My hospital recently went live with EHR (Electronic Health Records). During that time, in order to get a break from bedside, I volunteered to be a superuser for the system. A superuser helps MD's and fellow nurses with basic charting issues pertaining to the new system. I have been burned out on bedside nursing for quite some time, I think I was just trying to "force it" on myself. I even left once and came back. The ever-increasing demands being placed on the bedside nurse are becoming too much to bear.
My director has given me many opportunities for personal growth: relief charge, open heart training, and committee membership, which I appreciate, but I am so burned out.
I recently applied for an Informatics position and was told that HR is going to extend an offer to me. I am 40 years old and have been a nurse for 8 years (a drop in the bucket, I know). My lower back is a mess, but bedside nursing is all I know. So many of my co-workers are burned out, and I think many want to leave, but stay for one reason or another (pay, family, work schedule). My husband is completely supportive and recognizes my burnout.
Here are my questions:
(1) I am wondering if I would be pigeonholing myself by taking this job (losing skills)? I
hope I would not HAVE to return to bedside, but one never knows.
(2) Would you take it? It's Monday through Friday 0900-1730 (maybe staying later some
days, maybe leaving early some days); it's a salaried position. These positions do not
come around rarely.
I am not a techy person, but I CAN learn. My husband says, "Listen, they know they are getting a nurse, not Bill Gates" :-)
