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While I understand where you're coming from, I wonder if it would actually work that way. Those "low-stress" jobs that you describe? Sometimes not so low stress, after all. In all of those positions, you will likely deal with the public in some way, shape or form. And as poorly as the "public" treats nurses sometimes, I gotta think that they treat waitresses and receptionists et al, even more poorly.
Second point is that it is a terrible economy in which to find yourself un- or under-employed. You might even have a hard time finding a waitressing job since it would be obvious to the employer that you would likely move on after awhile. And you would definitely have a hard time returning to nursing, unless a cataclysmic economic shift takes place in the interim.
Since you've just started your counseling, why not give that process some time before you make any further decisions? Perhaps counseling will be enough to smooth over the rough spots.
Yes I agree with the other posters. The jobs you listed are not necessarily low stress just different than the life threatening kind of stress we experience nursing patients. Unless you have previous experience in any of the jobs you listed you will have to train and you might find that to be more trouble than its worth especially when you know its not going to be long term and doing that kind of defeats the purpose of what your trying to accomplish. Can you cur back your nursing hours?
I agree with roser13. Unless things are different in your area in terms of nursing jobs, you might have a hard time explaining to a potential employer why you took some time away from nursing. I think it would be a red flag to them. Not getting a nursing job could be more stress than you feel now.
Only you can decide how badly you need time off. Do what you need to do, and I hope it works out for you.
Don't rule out taking a per diem job in nursing for a break.
The pay rate is often higher, you will maintain your skills and contacts, and you can work the minimum time required if you need to.
My sister worked for minimum wage in a plant nursery when she was in school, and I did some math and realized that I earned more in a 12 hour weekend night shift as a nurse, than she earned in a week.
PCU_RN9, MSN
2 Articles; 63 Posts
Lately with my job (as well as my life) I have been feeling extremely stressed out. I have been thinking about taking a short break from nursing and getting a low key, low stress type of job until I can get get my life, and the stress I am dealing with under control. The type of job I am talking about : coffee shop, secretary, hostess, etc. I am starting to see a psychologist and I feel like once I get things under better control I will return to nursing as I do truly enjoy it, other factors right now are getting in the way. Has anyone ever taken a short break from nursing like this? And does this sound like an ok thing to do? Just looking for some others' experience and possibly some advice, thanks!