Where do I belong as RN?

[hopefloats]

I worked as a Registered Nurse for 3 years, primarily in med/surg. I enjoyed certain aspects of nursing, but the stress of increasing patient loads and patient severity outweighed any job satisfaction. I was always so unsure of myself and my skills. I relied heavily on the RN's I worked with to help me make decisions. Although, the nurses seemed to believe in me (they moved me into the position of interim charge nurse while our other charge nurse was out for surgery) I never felt I was coming into my own in nursing. I left the field 6 years ago.

Now I would like to return. My question is where can I work as an RN that utilizes my own gifts in nursing? I'm going to be perfectly honest now...I don't enjoy trying to master a variety of complicated nursing skills. I get stressed out very easily since my initial exposure to nursing was so negative. I would rather focus on a particular area and feel very confident in concentrated skill sets. Having that confidence allows me to meet the needs of my patients and myself. More than anything, I miss connecting with my patients and helping them get through procedures or fighting the illness itself. I was never afraid to put myself out there when helping a patient or family member deal with the emotional or spiritual aspects of illness. I was actually drawn to those situations.

I know there has to be a place for me in nursing, can someome please help me find it?

[old bear]

Have you ever thought about doing home care nursing? You can have one on one with 1 or more patients, the stress level is low and your scheduling is pretty much yours.

Or have you thought about teaching in an LPN school or as an assitant teacher?

If you want to return to nursing at a hospital how about choosing a smaller hospital. Just some ideas to get you motivated. I have been out of nursing for 2 years now working in an office & I hate hate it!!!! Good luck to you

[ladytraviler]

Have you thought about patient education, school nursing, or maybe LTC. Just some food for thought. Might even want to think about hospice nursing. Your post seems to suggest that these may be some fields for you to look into.:)

[fab4fan]

You need to have very strong clinical and assessment skills to work home health and hospice. You need to be able to think on your own; you don't usually have someone else around to ask for a second opinion. Docs are counting on you to be their eyes and ears for home care/hospice pts., and believe me, it can be stressful.

I often wonder why people have the impression that home care/hospice is easier. Some of my most challenging work was in these areas. And you are often very pressed for time, since productivity is an issue.

As a hospice clinical director, I look for someone who has those strong skills to be a case manager. Someone who needs a lot of guidance may not be able to handle working independently.

I wonder if you might benefit from a refresher course. If you've been out of nursing for 6y, and weren't that comfortable when you were active, it might be to your benefit. Going back in cold might be difficult.

[Big Bab's]

what about psych nursing in a private facility??...or even rehab nursing??

[sjoe]

TB clinic

STD clinic

Blood bank

Look for opportunities like these where you need to know only a few specific skills and can become expert at them.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Originally posted by hopefloats

I would rather focus on a particular area and feel very confident in concentrated skill sets. Having that confidence allows me to meet the needs of my patients and myself. More than anything, I miss connecting with my patients and helping them get through procedures or fighting the illness itself. I was never afraid to put myself out there when helping a patient or family member deal with the emotional or spiritual aspects of illness. I was actually drawn to those situations.

I know there has to be a place for me in nursing, can someome please help me find it?

Sounds like you might fit nicely in a small outpatient dialysis clinic. But I emphasize SMALL.. (no more than a total of 30 patients in the clinic) if you desire the personal contact with patient and familiy as mentioned above.

Everything you wrote here seems to describe this setting. Might be just what you're looking for... to excell in one specific area of nursing ... and find it quite rewarding to boot.

You are wise to analyze and recognize your strengths as well as your weaknesses and I give you credit for your personal honesty.

If the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it. There IS a shoe that fits you quite well out there, you have wonderful qualities... they will not be wasted.

Wish you the best in your search... keep us posted. :)

[hopefloats]

I appreciate all the feedback. The information has been very helpful and encouraging. I was hesitant to post anything, but now I'm so glad I did.

Thanks again!

[Big Bab's]

This is one reason that nursing is such a great field, there is SOOO many different things you can do with it!!!!

[ladytraviler]

I never said homehealth/hospice was easy but she did say she liked to relate one on one with patients and there families. I think this would allow her to do that and use the skills she is comfortable with. I appoligize for any misunderstanding. I have the greatest respect for these nurses because I know I could not do this area of nursing. I think from what she stated that this might be an area to look into.