how long do I have to be a bedside RN???

Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN · Oct 2, 2011

I left the hospital after 9 mos, prior to that I had 7 mos LTC. I currently work as a clinical review nurse for an imaging company. M-F, rotate 3 shifts latest is 5pm. No weekends/holidays. I love having my life back. This isn't my end all be all, I still want to work more with the well population something with holistic or educating, haven't figured that piece out yet. I did figure out that I don't need 3-5 years of hospital nursing for my springboard. What I do need is the drive and the will to work hard at whatever it is at the time and whatever goals I've set.

Absolutely don't miss the hospital, sad b/c I enjoyed the work but not the conditions/staffing.

I was told the same thing about it being a mistake to leave the hospital too soon and that I shouldn't bother looking for something else until I had so much time in. Good thing I didn't listen!

As far as if you need more time to feel comfortable, you know yourself best. I know for me, no amount of time was going to make me enjoy going to the hospital, I knew I had to get out. I wish you the best.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2011

I think you have to decide if nursing is for you.

I see so many posts on here as to how younger people (I presume ur young from the way you talk about the oldie nurses), don't like shiftwork, or the actual nursing work, or the grunt stuff - I often sit and wonder what did they think they would be doing all day?? Did you think about the rigours of shift work at all? The lack of sleep? I just think young people get all starry-eyed re nursing due to all the TV programs they see, with glamorous nurses running round in them. TV etc rarely shows you the mucky stuff u have to do in nursing.

Go see a work counsellor/careers counsellor and get some outside perspective. Also you could try swop some shifts to see if that suits u better maybe, so you can have a few days off work inbetween. Remember, once u get that year under your belt, u can then go & work anywhere.

R u away from family/friends? Did you plan on moving away from family? Of course it will be lonely but it won't last 4ever. Join a gym, a club, do something but get out there and meet people. U could turn this into a new adventure, instead of lamenting your let. For instance, see work as a challenge instead of a drag - what can u learn 2day, how can u use ur critical thinking skills?

If none of this works, I'd seriously train for another career. Nursing just doesn't sound like it's for you. Talk to your NUM anyway re your concerns though b4 chucking it all in.

Good luck.

EDnursetobe · Oct 3, 2011

thanks for the responses. I like knowing there are a variety of options besides working in the hospital.

And to the previous poster, I thought your post came off pretty condescending and insulting to myself and fellow younger nurses. Just because some of us may not like our jobs doesn't mean we are starry eyed idiots with a poor work ethic. And I absolutely did not go to nursing school because of some tv show.

I work to the best of my ability every day, and though I was prepared to work shift work, I realize it is not something I want to do long term. I went into nursing so that I could eventually work in home health or education in the long run. As I said in my original post, I do enjoy the patient care and the job itself. So I don't appreciate being told that I should leave nursing.

I do think I will leave hospital nursing as soon as possible though.