Career Conundrum - It is a long one

[h@ppy2BRN]

Well, here goes. I have been a registered nurse since 1999. I went to work at a large teaching hospital after graduating from nursing school. I worked on a cardiac step-down unit with a patient to nurse ratio of 7:1 to 5:1. This unit managed patients with chest pain including drips and provided pre- and post- cardiac catheterization care. I worked there for 6 months and became discontent, so I took a "pie" job working in an ENT clinic. I was miserable and bored. I missed the excitement of the cardiac step-down unit, so I went back after a month or two. When I asked for a job on the step-down unit, I told the nurse manager that I would probably be leaving within the next 6 months because I wanted to pursue a graduate degree. Despite telling him this, he hired me back.

So, after 6 months, I relocated to another area with the intention of getting some ICU experience and going to school to be a CRNA. The job I took was in the CCU at another teaching hospital. It was a horrible decision. I took the job with so much confidence and interest, but quickly learned that I had a lot to learn. I did not have the same support in my learning that I had at my previous job. I felt I was just put out to swim, float, or sink. I despised working and was fearful of going to work. I would get nervous and panicky before my shift. The staff was miserable. I would ask questions to the nurses I worked with, but I was never given a good answer. I only remember one nurse who I thought was worthy of being called a registered nurse. She was a truly gifted nurse and I will forever remember her. Just because you have RN behind your name, it does not mean that you are a good one. I only worked in the CCU for 4 months and left on my own accord. The nurse manager tried to persuade me to stay and work step-down, but I refused. When I do something, I want it to be done right and without the guidance I was scared that something was going to be done very wrong. I have been scarred by this experience and probably will never return to that teaching hospital.

Fortunately, before I quit my position, I learned that I was accepted into a FNP program, so I put all my energy into studying. I eventually took a per-diem job as a registered nurse working in a small rural hospital in the Women & Infants Unit. After finishing the FNP program, I fulfilled my National Health Service Corps obligation in public health. I have enjoyed working as a FNP, but I miss working in the hospital setting - learning about new therapies, drugs, and procedures. I have been out of the hospital since Jan 2003. I want to learn more and I feel that the teaching hospital is the place to learn. I am considering returning to the hospital to work. I have been offered RN positions in the CTICU and NVICU at a major medical center. I want to do it, but I have some reservations, given my past experience. I was assured that all nurses despite experience have to go through an orientation period, which could be tailored to his/her needs. I have never doubted anything that I put my mind to, but this I do have some doubt. In addition, I will be taking a huge pay-cut. I am looking for self-fulfillment in my career and I know for me that involves learning and studying. As nerdy as that sounds, learning and studying gives me self-fulfillment. Any advice would be appreciated!

[live4today, RN]

:balloons: Hello Happy! Welcome to Allnurses! :)

You are the same age as my youngest daughter, and your "bio" thus far reminds me of her. She is not a nurse...has her BS in Social Psychology, and looking into crossing over to the nursing field (as of yesterday), wanting to become more involved in a "NP kind of way"...????? The question marks means she is searching like you seem to be. You have put your whole self into education and work, got your MSN already, and yet....you still are searching for "where you fit in" the best. Also something I'm hearing and seeing from my own daughter (soon to turn 29 in August).

You don't have to answer these questions here, but just something for you to ponder: :)

1) What do you do outside of educating yourself and working?

2) Are you involved in a meaningful relationship with a significant other?

3) Are you a parent?

4) What do you do for fun -- socially, unconnected with work?

5) Have you taken one of those "personality profile test" that shows where your interest may lie, what your talents are, and other things that have your name all over them?

I'm just sensing that you are NOT content with all you've accomplished thus far because it keeps leading you in circles around what you think you really want to do. You need to take a sabbatical and do some soul searching to find out what exactly it is you want to do with your life right now.

Perhaps you are expecting way too much of yourself. You seem to get bored easily. Restless. What else is going on with you? Again..just questions for you to ponder. :icon_hug:

[hollyster]

:balloons: Hello Happy! Welcome to Allnurses! :)

You are the same age as my youngest daughter, and your "bio" thus far reminds me of her. She is not a nurse...has her BS in Social Psychology, and looking into crossing over to the nursing field (as of yesterday), wanting to become more involved in a "NP kind of way"...????? The question marks means she is searching like you seem to be. You have put your whole self into education and work, got your MSN already, and yet....you still are searching for "where you fit in" the best. Also something I'm hearing and seeing from my own daughter (soon to turn 29 in August).

You don't have to answer these questions here, but just something for you to ponder: :)

1) What do you do outside of educating yourself and working?

2) Are you involved in a meaningful relationship with a significant other?

3) Are you a parent?

4) What do you do for fun -- socially, unconnected with work?

5) Have you taken one of those "personality profile test" that shows where your interest may lie, what your talents are, and other things that have your name all over them?

I'm just sensing that you are NOT content with all you've accomplished thus far because it keeps leading you in circles around what you think you really want to do. You need to take a sabbatical and do some soul searching to find out what exactly it is you want to do with your life right now.

Perhaps you are expecting way too much of yourself. You seem to get bored easily. Restless. What else is going on with you? Again..just questions for you to ponder. :icon_hug:

Renee your going to get all wrinkly and waterlogged if you don't come out of the pool. Come on out and have a bite to eat.:rotfl:

[live4today, RN]

Renee your going to get all wrinkly and waterlogged if you don't come out of the pool. Come on out and have a bite to eat.:rotfl:

:rotfl: Guess you're talking about my "signature line, eh?" :rotfl: Alrighty then...dryiing off as we speak. Note my new siggy in a few minutes hollyster. :rotfl: :kiss

[h@ppy2BRN]

That is some insight, Cheerfuldoer! Definitely questions to ponder. It almost sounds like you are suggesting that I need to add more spice to my life outside of work.

[live4today, RN]

That is some insight, Cheerfuldoer! Definitely questions to ponder. It almost sounds like you are suggesting that I need to add more spice to my life outside of work.

Only if you think you need to do that happy2BRN. The questions were to cause you to ponder a fresh perspective or take on you feeling restless & unsettled in your career moves. Only you know what truly needs to be done. I've been through restless phases in my own life. As a matter of fact, I'm going through another one now. :chuckle So...those questions were important for me to address when searching my own soul, too. :)