Hi all,

I work in a small (400 deliveries/year) hospital where we do L&D,NN, & postpartum. I handed in my resignation that goes into effect starting soon.

I really enjoy working in in this place, but of course with any place you work there are cons to it. We have a great nurse manager, but morale on the unit isn't very good and it seems like no one is working as a team member.

I have signed a travel nurse position, but am afraid I have made a mistake. Does anyone have any words of advice or encouragement? I wish the hospital would allow me to take a leave to try the travel nursing. I would think they would want a happy employee.

Right now we are working with alot of brand new nurses on nights and I really worry about one in particular. Thanks for listening.

do what you feel is right. i loved traveling and miss it everyday. I know how you feel working at a small hospital with lack of team work and or unfair treatment. also how it is to work with all new nurses including ones you need to worry about:).I am the most experienced nurse on nights at one hospital and it gets scare to think what is backing me up:)

I agree, Mark. It scares me to death to think of this person being my back-up person. I have stated that if she makes a mistake that not only is she in trouble,but I am also. Several people tried to tell me different, that she has her own license. I said, "yes, but I am the most experienced one on the floor and will thus be held accountable also." I am so torn on what to do. Keep going back and forth.

I am most certain you will love the traveling. Less political issues and if you do not like it there you move onto the next! It is normal to be a little scared.

renerian

Do what feels right for you. If you feel you are working with someone who makes the environment potentially unsafe for the patients, then I'd think your decision is a just one.

We had a nurse not long ago who went to travel nursing, and wanted to stay on PRN for when she was home between travel jobs, and our DON wouldn't let her! I guess the DON told her that if she let her do that, then all the other nurses would want to as well. I didn't think it was prudent considering that she WANTED to work nights, and we were already way understaffed as it was.

Taking a personal leave or sabbitical is usually addressed in each hospital's policy. Might be difficult since you already resigned...Every traveler I have worked with, loves it...Go for it...Let the universe guide you in the direction you're going!

I say go for it. If traveling is not for you, you can always go back to regular hospital nursing. The shortage will work in your advantage and you can do whatever you choose, most of the time. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!