seeking advice from those who have made nursing career changes...

[GN1974]

Hello everyone!

I am so happy to have found such a neat site! I have been an LPN for many years...primarily working in pedi-homecare (vents, trachs, g-tubes, etc). I completed the bridge program and have decided I would like to get hospital experience--primarily because I need a change. I just accepted a position on a med/surg unit in a smaller hospital. I guess I am fearful because in homecare and my bridge program we didn't do many IV's other than theory and in the lab environment. The nurse manager reassured me that they would make every effort to get me up to speed. I will be working with a preceptor for 12 weeks. It will be a very big change going from homecare LPN to hospital RN staff. I do have confidence in myself..I am just nervous. Every place I have worked I have received compliments on the quality of job I do. I try to put my all in everything I do--I even graduated with honors.

If anyone else has made a big change like this how was it?

Thank you all in advance and I look forward to your feedback.

Karen

[begalli]

I will be working with a preceptor for 12 weeks.

Karen,

The part I quoted is what is going to help you make a smooth transition and help you become the hospital bedside RN that you are hoping to be!!

I've always been in critical care so I can't relate an experience of changing fields, but if I were to make a change, I would definitely want to have the kind of support that it seems you are going to get.

Sounds like your professional integrity and the nursing care you deliver is important to you. The IV experience will come with exposure to the opportunity to work with IV's. The majority of nurses who are starting their careers are in the same boat and seem to come through just fine.

You will also do fine! Be open to learning as MUCH as you possibly can because it WILL be different.