skill base/knowledge

[Scout'smom]

I went back to school for my RN when I was in my 50's, graduating 2011. I am also a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. When I graduated I quickly took a job as a psych clinic nurse. I now work again in addictions, but primarily as a counselor. I'd like freshen up my basic knowledge and skills of nursing, just to stay "well rounded" but honestly I think my calling will remain in addictions. Should I A) take a part time job at a long term care facility? B)take a refresher course ever couple of years, or C)just keep pulling out the text books from time to time?

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Frankly, I think you found your calling. If you want to keep your technical skills intact, you can always take refresher courses and go to conferences for nurses. Pulling out the old textbooks, not so much.....the way things are going, pretty much everything in them is outdated by the time you graduate. But you are in your element right now---why move on to something else when you already have what you want?

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Awhile back my psych/addictions job was eliminated and I ended up on a med/surg floor. I found that my nursing skills knowledge came back pretty quickly, and I was able to refresh my knowledge too, without too much difficulty. It's amazing how much one can learn when there's a practical reason for learning it. Not so much when it's just book-knowledge!