Rusty on clinical. Where to start to refresh??

[CobraRN]

Hi all,

I graduated over 5 years ago and went straight into non-clinical RN work as that was all that was available at the time.

I have recently taken a RN Home Health job because the supervisor agreed to train me which I thought was a great opportunity to brush up and make my resume stronger as I have no clnical experience to speak of.

I AM SO OVERWHELMED.

I am trying to brush up on everything but I am seriously very stressed about being the 'eyes on' these patients and missing something! I did my first f/u visit on a pt today wiht my supervisor and was completely overwhelmed. To top it off, this is a small company where I really feel that no one has the time to help me or catch me up to speed.

Main concerns: I have the very basic ideas of wound care (definitely something I need for this job) but don't really know the types of products to be using frequently. I watch what the nurses do but...

--I am also very concerned about missing something with these patients who we are trying to keep from getting readmitted.

I don't even know what my question is. I guess maybe it's for anyone that has been out of clinical for a while, how did you prioritize getting back up to speed and how to judge dangerous situations, etc.

Help, please. I seriously have been verging on tears for hours now...

Thanks so much.

[caliotter3]

Online courses, seminars, webinars? Buy a current edition book on wound care and study on your own time as well as take the book along with you on visits for reference? I would glom on to the nurse who promised to train you and make her live up to the promise. If she brushes you off, maybe the time will come that you need to look elsewhere for a job.

[Avill, BSN, RN]

I agree with the previous post on the fact that if she doesn't take time to train you, it may be best to go elsewhere. After all that is your licence on the line.

I work as a School Nurse and HH PRN. I've been very fortunate that the nurses teach me skills if I need to be taught and I can ask questions. I would say if possible, try to develop a relationship with 1 nurse. She can be your "reference nurse".

As far as wound care goes, you should have orders on file for the visits unless they have a new wound, but it should be straight forward. After a while you will start seeing the same type of dressings for specific wounds.

And for assessment. Just touch up on general head-to-toe assessment - specially your cardiovascular and respiratory assessment (lung sound ect.).

I don't have my binder on me. But I can reply tomorrow with a handout of different types of wound supplies and their use if you are interested?

[no experience nurse]

Hi, can I ask how you got started in non clinical nursing without experience? I'm in the same boat right now and need a job but have no experience because I decided to stay home with my little one after I graduated. I would love any information or guidance you can spare :)