Break from nursing?

roser13, ASN, RN · Oct 12, 2011

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.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 12, 2011

I'd take a pile of Go-Litely "oops" linens to being a waitress any day...God bless waitresses. :) But that's me. If you think a break would help, and that it's right for you, that's all that matters .

Mom2boysRN · Oct 12, 2011

Could you cut back on your hours at work to reduce your stress level?

I have waitressed and people can be really terrible, not to mention not knowing how much money you will make each day since your income is based on the tips you get.

Hope you feel better soon!

SweetheartRN · Oct 12, 2011

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?

bill4745, RN · Oct 12, 2011

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.

Guest505077 · Oct 12, 2011

hi

listen to your "gut" - if you need time away from nursing- take it. No job is worth risking your health from ongoing stress.... you may find something else completely different that you enjoy, or you may end up in a different field of nursing..

I wish you well

RNperdiem, RN · Oct 12, 2011

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.

retiredlady · Oct 12, 2011

When I got burned out of nursing, I would go down in hours, work part time. Enough to maintain my health insurance (had to work 20 hrs a week) or I would switch to evening or night shift. Finally, just went prn.