Am I crazy? having 2nd thoughts....

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Here's my background- been R.N. for 2 yrs- during that 2 yrs I worked med-surg 8 mos, and then (currently) have been doing Hospice case manager for last 16 mos. I left M-S because I was just overwhelmed having just finished nursing school and taking a job on an acute care med-surg floor. Anyway, love Hospice but sometimes wish I had hung out in M-S a while longer (I'm a restless soul-always have to be busy),and lately have thoughts about ck'ng it out again (for the skills and experience.) Would be considering a hospital much closer to home this time (last one was 1 hour away), this one is 20 minutes away. Your thoughts please- Am I crazy? Is it possible to reenter M-S? How long do you think my orientation would be?

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Since you already have a job and experience, then you are in the position to take your time, look around and apply for the med-surg position that you really want.

A lot of new grads take the jobs they can get or settle for rather than what they really want.

Talk to nurse managers, and ask if you can shadow one of their nurses for a day. If you see a chaotic floor with the staff a patchwork of new grads, agency nurses, floaters and one overburdened senior nurse, take note.

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Since you already have a job and experience, then you are in the position to take your time, look around and apply for the med-surg position that you really want.

A lot of new grads take the jobs they can get or settle for rather than what they really want.

Talk to nurse managers, and ask if you can shadow one of their nurses for a day. If you see a chaotic floor with the staff a patchwork of new grads, agency nurses, floaters and one overburdened senior nurse, take note.

Thanks for the advice!!

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Depending upon your need for steady employment, you might want to consider only accepting a part time position and keeping your present job until you are sure of the new position. Keep one foot employed at a sure thing while trying out the new thing. Then, if the new job does not work out, you won't be jobless. Many people I've met over the years work different schedules at two or more places. Not only does it keep you at least marginally employed, you meet more people to network with. Good luck.

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Here's my background- been R.N. for 2 yrs- during that 2 yrs I worked med-surg 8 mos, and then (currently) have been doing Hospice case manager for last 16 mos. I left M-S because I was just overwhelmed having just finished nursing school and taking a job on an acute care med-surg floor. Anyway, love Hospice but sometimes wish I had hung out in M-S a while longer (I'm a restless soul-always have to be busy),and lately have thoughts about ck'ng it out again (for the skills and experience.) Would be considering a hospital much closer to home this time (last one was 1 hour away), this one is 20 minutes away. Your thoughts please- Am I crazy? Is it possible to reenter M-S? How long do you think my orientation would be?

:uhoh21: I am just finishing my orientation in M/S. It is a surgical floor at a trauma hospital, the bar is very high. I went to school to work in L&D, I worked as an apprentice midwife in a birth center. I took the M/S because they would not let anyone start in OB. I love the hospital, but M/S is such a burnout for me. I am learning alot, but nothing I have a passion for. I am sorry to say, Now I dread working. I am trying to change my attitude, I must do M/S for at least a year , then I can transfer to another floor. I have classmates that went straight into L&D, they are happy, maybe I made the wrong choice, does not matter now, I am stuck.

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:uhoh21: I am just finishing my orientation in M/S. It is a surgical floor at a trauma hospital, the bar is very high. I went to school to work in L&D, I worked as an apprentice midwife in a birth center. I took the M/S because they would not let anyone start in OB. I love the hospital, but M/S is such a burnout for me. I am learning alot, but nothing I have a passion for. I am sorry to say, Now I dread working. I am trying to change my attitude, I must do M/S for at least a year , then I can transfer to another floor. I have classmates that went straight into L&D, they are happy, maybe I made the wrong choice, does not matter now, I am stuck.

I agree with you-MS is a burnout-I have regrets for not doing MS longer- it would have looked great on a resume for 2 yrs-so try to hang in there for a while and get the experience.

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No, you are not crazy. Most hospitals will link you up with a preceptor for a couple of weeks. There is nothing wrong with making a change now and then. It helps prevent burn-out. In my 17 years I have been a combat medic, a Home Care RN, Hospice, Group HOme Medical Coordinator and Med/Surg. I am now learning Critical Care. Do what your heart and training tell you to do. You will be utilized, rest assured, and more valuable as an employee with added experience.

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No, you are not crazy. Most hospitals will link you up with a preceptor for a couple of weeks. There is nothing wrong with making a change now and then. It helps prevent burn-out. In my 17 years I have been a combat medic, a Home Care RN, Hospice, Group HOme Medical Coordinator and Med/Surg. I am now learning Critical Care. Do what your heart and training tell you to do. You will be utilized, rest assured, and more valuable as an employee with added experience.

Thanks for your response!

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