BSN+2 years experience=Now What?

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 4, 2014

What you are describing is so common that I teach a whole class session on it. As you have identified, you are getting burned out and your instinct is to run away from the situation. A lot of people choose that option, but find it backfires on them. They jump from job to job every 1-2 years as they begin to have those feelings -- and in the process, they never progress in their careers beyond the beginner/intermediate level.

I'm not saying that you need to stay in NICU forever -- just that you should be in a rush to jump at the first idea/opportunity that comes along. Be patient and make an informed decision about your long-term career options and choose a path that will lead you somewhere attractive to you. In the meantime, confront your burn-out issues head on and learn to take care of yourself so that you can stay both mentally and physically healthy even though you might not love your job. Generations of people have had to work jobs they don't like for thousands of years. They learned to cope and so can you.

Get regular exercise and plenty of sleep (aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per day), eat healthy, etc. Be sure to incorporate relaxation and social activities into your life. Try to maintain friendly relationships with your co-workers so the "going to work" is something you don't have to dread. Don't work overtime if you don't absolutely have to. Maybe use a vacation day or two. etc. Remember, this situation isn't "forever" ... It's "just for now." Remind yourself that you are pampering yourself a bit to help you get through a stressful time while you explore possible avenues for your career. Once you find a path that will move your forward (and not just to another position that will stress you out in a year), you will need to be in a healthy frame of mind to take advantage of any opportunities that you can find.

Perhaps this might also be a good time to consider getting involved in some professional activities (either in your unit or outside your immediate work environment) to explore what types of professional activities you like. For example: precept, serve on a unit committee, volunteer for a hospital-wide committee, etc. Such activities help you network and build a positive reputation and skills that may help you find another job. They also help you develop insight into what types of "other kinds of nursing work" might appeal to you as you take on new responsibilities and meet new people who expose you to new ideas and possibilities.

In summary:

1. In the immediate short term -- Pamper yourself and focus on being as strong, rested, and healthy as you can be (both mentally and physically).

2. Buy yourself some time to choose your next move carefully. Don't rush into something just to escape your current stress -- and put yourself into another situation that won't suit you. That's how people derail their careers.

3. Make an extra effort to make friends with your colleagues so that being with them at work can be pleasant.

4. Try out some new professional activities/behaviors to gain additional insight into your personal strengths and preferences. Such activities will also put you in contact with new people who can open up new possibilities for you.

5. Be patient and choose a course of action that will move you forward in your career -- and don't just make a side-ways jump into a job that will soon be equally stressful and ill-fitting.

Good luck!

ceebeejay · Mar 9, 2014

LLG's advice was super! Dead on. Thank you for that. I am keeping this in my head for the future.

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Mar 9, 2014

What you are describing is so common that I teach a whole class session on it. As you have identified you are getting burned out and your instinct is to run away from the situation. A lot of people choose that option, but find it backfires on them. They jump from job to job every 1-2 years as they begin to have those feelings -- and in the process, they never progress in their careers beyond the beginner/intermediate level. I'm not saying that you need to stay in NICU forever -- just that you should be in a rush to jump at the first idea/opportunity that comes along. Be patient and make an informed decision about your long-term career options and choose a path that will lead you somewhere attractive to you. In the meantime, confront your burn-out issues head on and learn to take care of yourself so that you can stay both mentally and physically healthy even though you might not love your job. Generations of people have had to work jobs they don't like for thousands of years. They learned to cope and so can you. Get regular exercise and plenty of sleep (aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per day), eat healthy, etc. Be sure to incorporate relaxation and social activities into your life. Try to maintain friendly relationships with your co-workers so the "going to work" is something you don't have to dread. Don't work overtime if you don't absolutely have to. Maybe use a vacation day or two. etc. Remember, this situation isn't "forever" ... It's "just for now." Remind yourself that you are pampering yourself a bit to help you get through a stressful time while you explore possible avenues for your career. Once you find a path that will move your forward (and not just to another position that will stress you out in a year), you will need to be in a healthy frame of mind to take advantage of any opportunities that you can find. Perhaps this might also be a good time to consider getting involved in some professional activities (either in your unit or outside your immediate work environment) to explore what types of professional activities you like. For example: precept, serve on a unit committee, volunteer for a hospital-wide committee, etc. Such activities help you network and build a positive reputation and skills that may help you find another job. They also help you develop insight into what types of "other kinds of nursing work" might appeal to you as you take on new responsibilities and meet new people who expose you to new ideas and possibilities. In summary: 1. In the immediate short term -- Pamper yourself and focus on being as strong, rested, and healthy as you can be (both mentally and physically). 2. Buy yourself some time to choose your next move carefully. Don't rush into something just to escape your current stress -- and put yourself into another situation that won't suit you. That's how people derail their careers. 3. Make an extra effort to make friends with your colleagues so that being with them at work can be pleasant. 4. Try out some new professional activities/behaviors to gain additional insight into your personal strengths and preferences. Such activities will also put you in contact with new people who can open up new possibilities for you. 5. Be patient and choose a course of action that will move you forward in your career -- and don't just make a side-ways jump into a job that will soon be equally stressful and ill-fitting. Good luck![/quote']
awesome advice, thanks for sharing. i could have written the OP's post myself, and I am sure many others could have too. your advice is sound and will surely make us make wiser decisions.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2014

I can't tolerate peds, so there's something for everyone. I keep a journal and re-assess my values and my career goals from time to time.

Writing out a list, seeing my thoughts in print helps me to plan and clarify my goals, including areas that I would enjoy working. Whatever you decide, take some time to weigh the pros and cons.

Maybe finding a PRN position in a different area might give you a break?

meraki86 · Jan 3, 2015

Love the advice!! I am in your same position. BSN grad working in a cardiac ICU for almost 2 years and I'm looking to see what's next. Thinking about NP school but there was a reason I wanted to become a nurse and not a provider. Now I just feel restless. I love my job, but night shift sucks the life out of me and I'd love to have holidays off and a "normal" schedule. But you really can't complain when you get 8 days off either... Don't know what I want for my career right now but thanks so much for the advice llg!!