I've been working at a local hospital for about 4 years. I started as a Full Time Med-Surg Float Nurse floating to various floors within the hospital for 3 years then moved on to Emergency nursing for about a year.
So far, my transition has been smooth in Emerg and I'm enjoying the type of cases because I'm utilizing my knowledge, skill and judgement.
The only downside is that I can no longer tolerate night shifts. I feel as if I have the "shift work disorder," where I sleep in 90% of the time on my days off.
I recently got offered a position working as a Case Manager/Care Coordinator. Most working schedules are M-F and 9am - 5pm.
I am in a serious dilemma because I'm afraid that i'll miss bedside nursing going into this role, but I will no longer work night shifts.
Do you miss bedside nursing? If so, where are you working now? Would you want to go back? Do you regret your decision leaving bedside nursing
I wouldn't leave just for the hours. Do you want to work in case mgmt? Are you drawn to it? Have you shadowed someone?
So many phone calls, it gives me cauliflower ear but I know some whose patients really rely on them, there's a real relationship there, which is another type of cool.
That's exactly how I feel! I feel like I'll miss the acuity and being proactive in these acute cases. Thanks for your advice. I do plan on taking it...... Just need to jump and take that leap of faith!
I would love to work case management for the hours and better home life balance. It'll reduce the stress level significantly especially after working in a hospital setting (as I was told).
I would have a better quality of life in which I can spend more time with family and friends. I'm scared of the consequences of working night shifts for a long time. Apparently, research shows that with shift work it increases by 3x the chances of stroke, diabetes, obesity, and cancer which my family has a strong history of those diseases.
I'm not too sure if I'd like the work.... that's the gray area to this whole situation.
I haven't shadowed anyone in this role but I had several co-workers who left for this same case management position and so far there has been amazing feedback with working as a case manager.
Libby1987
3,726 Posts
I wouldn't leave just for the hours. Do you want to work in case mgmt? Are you drawn to it? Have you shadowed someone?
So many phone calls, it gives me cauliflower ear but I know some whose patients really rely on them, there's a real relationship there, which is another type of cool.