coping

sounds like things could be better

staffing problems, everybody unhappy - sounds like you're not the only person who's unhappy

Thanks for your response. I just wish I could have "stuck it out". but kept envisioning worse things happening and waking up in a rubber room with a straight jacket on.

Hey-you have a different job in your sights-focus on that, and try to leave the rest of the mental junk from the other job behind you. No sense dragging it around with you like a ball and chain. Look up, and look forward! Good luck!

sometimes you don't have to stick it out

sometimes you can and sometimes you can't

think of what's good for you right now

You gave it 3 1/2 yrs, chances are things aren't going to change- With 17 yrs under your belt, you probably instinctively knew this. Sometimes it takes more guts to make a change by leaving than to stick it out -- bottom line, you are taking care of what's most important-- YOU. Obviously if admin. has "heard it all before" and chooses to continue to lose good nurses, there is nothing more you could have done. You deserve better than this. If nothing changes- nothing changes!! Good luck to you in your new job!

Thanks all! I think I am slowly becoming the happy, friendly person I once was. I just was miserable, and just couldnt go back. I figured they're going to be short no matter what and a week earlier didnt make much difference. I was the only fulltime day nurse on a busy orthopedic/neurological floor. Our census was often 12-16....does that make sense? I often had as many patients (with high acuity) as the night shift nurses.

Anyway, I worry that it will get to my new employer that I left early, but I just plan to beg for mercy if that happens (kidding). I am sure they know how bad it was from the way they talked in my interview about thier disappointment with the hospital and how the system stinks.

Thanks again all, let the ball and chain be gone!