Transitioning from Rehab/LTC to acute care

[allyyy]

So here’s my back story. After graduating, it was hard to find an job as a new nurse in the acute care setting. I’m from Hawaii so the options are you’re really lucky and get into a new grad program right away (which you owe roughly 20 grand if you leave in the first 2 years), you work as a CNA for a little bit to get your foot in the door and pray that they pick you for the new grad program (I know a few nurses that worked as CNAs for 2 years before they got it), or you work in a rehab/long term for a little and pray that you get hired in the hospital after a year or two. Some hospitals in Hawaii do new grad programs based on the census, so sometimes they don’t even have them. I decided to go the CNA route. So I was a CNA for almost a year after I graduated and they didn’t have a new grad program for that year. When the new grad program came about, there was about 20-30 CNAs applying to about 8-10 positions. At this time, I had the option to move to the Mainland with my bf. I decided to move. I decided to get a rehab/long term care job and I wanted to get experience for almost a year and then try for the hospital. The area that I moved to also doesn’t like to hire new grads. SO long story short, after 10 months, I got into a float pool position at a hospital AND I AM SINKING. I feel so stupid. I study and refresh on things but it’s such a different environment. I look like a fish out of water. I ask a lot of questions but I’m on a fine line of not looking stupid. Any one have any advice on this transition? Any one else have this problem?

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Were you an RN in LTC or only a CNA? The transition to acute care can be daunting, but is doable. I think being new to both acute care and float pool, though is particularly challenging. I'm surprised that a hospital would hire someone without acute care experience directly into the float pool. Is there the possibility to transition to a floor position? Having the stability of the same coworkers and a general routine would probably help a bit. If that's not an option, break down the challenges you're having into identifiable chunks. Is it assessment that's the problem? Time management? Treatments? What's the main problem. I'm sure there are some things that are going okay, so try not to make yourself feel like everything is going wrong. You are right to keep asking questions, but again, without consistent coworkers on a unit it can be hard to identify nurses that will be your best resource. Go back to the basics, get yourself a good report sheet and plan out your shift based on time. Things will come along, you have some healthcare experience, don't discount the value of that. Good luck!

[beekee]

Float pool is rough. Each floor had its own personality that you need to learn. If you are just starting in the hospital and feel like you are drowning, then you are right where you are suppose to be. The first year or so is rough. I can only imagine being in the float pool makes it harder. That being said, my hospital hires new grads into the float pool. They survive and you can too. Ask the stupid questions. It’s OK. I still ask stupid questions sometimes. I’d rather ask a stupid question than DO something stupid.