I started as a new grad on a CVICU step down unit and stayed there about 2 years. The floor went through a lot of changes while I was there as many floors do. Our manager left and after that many people started to leave. We had an interim manager but they ended up not taking the job. So we as the staff felt like no one wanted us. We ultimately had to "fend for ourselves". There were days where we had 5 patients with no techs, most of the patients with multiple drains (chest tubes, NG tubes, abdominal drains, etc.) with cardiac drips, insulin drips. With no support from a manager we had to support and help each other.
After working in that environment about 6 months, I got burnt out. I decided to take a job as an oncology clinical research nurse M-F no weekends or holidays. I thought I would love it! Well that ended up not being the case. After being here about 4 months, I am pretty bored! It is pretty much all paper work and rarely patient interaction.
I think back to the floor and I miss it. I never thought I would say that, but I do. I miss the rush, I miss the patient interaction and feeling like you made a difference in that patient's life. I often think back to working on the floor and wish I never left. Should I go back or should I hang in here and see what happens? I don't like the idea of working weekends and holidays again but I would rather do that than not make a difference in a patient's life.
