The unit on which I am currently working PRN (usually every other weekend) is rapidly tanking. They are down to TWO regular staff nurses on day shift (both of whom were and are useless independent of this, but that's another thread.) They should have about 7; evenings isn't in much better shape, and nights is soon due to lose its strongest and oldest nurse - the rock of the shift and the most knowledgable person on the unit.
It's to the point that when I go in, I am working with exclusively float staff, following people I don't know and reporting off to folks I don't know. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled to have them and they are ALWAYS dolls, but there is NO continuity of staff or care. It's also getting scary that I always charge whenever I'm there; unless there is a frequent flier I am familiar with, all the patients are new to me every time I work. Always remain professional, but it's to the point where I just hate going in.
I guess I'm just feeling (what - guilty?) about quitting entirely. I don't think there is any hope for this unit to get back on its feet and I hate that. I feel like just another rat deserting the sinking ship. Almost keep hoping that I go in one day to a completely intolerable staffing situation and refuse the assignment and feel ok about just quitting.
I love my regular full time job; we don't need the money, and I've been hanging on at the hospital for the notion that I don't want to "lose my skills." The only skill I seem to be cultivating is being frustrated (getting pretty good at that .
Whine/rant over.