I'm a RN, BSN - middle-age, and have been in nursing about 15 yrs. I've been discouraged in that my average time at one place has never been over 2-3 yrs (usually d/t long hours, shortages, admin changes, etc.) - and I'm curious as to the average length of stay for other RN's? I'm also considering trying to do something "independently" & would appreciate input as to what options may exist? (Ie, has anyone tried private duty or work comp case management?) I'd appreciate your input?

Hi and welcome to the site

Have moved this to the General nurse forum where I think you will get more answers to your question

Hi and welcome. I've been a nurse for 15 years and have worked in one LTC facility for 2 years, one hospital 1 year, a second hospital 10 years and now I've been with this nephrology practice for 18 months.

ER #1 --- 11 years

ER #2 --- 8 years

Current job --- 6 months

I jumped units or hospitals every 2-3 years in the beginning. At my previous job, with a homecare agency I was there for 7 years. I'm in the middle of my 10th year at my current job in a daycare/preschool. Since you can try different things in nursing, I advise it, until you find the "perfect" job for you.

ER#1-2 yrs

ER#2-10

I just read your email and thought I wrote it! I am the same way. Have been a nurse for 15 years and the longest I have been at a job has been 5 years. The only reason I stayed with a particular company that long is because I could navigate within the company. I am now in my 5th year with my current company and am ready to leave. :angryfire I have worked in 4 different jobs there. I am starting to think I need to go to in to business for myself. So, don't think your the only one.:balloons:

I've been a nurse now for 11 years and in the beginning the longest i stayed with a job was two years. I've been at my current hospital for 4 years, I really like my unit, boss and the place i work. Unless something happens such as a layoff I plan on staying where i'm at, at least for right now. It took me a long time to find the place that was for me.

Nursing assistant at hospital #1: 3 1/2 years.

Nurse at hospital #2: 1 year

ICU at hospital #3: 8years

The closest I have seen to "independent" are per diem and agency people. True self-employment I have not encountered.

I'm a RN, BSN - middle-age, and have been in nursing about 15 yrs. I've been discouraged in that my average time at one place has never been over 2-3 yrs (usually d/t long hours, shortages, admin changes, etc.) - and I'm curious as to the average length of stay for other RN's? I'm also considering trying to do something "independently" & would appreciate input as to what options may exist? (Ie, has anyone tried private duty or work comp case management?) I'd appreciate your input?

I do not really know any numbers but your experience corresponds with my personal length of stay on a job. I do not know why you would find this discouraging.

Years ago one was job hopping if they did not stay in one place for 20 years. That all has changed. Employers are no more loyal to their workers than we are to them these days. I believe that is what started the job mobility we have today. Employers stopped being loyal themselves.

Actually I think moving around is good. you don't get stale. you and employers grow from people with different experience and back grounds. The hospital where I work is stuck in a very outdated unsafe culture. It has to change or it will be closed. The few of us who come from elsewhere recognized this long ago.

Now the state has put their foot down and says it will not tollerate it any longer.

The only real change is being intiated by those of us from else where. Most nurses at my hospital never every worked anyplace else. This is now causing sever problems.