Feeling lost.

Have you considered applying for an actual bedside position in a hospital? It sounds like LTC is out, and that's ok. Admissions is a lot of paperwork and none of the rewards of seeing people get better.

What subjects did you enjoy in school? Maybe you need L&D or Peds to renew your spirit? Maybe you need more challenge in the ICU or ED?

Don't give up yet. Bad jobs don't mean bad career.

Nursing can be emotionally challeging work. You can look into a different area in nursing that may be more in line with your needs. There are nurses who find a particular "niche" or field in which they are very happy in. I have been in nursing about 28 years now. When I thought I found my niche, the healthcare system appeared to be on an overhaul as far as change and I was stuck in a position that went from my dream job to a nightmare. Some nurses never find their "niche". I would also consider looking into some alternative education to see if you can find yourself doing something different in nursing or healtcare. Definitely, keep applying for positions that may interest you. Unfortunately, I am very familiar with the feeling of feeling anxious and depressed when I have to go to work. Otherwise, I'm fine.

Sounds like it's evening shift, and overtime , not nursing itself that is getting to you. How is an admissions nurse in a SNF forced to work 50 hours?

You are on the right track with health coaching jobs. Try disease management, etc. While you are on the hunt, at least get hours that work for you.

Good luck, let us know how it's going.

Depending on how you feel about the actual patient care aspect of your admissions job, you could take that experience and apply for a home health admissions position.

There would be a similar amount of documentation but the atmosphere is different. Home health patients aren't happy about being in their patient role and/or condition but there is usually relief with discharge to their home. When I admit a patient there is so much satisfaction in getting them set up and settled in, they often go from being over the top overwhelmed and anxious to somewhat reassured and confident. Pulling that off every day gave me purpose and a real sense of accomplishment. And it felt like nursing the way we traditionally envision nursing.

Hard to say how your income would be affected but home health pays well in our area. You can work a better schedule, at least not nights, and possibly a Mon-Fri daytime.

I almost never recommend people come into the hospital, but if you worked daytime 12s, you'd be 7a-7p or so three days a week and have four days off to spend with your SO. It sounds like that would have huge life benefits for you.

Time to look for another job hun. Try looking for a day job. Try applying for med surg RN1 positions at a hospital, or try a medical practice or even Home Care. Looks like you need a change of pace. SNF can be very stressful and everyone I know that have worked in one have told me they absolutely hated it.

Thanks everyone for the responses! I don't mind the paper work side of my current admissions job I was almost relieved when I started that I didn't have to spend as much time doing direct patient care. I find I really enjoy being more independent and working alone. I even wish I could work more alone. If that makes sense. But I don't really know if that exists in nursing.

Its hard to explain but I just don't want life to be work. I just want to work and come home and live my life. But right now I spend all my time at work then come home and worry about work. Maybe I am just dreaming of a perfect world!