OK so here is the deal. I've always lurked on these forums and started posting towards the end of nursing school.
After I graduated, I got a job on a medical floor in a community hospital- the same hospital that I did my 3 month practicum at (400 hours...for an MSN program. It was a lot)
It's been almost a year since I started and it's been extremely rough. Patient ratios range from 1:5 - 1:6 - new grads don't normally get 6 patients but since I've been deemed a "great" nurse I get stuck with 6 often (gee thanks!). I was getting so burnt out at work...rude patients, cleaning up poop and pee non-stop because of understaffed techs, equipment that doesn't work and condescending (and incompetent) doctors making terrible decisions for patients. About a month ago I decided to start applying for other jobs...
I've always been interested in public health and psychology. I decided to go out on a limb and apply to an outpatient psychiatric nursing job - I interviewed and absolutely loved everything about it. Office job, M-F from 8-5 with state benefits and a good pay increase.
I put in my two weeks a few days ago at the hospital...after weeks of coming home crying and so stressed after work I decided it was the best thing for me. I couldn't believe it though - my boss started CRYING when she found out! It was very dramatic. We talked for about 15 minutes and I'm leaving on good terms...but it was emotional.
Now it's Sunday night and I have to start my last 2 weeks of work this week. I'm so nervous and am feeling like I made the wrong choice for some weird reason. Make me feel better!? Do you all love community/public health nursing? It's been my passion but I'm scared of the change I'm making.
