My heart is just not in it...

[LTCNS]

I'm on a roll with these threads lately

I started a job in a wound healing/hyperbaric clinic back in November as a Wound/Hyperbaric Nurse because I thought I needed a break from 20 years of LTC. I am a Christian and knew more than 20 years ago that my calling was to work in geriatrics so I did, and found great reward in it.

Fast forward to the Fall of 2012. I began feeling like I wanted to make a change, so I pursued a totally different direction and landed my current job. Now I know that a lot of LPNs and RNs would give anything to work in a clinic, Mon-Fri. with all holidays and weekends off, but when your heart is not in it, it's miserable. I go to work everyday and do my job, but I am only going through the motions, never enjoying one minute of it.

There is enough work for two people and I never hear anything positive about my job performance, even though I have been thrown to the wolves. No wonder they have been through three Hyperbaric Nurse Techs in less than three years.

I had an interview after work this afternoon as a nurse supervisor in a home for Alzheimer's patients, and when a couple of those little residents came up to me and enthusiastically hugged me like a long lost family member I just about lost it. My heart said "this is where you belong" and I know it. I have gone off on my own, thinking there was something better out there, but the truth is, my heart is with the elderly and I cannot run away from it any longer.

If God blesses me with this job I will not run away from my calling again. I will strive to provide the best care I can, and will enjoy every moment I am given to work with some of the most precious members of our society. My heart belongs in geriatrics and just wants to find it's way back.

[Paul'in'FL]

You could add a short phrase about "I am not at a stage in my life to give this position the attention it deserves" ....but in your own words. It is the job equivalent of "It's not YOU, its ME!"

[LTCNS, LPN]

You could add a short phrase about "I am not at a stage in my life to give this position the attention it deserves" ....but in your own words. It is the job equivalent of "It's not YOU its ME!"[/quote']

Ooohh! I like that!

[nancysymonsblod]

Good for you. I have been primarily in LTC for close to 37 years and i am proud of my field. I like you went elsewhere and found myself craving to go back. Bonding and establishing a relationship with the elderly is rewarding. The pay isnt as good, regulations are ridiculous, patient load is overwhelming and every day there is more to do however that one 85 year old man or woman who has established trust in you and gives u that smile when u come onto that floor is truly a reward that u cannot put a price on. That is why i became a nurse. I truly believe they are family to me and will never venture elsewhere again. Knowing that person allows us to know immediately little signs that they are getting sick leading to early intervention. Also the challenge of not always having a doc available forces us to use god nursing intervention and provides us with autonomy. God Bless the LTC nurses. We are truly the chosen ones

[LTCNS, LPN]

Okay how's this?

Dear_________

I am officially putting in my notice of resignation from **********. My last day of employment will be ________2013. I have enjoyed working with the staff and patients here and appreciate the opportunity and experience very much, but I feel I am not at a point in my life that I can give the job the kind of focused attention it deserves.

Thank you for everything you have done to make me feel a part of the team.

[echocat, ASN, RN]

I left a job in Hospice because the company was/is floundering and failing financially. I took a job as a supervisor for private home care patients and it took me all of 2 days to realize I cannot work with sick kids. Some people love kids. I love the elderly. As LTCNS has said, she will never wander away from her calling again. Nor will I. With hopes of becoming a geriatric NP/pain medicine, I know that hospice is where I belong and where I am most comfortable. It's wonderful that we all "find our way home" eventually! Thank you for your post, LTCNS, I thought I was the only one to feel that way

[LTCNS, LPN]

Thank you for your input echocat. I pray you find your way back as well and fulfill your dreams :)

[rngolfer53]

When it comes time to put in my notice at my current job I am going to choke. I've only been there for 3 months and they have been good to me. I was thinking of just saying "I have enjoyed working with the staff here and appreciate the opportunity and experience, but feel this job is just not for me. Thank you for giving me the chance to be part of a great company and a good group of people."

That sound okay?

The only thing I'd add is that you really found how much you miss LTC when you weren't around it.

[Sunny0308]

God moves in mysterious ways. You've had a taste of "real nursing" go back to where you are SO needed and appreciated. Good luck to you.

[LTCNS, LPN]

Yes He does Sunny. I want to step out on Faith and put my notice in today but I'm afraid to lol! God gives us common sense right?

[NJnewRN]

Awww that was so sweet. Wish there were more ppl like you. Good for you. I'm so happy for you that you have found what you love:)

[LTCNS, LPN]

Well...I decided to go ahead and give notice at my job. It was accepted and apparently they don't wish for me to work out my notice. I had only been there 3 months, 3 weeks of which I was out sick with double pneumonia, bronchitis and the flu, and have not had my 90 day evaluation so I was still in the trial phase. I have only been told what I was doing wrong, never what I was doing right. I was thrown to the wolves with very little training and expected to run the hyperbaric chambers, work the clinic, walk to the hospital and load up on linens, drag them back to the clinic on a rickety cart across a driveway full of holes and cracks, took the blame for other people's mistakes, took constant criticism and yelling from the CM in front of patients, family members and staff and was allowed only enough time to swallow a sandwich when everyone else got to take their full lunch breaks. I feel in the back of my mind it was only a matter of time anyway before I was told I wasn't a good fit. Everyone before me hightailed it out of there with no notice, so at least I tried. They have a lot of turnover with RNs in the clinic as well. The writing is on the wall if they choose to read it.

Anyway, I feel like a burden has been lifted but I feel scared because here I am not knowing how long it will be before I have an income again. I got an e-mail from the Administrator at the Alzheimer's home and am going to get a second interview when she can set one up. I don't know how to explain my current situation and am worried it will affect whether I am offered the position. I know I need to be honest, but how do I explain it without digging myself into a hole?

[Jessmed0324]

Good for you. I have been primarily in LTC for close to 37 years and i am proud of my field. I like you went elsewhere and found myself craving to go back. Bonding and establishing a relationship with the elderly is rewarding. The pay isnt as good regulations are ridiculous, patient load is overwhelming and every day there is more to do however that one 85 year old man or woman who has established trust in you and gives u that smile when u come onto that floor is truly a reward that u cannot put a price on. That is why i became a nurse. I truly believe they are family to me and will never venture elsewhere again. Knowing that person allows us to know immediately little signs that they are getting sick leading to early intervention. Also the challenge of not always having a doc available forces us to use god nursing intervention and provides us with autonomy. God Bless the LTC nurses. We are truly the chosen ones[/quote']

I completely agree! I started in LTC 4 yrs ago as an 18 yr old nurse and can't find the heart to leave it. I have had numerous job opportunities but would feel as if I am abandoning my family if I was to leave. Just a simple thank you or touch of their hand makes my heart melt.