Re: Very Sad and Confused RN. Dont know what to do!
I think it is very normal to be unsettled when contemplating change.
Ease up on yourself and focus on narrowing what you need.
I always make a list - note the important stuff. Pro (+) and Con (-). Sometimes that alone will help to clarify your choices/options. But, no matter how good the "list" may look - trust any "gut feeling" that you have as well. IF something does not feel right - well, it may not be.
Like others (Hi, Tazzi!) I got a bit burned out in the ED. Don't listen to the "nobody moves out of the ER" message - not realistic. I think that the real strength of a great ED nurse is that they can adapt (and succeed) in most any area.
Example - I found that I liked the ICU more than I expected - sure, there was an adjustment period - but, once I had the routine, I was able to focus on the challenge (lots of new stuff to learn, focused on the depth of the necessary knowledge specific to critically ill patients).
For me the end was this - I took a bit of time off. I was able to focus on what I wanted in ideal position. I narrowed what I loved, liked and just tolerated in a position. I considered a return to school -- law vs. CRNA etc. I think this "time out" was valuable. I considered my life - family, husband, community, church - and really thought about the where, how, when and why of what I valued. I committed to spending my time and resources to that which replenished me. For me the key issues in a position came to:
1. Respect
2. Challenge
3. Pride
4. Schedule
5. Money
6. Advancement/Opportunity
At the end of the day - it is a job. I am more than any job, but a job that does not enrich your life is very draining. Nursing is a career where who you are matters - it is impossible to isolate you (person) from you (nurse). I'm not trying to say that my "job" is perfect (it is not!) - but, I have found a level of satisfaction in my work that works for me and my life.
I currently work rotor wing flight. Sure, it may not be for everyone and it can be tough at times (all jobs are - they just differ in how). In my case, I knew that I loved being a paramedic ($ was a problem) - the autonomy, diversity, limited time of patient contact, ability to intervene in a critical presentation, the variety (neonate to elderly & medical, cardiac and often just bizarre). I knew that nurses worked along side paramedics in transport so I went in that direction. I could work in an area I loved and be paid as a nurse with an more advanced scope of practice - so transport was it for me. I have found what I love and if/when I find that I do not enjoy what I do - I will do something else. I have a choice.
Remember, that you have a choice.
Having choices is everything. The real blessing and strength of nursing is the ability to CHOOSE. Take some time and choose. Do what is right for you - right now. Sure, that may change over time - but, remember that with change comes opportunity.
Job shadow if there are areas that interest you. Look at support fields (sales, education, etc). Nursing gives your options - just take some time and put the effort into choosing the best one for you.
Good Luck.
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