Can I talk to you guys here without being bashed? I've been in Med-surg for almost 2 years now and at the year and a half mark, I took up travel nursing in the hopes that maybe the change of scenery and hospital would make me like the work more. But honestly, all it did was make me absolutely sure that I don't like it anymore. When I started, I felt like I was learning so much and I wasn't sitting around all day but now... I love travel nursing because I get a nice change of scenery but the med-surg aspect of it is exactly the same and I hate that. I'm trying to maintain my morale and not come off as "lazy" so I keep a smile on my face and keep moving but honestly, I'm physically exhausted and don't feel like I have it in me anymore. I'm kind of at my breaking point.
Med-Surg/Telemetry is all I know but I get so tired of running around like a chicken with my head cut off for things that just don't feel important. Going into a room every ten minutes for water, ice, a blanket, asking the patient if they want anything else and hearing them say no and then they call me 5 minutes later because they "thought of something" just makes me feel exhausted and annoyed. I know a lot of people are probably going to try and tell me why these things are important and to remember the reasons why I chose this profession but my body has taken a toll and I'm really disliking every moment of it. This isn't why I chose the profession.
I've been thinking of getting into Labor and Delivery where I'm not assigned to 4-6 patients a shift, but I don't even know if its going to make a difference or if I'll still be running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I really really don't like that feeling.
I thought about critical care but I feel like if I head in that direction then it's definitely the wrong direction for me. At least in terms of adults and pediatrics. I chose med surg because it was the least acute level of care I could get with hospital experience. Even labor and delivery where I was interested said they wanted people with at least a year of med surg experience and many other places in the hospital that I was at echoed their sentiments. So I did it. But I honestly just don't want that much patient interaction anymore. I have thought neonatal icu because babies don't talk and I could focus more on them as opposed to people demanding water or ice at a blanket. That's not....of interest to me.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Maybe you'd like critical care? It's fast paced but there only 2 patients and they can't use the call light generally...
Yep. I knew of an ICU nurse who once said she loves critical care because, "The patients are sedated. Once my patients are well enough to start riding the hell out of their call lights, it's time to transfer them to the floors."
After two years in medsurg I am headed into a clinical setting. I am so hoping the pace is slower and I can enjoy what I am doing. I hated floor nursing. I love how varied nursing is. There a soooo many directions you can go, something for everyone. Good Luck!
After two years in medsurg I am headed into a clinical setting. I am so hoping the pace is slower and I can enjoy what I am doing. I hated floor nursing. I love how varied nursing is. There a soooo many directions you can go, something for everyone. Good Luck!
Thanks goose creek! I hope it's a slower pace too. :)
Specializes in ER, Med Surg, Ob/Gyn, Clinical teaching.
Can I talk to you guys here without being bashed? I've been in Med-surg for almost 2 years now and at the year and a half mark, I took up travel nursing in the hopes that maybe the change of scenery and hospital would make me like the work more. But honestly, all it did was make me absolutely sure that I don't like it anymore. When I started, I felt like I was learning so much and I wasn't sitting around all day but now... I love travel nursing because I get a nice change of scenery but the med-surg aspect of it is exactly the same and I hate that. I'm trying to maintain my morale and not come off as "lazy" so I keep a smile on my face and keep moving but honestly, I'm physically exhausted and don't feel like I have it in me anymore. I'm kind of at my breaking point.
Med-Surg/Telemetry is all I know but I get so tired of running around like a chicken with my head cut off for things that just don't feel important. Going into a room every ten minutes for water, ice, a blanket, asking the patient if they want anything else and hearing them say no and then they call me 5 minutes later because they "thought of something" just makes me feel exhausted and annoyed. I know a lot of people are probably going to try and tell me why these things are important and to remember the reasons why I chose this profession but my body has taken a toll and I'm really disliking every moment of it. This isn't why I chose the profession.
I've been thinking of getting into Labor and Delivery where I'm not assigned to 4-6 patients a shift, but I don't even know if its going to make a difference or if I'll still be running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I really really don't like that feeling.
I feel you.... I had the SAME thoughts last night during my shift. I was almost going to write a post here on and vent too, but since a thread is open already, ill just chime in my vents here. And hope to getsome advice too...
I came on with 5 pts and I mean 5 VERY SICK and OLD and somewhat demanding pts, then within 45mins I had 2 admitts, 1 of which required blood transfusion. Oh girl! Did it go crazy last night!!
I actually was running around like a chicken! ! Lol.
And then, I said to myself, I just can't do this anymore....and the paperwork is just unbelievably just too much, in my opinion. I spent hours chatting and chatting...looking for physicians orders incase its hiding somewhere, ours always does. we use meditech.
I've been working Medsurg for a few years now and I think I'm getting ready to move.... Where? I don't even know yet...
I have considered going for an NP in psych but I have little or no psych floor experience.
L&D I don't know, if they run around like we do too in medsurg.
Labor and delivery is fast-paced and stressful, too. The 3 different units I worked in have all been crazy busy and, at times, unsafe. I left L&D for that reason. Felt my license was always on the line. We have had several tele nurses transfer to L&D, and they were shocked that it was as busy and stressful as it is. I'm back in mother-baby which can be busy, but much more manageable and less stressful. I did a stint with the work-from-home case management which was absolutely not for me. I hope you find an area that you like. It's not a good feeling when you dread every shift. Best wishes!
I'm thinking maybe if it's specialized then I can focus on one thing as opposed to a a bunch. Maybe if I do something more specific then I'd like it more.
At least I can't kick myself for trying. I certainly tried.
Dranger
1,871 Posts
Cath and PACU are going to want critical care experience...guaranteed.
Maybe you'd like critical care? It's fast paced but there only 2 patients and they can't use the call light generally...