Will I be able to take that transition back into acute care without failing?

[Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN]

Hello, I've been working in Mental Health since 2006 (before that I worked in LTC and MedSurg) and I absolutely love it. But lately Ive been desiring a change, and fear is holding me back. I would love to work in Oncology, Hospice or even Mother/Baby. Whats holding me back is mental health required less technical skills, im afraid that if I have to start an IV or draw blood I would feel like a failure if I cant do it. Im wondering if there is a way to brush up on my skills before applying to a new position. To be honest the only skills I worry most about is starting IVs and blood draws (because I was never good at this). Other skills I have maintained during mental health (OR done so many times in the past previous to Mental Health that I think catching back on wouldnt be difficult). Has anyone else gone from psych to acute care?

[dicegirl75]

I have only worked on the med/surg floor but some of my co-workers have come form LTC and began working on the floor. I believe it will depend on the facility you work for but most hospitals require an orientation period where you have to check off on your skills with a mentor. So with that being said you should be able to brush up on your skills during the orientation period. You learned the basic skills and they are still with you so don't worry you just need the practice.

[PACNWNURSING]

Apply for a job in the emergency room, your skills will be brought up to speed quickly and then move on to where you want to work.

[BluegrassRN]

Really, don't worry about it. If you need to insert IVs at your job, you'll get all the practice you need. You have more experience than a brand new nurse, and they get hired, right?

You bring time management as well as extensive experience dealing with the mentally ill (believe me, we need that in acute care). You'll pick up your other skills as you need them.

If you apply for several positions, do not land a job, and get feedback that your lack of acute care experience is holding you back, *then* go for a refresher course. I really think, though, that pysch is not a bad background to have in the areas in which you are interested. Good luck!

[Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN]

Thanks guys, I think Im just so nervous because Ive been in psych so long and Ive gotten so comfortable - trying something new is scary. Thanks for the support.

[MillieT]

Well, I just went back into oncology/med surg after a decade of being out of the hospital. I worked in a peds clinic for the last 3 yrs. I can honestly say it's like riding a bike, all the skills came back to me. I did so many IV starts many yrs ago, that the technique is still fresh in my mind as well as CVL dressing changes. I even remembered trach suctioning and I hadn't done that in a LONG time and maybe only a few times at best.

Before I started working I watched several videos on youtube, from Hawk nurse. I believe that's the name. They were really good for brushing up on skills. Orientation was helpful too. I only had 8 shifts of on floor orientation, but some hospitals have 3 month preceptorships.

There are also nurse refresher courses if you want to really get your skills up. Contact your BON for ones in your state.

[Nurzelady]

There are several IV phelbotomy courses for nurses that you can take to refresh your skills. You can research them online and the classes are usually just one day

[Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN]

There are several IV phelbotomy courses for nurses that you can take to refresh your skills. You can research them online and the classes are usually just one day

I will definitely do this, thank you all so much!

[MillieT]

The hospital where I was hired at also has an IV team. They let you follow them for a day if you need to.