I keep burning bridges... I really want to stop

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in LTC.

The title says it all. Since May I have not had a stable job. Prior I held two nursing positions a year each. Prior to becoming a nurse I worked as CNA and had two jobs. One job I kept for 3 years the other 2 years.

So I know have the potential to be stable, until I get into a specialty.

In May I burnt a bridge at a nursing facility, left without notice due to retaliation from my employer.

In August I burnt a bridge with this one ped hh job I was working. I didn't quit the agency but I did give up all my clients due to my school schedule and one client was not the right fit. I did let the agency know 3 weeks prior that I would have to give up my cases though.

So now I'm faced with a problem. I'm supposed to start orienting for a another peds hh case tomorrow for weekend option ( I strongly dislike peds hh, so keep that in mind)

However, I was just offered a PRN with possible full time at a facility that I would rather work at than ped hh.

I also have another interview lined up tomorrow with a 3rd employer. Since I don't want the peds hh case should I just tell them now or work the case until something permanent comes along? Or should I just not bother with the peds hh and just keep looking and atleast I will have a PRN job.

Thanks for your advice in advance. I promise I will get it together. :o

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There is nothing wrong with working the hh case until something else comes along. That is the whole point of the "flexibility" that hh agencies are always touting. I would start the case and take it from there as far as your other interviews go. Good luck.

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Specializes in LTC.
There is nothing wrong with working the hh case until something else comes along. That is the whole point of the "flexibility" that hh agencies are always touting. I would start the case and take it from there as far as your other interviews go. Good luck.

Thanks !!!! I always look forward to your input.

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OK.... I'm going to go "Dr. Phil" on ya....(sorry :D).

If you want to stop burning bridges- STOP :). You are in control of your behavior- which is often generated by thoughts. Make these jobs something that work FOR you - not just you working them....do what you have to do in your head to change your behavior. jmo :)

You've been able to get jobs even with the bridges burning- don't expect that to last....

The shifts are limited amounts of time- think of them as a block of that day, and not the "whole" day (which can mess with your head).

Hang in there- as the saying goes- "this too shall pass.... not this too shall stick around" :D

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

So now I'm faced with a problem. I'm supposed to start orienting for a another peds hh case tomorrow for weekend option ( I strongly dislike peds hh, so keep that in mind)

However, I was just offered a PRN with possible full time at a facility that I would rather work at than ped hh.

I also have another interview lined up tomorrow with a 3rd employer. Since I don't want the peds hh case should I just tell them now or work the case until something permanent comes along? Or should I just not bother with the peds hh and just keep looking and atleast I will have a PRN job.

Thanks for your advice in advance. I promise I will get it together. :o

You never know if #2 & #3 will pan out or not. Is the issue that both #1 & #3 occur tomorrow? Can you reschedule the interview for Friday or next week? You could take #2, pursue #3, and then the peds position if you feel you need that income also. There is some risk however if you take that position for a short-time reinforcing the job-hopping pattern.

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Specializes in LTC.

You all are so right. Who needs Dr. Phil when I have AN?

Ok, seriously I am definitely going to tread carefully. I am working on it.

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Specializes in LTC.
You never know if #2 & #3 will pan out or not. Is the issue that both #1 & #3 occur tomorrow? Can you reschedule the interview for Friday or next week? You could take #2, pursue #3, and then the peds position if you feel you need that income also. There is some risk however if you take that position for a short-time reinforcing the job-hopping pattern.

So true.

When I go in tomorrow, I will set up a schedule. I may postpone the peds HH. I should be able to make a decision before my orientation starts tomorrow evening for the hh job.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surge, Ortho.

It is always good to think about decisions very carefully because once they are made, you live with the consequences whether they are good or bad and sometimes the wrong decisions come at a great price emotionally or financially. Just my:twocents:

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Specializes in LTC.
OK.... I'm going to go "Dr. Phil" on ya....(sorry :D).

If you want to stop burning bridges- STOP :). You are in control of your behavior

That's exactly what I was thinking. If you want to stop burning bridges, put down the lighter!

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That's exactly what I was thinking. If you want to stop burning bridges, put down the lighter!

Good one. I'm going to remember that for future reference. :)

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If you strongly dislike peds hh, don't take the position.

You are not the right fit for the child and their family.

Children are vulnerable enough when they are sick and in need of care.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

You need to make careful decisions about balancing your work schedule with school. Choose the job you feel is best, but then stick with it. Job hopping continuously looks unprofessional.

Trust me...I used to hire and train when I worked in hotel mgmt. People who move around often are perceived as unreliable to many managers. Don't make this a pattern. You could be a great nurse who ends up not even considered for a position you badly want in the future because of it.

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