Already ready to Quit

[emilyjRN]

I've been working on a med surg floor for almost five months now, and have been off orientation for the last two. I had a really good experience with everyone that I work with, and have absolutely nothing but good things to say about all my coworkers and boss. But I've started dreading going to work and feel myself doing nothing but watching the clock while I'm there. I never have time to sit and eat lunch and by the time I'm done for the day I'm too exhausted to even think about doing anything besides sleeping. I feel pathetic for complaining since I really lucked out with this job, but I feel constantly overwhelmed and I'm starting to question why I went into nursing and if this was the right thing for me. I'm thinking I might like working in a pediatricians office better, since I always wanted to work with kids anyways and I would have more regular hours, but I don't know. I'm confused and don't really know who to turn to for advice. I just don't think I can last a whole year here being this unhappy. But is it okay to leave a job after such a short time of employement? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Surg-OncRN]

Hi Emily,

I can empathize with your situation here. First of all, I want to commend you on reaching out for advice instead of letting this drag on for years causing further stress. First thing you need to think about is why are you a nurse and is that (why or passion) being fulfilled with your work. If not, how can you position yourself to fulfill that passion. Is that through another job or creating a business so you have more autonomy. So many times we go into a profession, job for other reasons or economic reasons. What will sustain you through the tough times is having a passion for your work. This is a question you must answer for yourself. This will sustain you no matter what you face.

Second, I would recommend you take a closer look at your current job and see if you can make it work. If not, start looking for another job and get one before quitting this one. Find a job that allows you to fill this (passion or why) you have inside. It may pay less money, but if you are happier then find a way to make it work.

Third, try to stay at this job for a year if possible. Especially, if this employer has a lot of influence in the area you live. If you absolutely hate it then get out of there, but be sure you will not be jumping into the same situation with another job. Because, the issue may be internal instead of the external environment. So many nurses face this same situation but go through life miserable and do not ask these questions. Hope this helps, feel free to PM if need help further. Good luck!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Keep in mind that physicians rarely hire RNs for their office practice. They reimbursements have been significantly impacted in the last few years, so they have had to decrease labor costs in order to cut expenses. In my part of the country, physician offices are staffed primarily with Medical Assistants along with the very rare LVN. Only the very large multi-specialty clinics are still hiring RNs.

There will also be some very significant salary differences between acute care and other settings. Those higher salaries are due to the difficulty of those jobs.... employers will never pay more than it takes to fill a job.

I also agree with the suggestion that OP sit down with her manager to discuss the current job situation. There may be some alternative solutions that OP doesn't know about.