Returning RN to ICU (SAHM for 4 yrs)

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Just wondering if there is anyone out there like me who has worked primarily ICU, took time off (over a year at least) and has returned to a different ICU? (Diff hosp or out of state)

Previously, I worked 5 yrs in 3 different ICUs at Level 1 trauma ctrs- (MICU,CCU and CSICU) then we moved out of state. (1st year was surgical tele floor). When I accepted a position in a PACU (out of state) also found that I was pregnant and later decided when I returned to work once baby older would return closer to home (other reasons but trying to keep short). Since I wasnt committed anywhere had one more child after that! So 3 yrs after pacu (only 6mo there) and 4yrs after ICU, I am now at a smaller hosp MICU and at the end of my orientation.

I knew it would take a little time to get my 'system' back thus, momentum however its been more frustrating than I thought it would be. First, I thought the acuity would be lower than it is however not sure what I expected, its still an ICU but not at a Level 1 trauma ctr. Being in cardiology you usually only had to know the cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, here its a potpourri of docs! who to call... who to call..

but mostly the stupid stuff you forget when you are with a preceptor! Im telling myself, 'I *know* I am smarter than this...' and they are looking at you like, "does this nurse know what she's doing?!?!?' Then you see the stupid stuff mentioned on your feedback form... like you didnt know, but hey I know, its feedback and they have to do that. Some things pretty much come back like how to do Swan readings, CO, ect and some vent stuff. But so far, thats the only thing Ive been able to impress them with as I am being told repeatedly about organization. That however is better since I have my 'systematic' way of doing things again- (which I only was able to obtain when I had a preceptor who gave me some breathing room!) But I am still not as fast as I used to be... Also, Ive had like 10 different preceptors so sometimes that is good to have some variation but sometimes not because they dont know what you need to work on...

Anyone out there going through this or precepting a 'returning RN'?

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Yes! Me :)

I just returned to work after being a SAHM for four years...same state, different city, different hospital (or course!). A lot of what you are saying sounds sooooo familiar! I mainly only had one preceptor...except for the last three weeks of my orientation; she went on maternity leave. In those three weeks I had three different ones and it was rough. They just didn't know where I was at...even though we reviewed this before heading to patient care. Boy, can I relate to your comment "which I only was able to obtain when I had a preceptor who gave me some breathing room!" I know they meant well, but there were some preceptors that really expected their way of doing things from me and didn't have any respect of any other way; not my original precetor, btw! I can tell you that things are *much* better now that I am "solo."

Maybe I got lucky because everyone in the unit is well aware that I am returning from a four year hiatus and are very supportive. Even my boss. We have a clinical ladder advancement procedure and he mentioned that he was placing me at my level because he knew that there would be a lot of reenforcement. I agreed of course!

Like you, there were some things that came back "naturally." I found it very odd that I was able to remember the equation to obtaining a CO...even though I never had to figure it out "manually." I did have to "shoot" CO's, but at my new job they have continuous CO monitors :cool: Anyway, just one thing that I found odd to have remembered after being away, what seemed to me, like forever!

Try to remain positive and take the criticism as constructive...although I know it can be difficult. Best wishes!

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Thanks IamRN! Good to see someone else in same position that can relate. Im sure there are more of us out there as Ive heard with the economy, that many have had to return when they were once able to stay home with children. I was ready to go back though. Had we not moved out of state I would have stayed part-time or contingent in the unit I was established in.

I feel better now about my progress. Day before yesterday I did not. In fact, I was kind of nauseous just thinking about going in working with a preceptor who I thought, thought I was not a good nurse. But then I decided I would just have to proove myself, change her mind about me. Or at least go down trying! LOL In my beginning days as a nurse when given constructive criticism, I tended to be quite defensive. I have gotten better at that. Its still my first reaction inside, however it stays mostly inside unless I really need to take up for myself. Mostly Ive learned to listen more, keep an open mind and not take it personally. I even try to put myself in their shoes. Dont know what kind of preceptor I would even make... I can see where it would be easier to go down the path of 'this nurse doesnt have a clue... is too slow... god, whats gonna happen...' but then hopefully I would remember that we ALL have been there, in the learning phase. In this case, the RElearning phase...:cool:

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Specializes in Gen Surg, Peds, family med, geriatrics.

And me!

I got a call last Monday from the patient care manager of a local small hospital. I'm going to be interviewing for a part time position in their med/surg ICU. My problem is that I last worked in an ICU about 15 years ago. For the past 11 years I've been working in doctor's offices.

I agreed to go to the interview and need to talk to them more. But I'm told that I will be taking courses and will go through some retraining. I figure it's a matter of "relearnning" a lot of the stuff I knew how to do. The technology is different from 15 years ago, I'm sure, but the basic skills are the same I imagine.

I never thought I would be able to get back into an ICU again. I really enjoyed working there and ended up quitting when I got pregnant. The thought of working there again scares me and thrills me at the same time.

I'm looking forward to it.

Laura

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Originally posted by laurasc

And me!

I got a call last Monday from the patient care manager of a local small hospital. I'm going to be interviewing for a part time position in their med/surg ICU. My problem is that I last worked in an ICU about 15 years ago. For the past 11 years I've been working in doctor's offices.

Laura

Good luck Laura! Sounds like they are going to give you some great re-training. You would be surprised how much things really have changed...that is a good thing :)

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Good luck Laura! Let us know how you are doing.

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Specializes in Gen Surg, Peds, family med, geriatrics.

Thanks. The more I think about it the more excited I am. We checked out the hospital today. It's a little hospital in the outskirts of a medium-sized rural town...it's literally in the middle of nowhere. A whole 15 to 20 minute drive from home. :) Everyone who knows the hospital says it's a really nice place.

I'll let you know how it goes, my interview is on Feb 6th.

Laura

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