[traumaRUs]

A little background: my nursing experience is 12 years, 10 of which was in a level one ER. Started my education as an LPN, then did ADN, then 8 years later, BSN, MSN and post-MSN CNS certificate. Job market in my area is very tight and I basically took the best paying job in order to get some of my loans paid off. Fast forward to a year later: I'm unhappy and want to do something else, but not sure what. The job I do is boring and the patients are grating on my last nerve - lol. However, the physicians, other mid-levels and staff are wonderful. Has anyone else felt this way? Current options include:

1. Looking for a management job of some kind.
2. Taking a job as a clinical instructor at my college of nursing (think this would be boring soon too though).
3. Getting out of nursing and using my master's degree some other way (unsure of this option).

So, colleagues - what ideas have you guys considered? (BTW, yes I do feel terribly guilty that I am unhappy because I spent years studying and paying for this and I'm unhappy!) I know there are worse things in life. Thanks for any help.

[KatrinaRN]

Hi traumaRUs,

Don't feel guilty, I think we all suffer from this at some point. I'm certainly not an expert by any means, but have some experience in keeping myself from burnout Like yourself, I started out as an LPN, then ASN, BSN and now currently working on my MSN in nursing education. Once I'm done with that I'm going to work on a post-master's certificate in FNP. I've been a nurse for 11 years. I currently teach Med/Surg lecture and clinical at a community college and will teach OB/Peds in the Fall.

Once I'm done with my MSN and post-master's, I'm going to teach part-time and work as an NP part-time. When I began my teaching career last Fall. I was teaching part-time and working at a rural health clinic part-time. I find that if I do one job for too long, I start to get bored and feel unchallenged. Once I started keeping two separate positions, it made the world of difference. I previously worked with two NPs who were doing the same thing. Teaching part-time and working as an NP.

IMHO, as much time as you've spent in nursing and working on furthering your education, I would hold off on option #3. If you've never been an instructor, I would give that a try. It's extremely challenging and there's never a dull moment. I can't see myself making that my sole position, but it certainly gives me the challenge that I need.

I wish you the best with whatever you decide to do. With your experience and level of education, you would be an asset anywhere.

Katrina

[pinoyNP]

I'm sorry to find out you're feeling this way about your current job. If it's any consolation, my first NP job was probably even more boring than yours. I struggled with wanting to leave because I wasn't being challenged at all but couldn't get over the fact that I am leaving a 9-5 job with no weekends and holidays and pretty much everyone in the entire practice is raving about how much of a help I've been to the practice. My immediate physician collaborator gave me a heart to heart talk and said that the job I had offered a great lifestyle for me but if I am longing for challenge with all the stress that comes with it, then I should go and chase that dream. And I did. The change in specialty practice was an eye opener for me. True, there is much intellectual stimulation and new skill sets to learn but it is STRESSFUL and being around surgeons just made me realize how much of a j--k a-s they can get at times. But I made the choice to change so I guess this is the price I have to pay.

Anyway, I have nothing in terms of advice to give you. You have way more life experience than I do so I think you'll eventually find your niche and will be happy. Good luck to you.

[traumaRUs]

Katrina - thanks much...maybe I'll consider a part-time clinical instructor position one day a week and see how that goes for a semester. Thanks again.

PinoyNP - thanks also. My actual job takes about 50-55 hours per week and then I do have weekend rounds at two hospitals 55 miles away one weekend per month. Its pretty stressfree except I'm just not challenged. I think it is too narrow a focus for me. I have always enjoyed the challenges of the ER where you never know what is coming in. Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it.