Changing Specialty

[MWMRN]

I just recently graduated and started a job in the NICU. I love my job and the people I work with are amazing. However I'm beginning to think hospital work isn't for me. I thought I was fully prepared to work weekends and holidays but saying and doing are two very different things. I'm getting lonely and crying on the way to work. I don't understand how everyone else does it and I cant, am I being immature about this? I've been seruously looking into doing aesthetic nursing and all the certification I would need. It is an area I've always been interested in and it would allow me the work life balance I'm looking for. I'm just scared that I'm going to regret my decision and I don't want to be the person who jumps around jobs because I know that it'll look bad on my resume. Like I said I love my job, I love my babies, and all my coworkers are amazing which I feel is rare to find. I do plan on staying at least one year at my current job but should I change my specialty? I know I'll never know till I try but should I even try? As a new nurse I'm very lost and could use some advice!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

As a new nurse, you are currently experiencing the reality shock of what the real world looks like vs the world you learned about (but didn't necessarily truly participate in) during nursing school. You don't mention when you graduated, but either way, it is going to take about a year to make that adjustment. Go ahead, stick it out for the year, and maybe do a reassessment then as to where you want your career path to go. "Like I said I love my job, I love my babies, and all my coworkers are amazing which I feel is rare to find" sounds like you've found a good, supportive place to help you make this first year transition.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

NICU is an amazing specialty. I know it may seem rough at first, but I would hang in there.

If not, I have known plenty of NICU nurses who left for the following: aesthetic nursing, insurance companies, palliative/hospice care, labor and delivery and PP care. 

[Shan, RN]

I relate to this SO much. I work on a wonderful inpatient oncology unit, but bedside is not where I want to stay. I, too, and remaining where I am for another year, but leaving when my contract is finished. I love my patients, their families, and my coworkers, but 12hr shifts (and weekends and holidays) are not for me. On my days off, I find myself just passing time and dreading when I have to go in for another shift. If in a year from now you feel the same, I'd say that's a good indicator that a different setting may be better for you. I know what it feels like to have a job where you're nothing but excited every time you get to go to work, and it's a feeling you never forget once you've had it.

As for me, I'm looking to an outpatient/procedural situation. Maybe you would enjoy a pediatric clinic? Just know you're not alone in feeling like this. Best of luck to you ?

[acceleratednurse]

I feel exactly the same way. I've been in my position (neuro PCU) for a little over 3 months. I dread work constantly and my days off a just passing time and dreading going back. I hate it. I'm not new to health care. I was a dialysis tech for 3 years and a CNA at a ICU and MS/Tele for two and I have never hated going to work so much. Everyone keeps telling me to push through to the 6 month mark, that it will feel better. Honestly, I tell myself that every day, but the more I work the more I feel like bedside nursing is not for me. To top it off, night shift has been a huge struggle. I want to try and stick out for a year and maybe get chemo certified and get a job at an infusion clinic. 

Anyways, I don't have any word of advice. I just want to let you know you are not alone. Actually, I used to think that NICU was my dream job, but I was unable to get a NICU new grad job and now with how badly I'm adjusting to night shift, I don't think NICU will ever happen for me. Do you mind if I ask you what is it that makes you think bedside nursing is not for you? 

Best of luck, regardless!