Feeling lost so far in my career

[Fdi2025RN]

Hi all,

I have been a nurse for 3.5 years. I always wanted to do pediatrics, I started out in PICU. 2 years later I moved into a pediatric GI clinic. I started out loving my job, especially since I was really struggling in the PICU. My last boss (she left due to a different job) was amazing, probably the best boss I have ever had. Since then, I have noticed a change in culture. I'm really just not happy here anymore, although, the work life balance is fantastic, especially as a newly wed. I have been looking at different jobs, but I feel stuck. I feel like I have no options that are a good fit? I interviewed for a role with HIM at my system but did not get it (although, I would have loved to). In nursing school I shadowed a PACU and really liked it. In the PICU I loved going to the NICU. However, my mental and physical health really suffered in nights and I wouldn't like to do it again. I've looked into some remote jobs, I would be interested in Case Management and eventually moving into your/UM, however, I notice lots of these jobs would like adult CC or medsurg nursing. I've been looking into infusion nursing as well, however, I don't have much IV experience outside of occasionally placing IV's in PICU. 

I feel like I have good critical thinking skills and organization. I also like to take the time to listen to parents and their concerns. 

I feel lost and confused. I don't really know what to do next. I toy with the idea of switching specialties (and possibly  patient population). But I am scared to, if I'm being honest. It feels like I'm starting all over. Some days I wonder if I should change from nursing to sonography or radiology tech or a different career. Any advice? 

Thanks!

 

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

Come to school nursing!! 

I am a big proponent of making a change if things are not feeling right in your job. It sounds like you like peds, but you're feeling a drain in your current role - I totally get this! I, very similarly, made the switch from inpatient peds, to peds specialty clinic for very similar reasons - I loved the inpatient work, but nights were not for me and the day shift culture on my unit would have been terrible for my mental health.

I did not fit in with the other nurses in my specialty clinic job, either - mainly because while I was still an "ambulatory nurse", my responsibilities were suuuuper different and my specialty only had me as a support person - no other nurses, and only *sometimes* a float MA. 

I ended up taking a school nurse job closer to home. And I have to say - best thing I ever did - I'm about to finish up my 7th year here and I really don't see myself doing anything else. It is not without its challenges, socially and clinically, but I find it very rewarding, stimulating, and my work-life balance is absolutely perfect! Many school nurses in my network (myself included) have a per-diem job on the side to fill in the pay gap and keep up their clinical skills, or they work at Summer camps. 

The pay cut is definitely something to consider, but in my area, the starting salary split up into an hourly rate was comparable to what I was making in the hospital with diffs. Come peruse the School Nursing sub - it's our virtual break room; It might give you an idea of the common challenges we face and hopefully it doesn't scare you away!