Am I crazy????

[oregonchinamom]

Well, I have gotten myself into a situation but the solution seems absolutely nuts!

I have been a nurse for 15 yrs and love it. I am very proud of our profession. I spent most of my career as a critical care nurse but then when my children started school, I left direct patient care because I didn't want to work the weekends. I went into the education department of the same hospital I had spent my entire career (except for some per diem traveler work). I loved it there also. I then met the man of my dreams and married, which forced a move to a new town and a larger facility. I made a lateral move into the education department of my current hospital. After about a year, I knew it wasn't the right fit for me. It was more project management than teaching, which was what I loved. I then did a very stupid thing. I let myself get talked into taking a management position, something I swore I would never do. So, for the last 7 months I have been the Nursing Coordinator for an Inpatient Rehab Unit.

It has been the worst 7 months of my career, including those first months where I was terrified every moment that I was going to make a mistake and kill someone. Most of my job stress was caused by my boss (a physical therapist). I truly did feel sorry for her because she obviously has mental heath pathology going on, well hidden on first impression but under stress, very obvious. She was fired about a month ago but not before 4 hostile work environment complaints to HR and 7 people quiting, including the medical director. I was offered her position but quickly refused.

You would think that things would be better, and they are somewhat, but her legacy remains. There are her "inner circle" therapist that continue the behavior she encouraged. There will always be issues with nursing vs. therapy on a rehab floor, but this is beyond the pale. They see nurses as a necessary evil and their behavior reflects this. Disrespect beyond what I can describe---let's just say there is alot of eye rolling and "Duh!"'s during interactions. I want out of here, but wow, am I going to take a hit on my resume for staying in one job just a year and now for 7 months.

I am seriously thinking of taking a job in our cardiovascular recovery unit. Am I crazy to leave a full time 0800-1730 M-F position for a part time variable schedule that will include 6 evening shifts a month? I still won't have to work weekends but will have some call.

I don't want to make another mistake by reacting with my, admittedly battered, emotions. Please, my esteemed colleagues, chime in with some advice.

[becembrie]

I wouldn't stay if I were so unhappy. Life is too short to work in a position that causes us stress unless we thrive on that type of work. The thing about nursing is that there are so many options open to us. I would imagine that you wouldn't have any trouble explaining why you left the position after 7 months. Most interviewers ask the question and if you are able to explain the situation, I doubt anyone would question your desire to leave. They'd probably praise you for staying under the circumstances.

I think many of us work in different areas until we really find our passion. I think it's great that you tried something you weren't really sure about. The fact that you don't like it and want to do something else shouldn't effect your ability to get another job. Have you interviewed for the position you are seeking? Maybe if you do that while you are still at your current position you can get a feel for what they think about your situation.