From Clinic to Hospital

[Jessica1019]

Hey guys,

I took my NCLEX in January & have been working in a family practice clinic for about 6 months. I initially took the position for the steady hours (8-5 m-f), paid holidays and a less stressful work environment. But after being there this long I’m bored to tears! It’s the same thing every day and I feel like I’ve lost what little skills I graduated with. 
 

The schedule is great in terms of being home at 5 every day for my kids, but at the same time I have to take off for everything that needs to be done during normal business hours because by the time I get off, everything is pretty much closed. I was offered a position in the Cardiac ICU at a local hospital, and the thought of that really excites me. I came into nursing wanting to work in critical care, but had a horrible first experience at one of the hospitals here so I decided to resign. The job offer I received this time is from my first pick hospital that I applied at 7 months ago, but unfortunately They went on a hiring freeze at the time.

I understand that it’s going to be like learning everything over again because I know nothing in relation to critical care. But I’m more worried about the transition from 8-5 to 7am to 7pm. Has anyone ever went from clinic to hospital hours? Did you feel like you had more time with your family? Did you regret your decision? I’ve been working these hours for so long I don’t remember what anything else feels like. LOL

thank you for your time! 

[TryingtoThriveRN, ASN, BSN]

I’m actually doing the complete opposite. For the most part, 3x 12s work for scheduling appointments and doing things during business hours that you wouldn’t be able to with M-F. Personally for me, the 12s shift at bedside just never seem to get any easier despite doing it for 2+ years now. Waking up super early to work and coming home super late required me to recover longer when I’m off to get back on a normal cycle. But even then, nothing is structured. It’s hard to plan anything because you have to work every other weekend or so as well as  holidays. I’m leaving bedside to go to M-F for a more structured lifestyle and better sleep schedule. Weekends will not be something I’m worried about anymore. With 3x12s you do have the advantage  of have a long stretch of days off but to do that you’ll have to cram all your work days together and that is exhausting. But maybe you’ll like the 12s , def give it a try. Will be less repetitive  for sure in terms of work