Successful unconventional RN positions with less than yr exp

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

Hi All

Awhile ago I had a thread exploring an option presented to me to be an educator for a hospice. Since I have very little experience (now closing in on 4 mos) The feedback I got was to wait until I had actual experience to draw on, and that by and large I would most likely fail if I would try to educate on something that I had no solid background in. (the 'ol gotta have that year of hospital and it totally makes sense) btw I work at a SNF/LTC.

What I'm looking for is anyone here or that you know of, that bucked tradition and succeeded. We all know there are those of us not cut out for bedside/floor etc..., and know that upfront. I want to hear from anyone that was able to circumvent floor nursing.

This opportunity is still interested in me b/c of my work ethic, personality and quest for knowledge. The reason the position exists, is the current person is moving on to a director position but will maintain training for this. They've interveiwed people with the years of background but not the right fit people wise. They think I'm trainable but of course I have my concerns.

This at least keeps in liine with my future goals of community education, however I eventually want to specialize in health promotion and prevention. I really don't like where I am right now. I'm grateful to have a job that's paying the bills, but it's not enough. This position would give me my life back, it would be daylight.

I'm also looking for people that are working in offices or occupational nursing. I've read hear of some that work in doctor's offices and they have to do patient teaching and some of them said they left the hospital fairly early on as they realized it didn't work for them, I'd like to hear how you managed.

[steelcityrn, RN]

First off, I am surprised they would consider a new nurse with 4-5 months experience for that position. I can only recommend to you that if you do not want to do hospital or snf work, consider working as a case manager in homecare or hospice. When someone comes to my company without homecare experience, it can be looked on as a positive, as you can learn that particular system the way they would want you to.

[misplaced1]

I know lots of people that never did work in a hosptial and are educators in different capacity, many working for health depts. Yo could always pick up a few shifts with the hospice. If they think you can do it and you arent putting anyones life in danger why not give it a shot if its something you like the position wont be around forever. Sounds to me like you are lucky to get an op for something you may like this early on.

[txbluebonnet]

Hi there. I'm not sure this is what you're looking for but I'll tell my story. I graduated with my ADN in May of 07, passed my boards in July and was hired to work in Daysurgery Recovery at a mid-sized hospital in August. They completely trained me in Recovery and (after I asked repeatedly) PACU and eventually Pre-op. I really liked working there, but the hours were very unpredictable with tons of unwanted overtime. I left there after 1.5 years to become a Diabetes Educator for a large diabetes specialty group. Again, they trained me since I knew only the basics about diabetes. After 8 months, I had the chance to become a Hospice Case Manager and I jumped on it. I knew next to nothing about being a hospice nurse but my company was willing to train me. I've been doing this for six months and I absolutely love it. I don't see myself leaving this job because I feel like this is why I became a nurse. I've been a nurse for almost three years and have never worked med-surg, but I don't think it's hurt my career path one bit. I'm where I want to be as a nurse and have received very positive feedback with each of my jobs. I'm very thankful that I was given the opportunity to go for my dreams and am glad I went for it instead of following the going rule. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.