How do I avoid losing my skills?

I work in an ALF. It's my first nursing job. I chart, pass meds, do a few vital signs, take blood glucose readings, change dressings, teach, and supervise aides. I've occasionally given oxygen, given nitroglycerin once, and called 911 for a few suspected strokes. That's it. I've been taught to draw blood, but I do it very rarely. Part of it is my shift (evenings), part of it is lack of resident need.

I didn't do a whole lot of skills in school, but they kept telling us we would learn more once we were working. Since I've graduated, I have yet to insert a cath, do a had-to-toe assesment, measure I and Os, or do anything involving IVs.

I'm looking at moving to a nursing home. I never thought I would consider a nursing home a step up, but I feel like I'm stagnating. Most of the LTC facilities in my area want 1 year of experience.

I've looked in to volunteering, but the positions I've found either don't involve hands-on care, require a lot of money for travel, or require EMT training.

How can I avoid losing my skills? Last edit by Not_A_Hat_Person on Aug 17, '09 : Reason: spelling