Burnout? Change? How?

[OkieDokie13]

I feel like I am at a crossroad in my career and would like advice from you nurses with more experience!

I have 5 years experience, 4 in critical care, 3 in cvicu. I have spent the last year traveling. I have learned a lot and have enjoyed traveling, but am looking to settle down and put down some roots in a new area.

I have my asn and have always planned to pursue my masters. I thought I would stay in the cvicu as a np. However, as much as I love cvicu I am feeling that maybe I should consider a different area. I didnt think I wanted to do anything else, but I think I am experiencing burnout. It is incredible the technology and medicine that exists, however I struggle with the ethics when saving a life turns into prolonging death. I need to feel like I am doing good and helping people.

All I know is cvicu. I enjoy it and feel like I feed off the critical thinking and intensity. However, I struggle with anxiety and know I do not manage the stress of the job well. That being said, I am not sure what area I would thrive in. I enjoy patient interaction, but my back is already a wreck. I would like something that is challenging or I think I will be bored and grow stagnant. I want to advance, but in what direction?

What process did you all use to make these big decisions? Is there a better way than just trying something new and hoping I like it? I have looked at options, taken quizzes, etc...still unsure. I do not really have the option at this time to shadow jobs as I am wrapping up my last travel assignment before moving to a new state where I don't know any one to network with. I would love to find my niche where I thrive and manage my stress better and have a better work life balance.

To put things in perspective, I am in my early 30s and hoping to start a family in the nest 5 years or so. Now would be a good time to make a change if I am going to with the move to a new area.

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!!!