said, I have applied to the Novant RN Residency program for Spring 2025 and am hopeful (interview next week). However, my interests are in women's health and NICU, but those are probably full (also considering oncology). I'm scared to go into med/surg because I feel like I have lost so much of my knowledge... I feel like I'll fall flat on my face and drown with 6 patients (in the ICU I only had 2). Does anyone have any tips? Suggestions? Or advice? I'm beyond doubtful of myself, but I am determined. I often feel like I'm crazy for wanting to go back to 3 12s when I have the "perfect" schedule with weekends, holidays, and summers off. But man do I miss being a nurse.

 

All advice and encouragement welcome. Thank you for reading!

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