Did I make a mistake?

[Butterfly216]

I've been a nurse for 6 years. I started out working in a rehab, I originally liked the job but changes in management made it unbearable. 2 1/2 years ago started a job on a med surg oncology unit. I was working nights and it took a toll on my health and happiness. I hoped getting a day shift position would help me to be happier with my career. I just started a new job in a different hospital day shift medsurg/oncology and although being off nights has been better for my health I am miserable. I hate that I don't feel I have any time to spend with my patients but spend most of my time in front of a computer screen.

I'm starting to think I made a mistake going into nursing. I don't feel like I'm really helping my patients- there's no time to- I just run from task to task and spend hours charting. The stress is overwhelming.

I need ideas on nursing jobs that aren't so stressful. And in which I have time to really focus on my patients needs. Help!

[ClaraRedheart, BSN, RN]

My mother was in a similar position. Did not like Med-Surg and felt that her license was in jeopardy with what she was forced to juggle. She warned me against it, but really... I love it. But I realize, it's not everyone's cup of tea. She was jobless for over a year until she found a suitable NOT Med-Surg job, which she commutes 45 minutes to and absolutely loves. She does pre-op now. She also doesn't have to work holidays or weekends. If life gets too stressful, I might consider the same. I'm only part time, since I have kids and with my schedule, they don't have to go to daycare, but I take on lots of extra at work, committees, studies, etc. Our floor has really great leadership that translates to a great team though, so if one nurse is overloaded, others generally step in to help.