Feeling unjustified for wanting to leave my job

[JonJP]

I've been working in a LTC unit for a couple years now and I've been recently looking for another job.  I have been extended an offer to go elsewhere but right now the building that I'm working at is experiencing a shortage or employees.  When telling my boss I've felt incredibly bad about wanting to leave but I'm finding every day that I go to this job I am dreading going to work and at times questioning if I want to be a nurse long term.  I've been dealing with a fairly toxic work environment for a bit here
getting complaints from resident's then reporting them and being told that I'm "making problems" by my co workers.  I've gotten texts from co workers on a day that I called in with a fever stating how I'm awful and ruined her day (I've called in about 5 times in two years).  I've had absolutely awful encounters with CNA staff who do not even do their basic AM cares and when I try to correct it I get no support from any of the other staff working with me and again am told that I'm making problems and there are other issues that are more important right now.  I understand a lot is going on all the time but this is sort of a moral upset for me.      

Yet, when telling my boss that I need to put a notice in and seeing her upset knowing how many stressors they are already going through it makes me feel as though I'm unjustified and that I need to just "stick it out" but after seeing the last 4 new hire nurses leave within a few weeks because of similar complaints I've been left questioning if I can stay here any longer.  The stress from work has begun to follow me home and I've noticed that I'm just not excited to go to work anymore as every day I'm suspecting it to just be a mess.  I've been a nurse for about 5 years and this is the first time I've really ever felt like this and I'm not sure if I'm handling it correctly. 

[JKL33]

11 minutes ago, JonJP said:

I've been a nurse for about 5 years and this is the first time I've really ever felt like this and I'm not sure if I'm handling it correctly. 

If you want to take a new position that is a personal decision. It doesn't have anything to do with the state of your workplace or how your supervisor feels about you leaving.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

You aren't responsible for the current state of your workplace. You have to make yourself a priority, they certainly never will. If you want to move on you are absolutely able to do so and should do so without any guilt. You have been a good employee while you've been there and you're ready for something else. No more is necessary. Good luck!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Of course they will try to make you feel guilty about leaving. LTC is chronically understaffed, often obscenely so! If you find another position that suits you don't feel guilty about it. Just make sure to give a proper notice when you decide to leave.

Be aware though if you are jumping ship for a different LTC facility expect to have the same problem there so don't be so quick to accept unless the money and or schedule is worth it. Remain open to staying with your current employer if they offer you decent incentive. Who knows, if you threaten to leave you might just be able to get a good raise out of them.

[Emergent, RN]

If you wanted a change of scene then change jobs. Don't get your emotions all in a knot because of it. They would throw you into the ocean to get eaten by a pack of hungry sharks if it meant more money for them.

[Guest 1152923]

     You need to objectively look at the situation and realize that you (or any nurse) are little more than a warm body and a means to a end (staffing a unit).  When push comes to shove, most employers have little loyalty for their employees so why would you feel guilty for pursuing a better career opportunity?  My advice is to not ride the guilt train and be manipulated into staying in a toxic workplace.

[anewsns]

Long term care is always understaffed. You do not owe anything to a workplace besides just doing your job and giving them a fair notice when you leave. You will prove nothing by sticking it out.  Based on what youre saying, it sounds like they don't respect you much at all. I would leave without hesitance if a better offer came in.