career vs happiness

and1ccrn · Mar 6, 2012

Where did you work? Is CRNA your career goal? If so your gonna need ICU exp. With that being said, I would never encourage someone to stay in a job they are miserable in. Why do you not like ICU? Is it the type of patients, type of care, who you work with, physicians? If it is the type of care or stress I would suggest you go back to your old job. It doesn't mean you failed by any means but some jobs arent what we thought they would be. I work in a CCU and I love it! Also the people you work with can make a big difference on how you enjoy a job. We in critical care tend to "eat our young" not purposefully but it happens. The most important thing you have to consider is what you have to do, what you enjoy, and what you want to do. If you want to do CRNA and that is your goal- you will have to tough it through some ICU for at least 1 year, but if it is is not than maybe consider your old job. I personally couldn't stay in a place too long if I was miserable. Hope I was able to help! Good luck!

aei09a · Mar 6, 2012

thats too hard for someone else to make the decision for you! because ultimately it's your career, and your life, just think about it, make some pros/ cons, and decide!

Merlyn · Mar 6, 2012

hi y'all
need a little help here. been a nurse for many years and just started ICU/CCU nursing 1 month ago. This has been my goal and I'm finally here, but not in the physical location I want to be. recently my old job (non critical care) offered me my job back. do i move back to the place that makes me really happy, but is not ICU (which is what I want to do) or do I stay in the place where I am now, which makes me borderline miserable, to get the ICU experience?
career advancement vs overall happiness?
thanks

Be happy. Nursing is bad enough without regrets on what could have been.

bigskynurse · Mar 7, 2012

See I love working in the unit, I just don't like my geographical location. I'm just trying to figure out if staying in a geographical location that makes me unhappy for the next six months is worth it or if I should just go back home to my old non critical care job in a geographical place that I love. I just can't gauge if getting ICU experience is that hard to come by.

Vespertinas · Mar 7, 2012

Can you apply for an ICU position in your location of choice?

Kitesurfing bum · Mar 9, 2012

I believe people can do anything for a year... Live in a crappy place, stick to a diet or exercise, work in non-ideal circumstances, etc... IF it is to accomplish a greater goal. Work in the ICU for a year, bury your face in books, study for CCRN, go to work early and stay late and screw the rain or sun or whatever it is you don't like. Learn to be an awesome ICU nurse ... Then beginning in 2013 the sky is the limit and you can go anywhere and DO what you love, WHERE you love!! Keep us posted.