What Direction should I go in.

[Roda dendron]

I recently just left my First Nursing job due to going back to college to get my RN and because i'm not too fond how how Nursing home's and LTC facilities are being ran by the higher ups, i'm also not too fond of the Cliques, gossip that run rampant through those places, it reminds me too much of being back in high school. I lasted nearly 8 months at this first job but with school starting in less than 3 weeks i was a Sweet relief to leave that place even though I Loved working with the residents.

Now that i know how it is like in those settings, What is it like working in a Hospital setting? Its it more professional, Is it more about team work, which is what i'm looking for. Im just not sure what direction I want to go in, in the nursing field. Im very type A, Im pretty much an introvert with most people but i love nurse patient interaction. I would love to learn how to start IV's. Someone mentioned for me to check out the Emergency room. Any suggestions?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Professional team like environments are found in many workplaces, high functioning teams can be seen in acute care, LTC, clinics, the OR, any place where there are healthcare teams. Successful teams have effective, supportive leaders, safe patient ratios and low staff turn over, look for these qualities on the units when you do your clinical placements and try to get hired on one of these units after you become a RN.

[Sour Lemon]

I recently just left my First Nursing job due to going back to college to get my RN and because i'm not too fond how how Nursing home's and LTC facilities are being ran by the higher ups, i'm also not too fond of the Cliques, gossip that run rampant through those places, it reminds me too much of being back in high school.

Now that i know how it is like in those settings, What is it like working in a Hospital setting?

Hospital settings are more than capable of having all those issues, as well. Don't build it up to be some sort of utopia. It's not.

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

I agree, I worked in LTC as an LPN and sometimes I worked with a fabulous team that had each others backs and then I worked with managers that had an "out to get you" and crucified anyone for any little mistake. It changed the whole team, even when it was mostly the same people.

I always ask on interviews "Describe your team" and "what's the best thing about working here". When they talk smack about their team or short comings, or avoid and dodge the question, it's real red flag. When the benefits (insurance and pay) are the best thing they have to say about working there, that makes me worry too. Be aware that different units in the same facility can have different cultures.

The place am working now described their team as "family that backs you up, jumps in when you're swamped and trades shifts when life happens."

The best thing about working there was "we get along, the higher managers took their concerns to heart, and replaced equipment when needed and the company supports their employees physical, emotional and spiritual well being, because they know happy employees work better."

You couldn't sign me up fast enough. I'm only 2 months in, and I never expected it to be quite that good, but I can tell you it has been a wonderful experience with the training and orientation more then I've ever had and continues.