Career advice- From medsurg to...?

[SarahClaire]

Hi guys!

I currently work in a medsurg post op unit and have been here for 7 months. I also work part time in a GI lab as a procedural nurse. I like medsurg, and feel competent in it, yet there are days when I just dread going to work- I work night shift, and our ratio is often 7:1 and I'm also charge nurse at the same time- which makes me nervous for my license and makes me feel like I can't always give my patients the care that they deserve. My manager is very understanding, but sometimes even she can't change the working conditions. I also need to get off working nights! My body is not happy with a nocturnal schedule!

On the other end of the spectrum, I do the GI lab which is a no brainer, and relaxed environment, so I like doing that PRN since it balances out the hectic life of my other job.

I've been searching around for a new specialty, because right now I dont feel entirely satisfied in my work life- I am searching for that one job that I am excited about, and look forward to going to vs that dread feeling that I have with med surg. I recently got accepted for an OR position, and am debating whether or not to take it- I feel bad leaving my current job when I haven't even been here a full year. I also am scared going into OR nursing, when I am not sure if its where I want to be forever. What if I don't like it? I am interested in ER as well, and don't want to get trapped in just one specialty. Is it hard to transition from OR back to med surg? Or from OR to ER?

[DeLynn, RN]

Once you get used to only having one patient you probably won't want to go back to seven! Also, depending on the facility the hours in the O.R. are much better.

[ILUVFLRN]

Once you get used to only having one patient you probably won't want to go back to seven! Also, depending on the facility the hours in the O.R. are much better.

So true! I accepted an OR position as a new grad and work with many seasoned RNs from med/surg, ER, L&D, etc. Most have no desire to return to bedside nursing - reason being nurse to patient ratio and the work schedule. I don't plan on spending my entire career in the OR - I like change - but for now, where I am, is fine by me. Although I don't have any basis for comparison as OR nursing is all I know, I do enjoy going to the OR every day and working with such a skilled surgical team. I also make a few dollars more per hour than my fellow nursing school grads. Good luck to you whichever route you choose!