Need some good advice about my career

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Some of you have read my story. Briefly, I was an RN for ten years and then a home educator for 18 years. In 2009, I retook the NCLEX and passed with flying colors. I thought I would walk in the hospital and get a job right away like I did in 1980. Shocker, :eek: instead, a year later I was still seeking employment.

I finally landed a job in 2010 with a home health agency. Our relationship has been bitter- sweet. After all, I am making some money. I presently work in the ps for $15/hour and a 33 hour week on the weeks when the kids are in school the entire week. On holidays et al, I get nothing.

I love this job! I love my supervisor! I love the people I work for! But I am struggling with the pay.

There are some other issues with this agency that have caused me some issues. But for the most part, everyone I meet (including nurses) loves me. I admit that there are a couple of case managers that I don't get along with though.

I started applying to hospitals where I used to work and one was going to put me in a new grad program. I was hopeful, but it is looking like I am no longer in the running. Some people have advised me that I should stop persuing the hospital because of the women that typically work there who are bitter, backbiting gossips. Is that true; and if so, is there a venue for reporting nurse bullying? Is the hospital a horrible place to work? Thank you for your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MS, OB-Ped, NICU,ER Community.

Hi luv2care! I know I'm not in the right position to tell you these things coz I'm still a newbie in our career. Honestly, there have been an overproduction of nurses these days that's why it's not that easy to find a job. In your case, you did find a good job but with a low compensation. Well it's up to you to choose either to stay with that job or have no job at all? It's really hard sometimes to fully embrace a job that you think is lacking. But then again it's up for you to decide; if that job makes you feel special and loved and for you it's rewarding or fulfilling then you can stick on it,but if it's the opposite, then you can easily get out of there.

And also, don't listen to those people who tries to stop you from working in the hospital. You wouldn't be able to know unless you've been there yourself. Bullying doesn't really exist if you have the right perspective. Throw away those negative thoughts and replace it with positive ones. If you always try to see good in other people and complement them, it would be easier for you. Just remember that you can't please everybody, there's always someone who will find fault on you,but don't let them get in your way, you just don't know their story, and who knows you could end up as friends.

Working in a hospital is like entering a huge battlefield, it's a place where people from different walks of life meet, all you have to do is to equip yourself with the right knowledge, skills and most of all a loving,caring and compassionate attitude.

Hope this helps^_^ God bless you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PCCN.

take the good with the bad. Sure hospitals pay more, but that's because there's more bs involved. Odd are you will have no choice in shifts, work rotating shifts, work every other weekend, and depending on the area, take call too.I work in one for the reason I can't afford a less paying job. Shift rotation is difficult. There have been weeks that I work all 3 shifts in one week. Not having so much of the backstabbing or bullying. Maybe my area is good in that sense.

I do also find the juggling of assignments difficult. I seem to notice a trend of sicker pts on the floors. Kinda hard to juggle an acute pt when you have 6 others. Kinda sets you up for failure.

If you really want to do it only for the money, keep applying. Make your name known. Maybe now just wasn't the right time. OTOH, if you want to keep your sanity, but have a poor paycheck and enjoy your job, stay where you are.

Good luck with your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would definitely explore all the options in my local area, from industrial nursing to nursing homes to schools to private duty. I believe nurses will be back in demand. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ask away I shall tell.

Hey luv2care,

Seems like you are in a tough situation and with the market being the way it is its frightening. Have you tried looking in other areas where as a supervisor you are able to earn more? If you need to talk about hospital bullying i can fill you in on that I was a manger and shift supervisor and i was getting bullied from the higher up. e mail me if you want to talk [email protected]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment