So, I just found out that the DON, Infection Control Nurse and Staff Educator at my job are leaving for sure in December. I have another coworker who has a job offer elsewhere and is also thinking about leaving. I've always gotten along very well with all of them, so this is is disappointing news.
Up until this point, it seemed as if my anxiety was getting better under control. However, last night I couldn't sleep because I'm so nervous about the changes. Not only am I disappointed about them leaving, but I have a lot of worries about anyone who is replacing them. Will I be able to meet their expectations? Will we work well together? Or is it going to be a painful transition?
I've spoken with other coworkers, and none of them seem to be as anxious about these individuals leaving as I am. In fact, some of them don't view these people as positively as I do. I had mentioned that I wouldn't lose any sleep if the therapy director or social worker were leaving--and, in fact, would prefer they were the ones going--but it seemed as if colleagues were reluctant to agree with this. So maybe I'm overestimating the impact that these individuals have had on the workplace. Also, some colleagues had suggested I apply for the DON position but I don’t feel that's the right move for me at this point.
I spoke with my therapist who had suggested viewing them as acquaintances who are simply moving on to different opportunities, rather than anyone I would be relying on. She warned me about not getting attached to any one particular person or group of people. She also suggested focusing on the here and now, and not worrying too much about the future.
Anyway, while my therapist's suggestions seemed reasonable, I'm wondering what thoughts anyone else might have in making the transition easier and adjusting to a new supervisor and coworkers.
