should i stay or should i go

[rob214]

I was hoping that someone could help me with an issue that I am having. I have been a nurse for 4 years and think that I have made a big mistake. I am very introverted and dealing with a lot of people all day long really drains me. Also, I am not able to work in an environment where I have to work a whole shift without eating or using the bathroom. My only experience has been in an ophthalmology clinic. It is a good job and there are a lot of things that I don't have to deal with that floor nurses do (like the working with no breaks issue). However, I don't think I do the job well. I was wondering if there were other areas of nursing that might be better suited to me or if I just need to leave nursing. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

[hardygirl, LPN, RN]

Why don't you try working nights (11p-7a) at a LTC/ Subacute care facilty instead of working days or evenings. I enjoy nights because its quiet and I can get my work done without the feeling of being hovered over by management and interrupted by family members.

[Simba&NalasMom, LPN]

The only response I have is that if you have been working in this office for 4 years, you probably do the job very well or they would have replaced you. Try to give yourself more credit. I'm sorry it is so draining.

Perhaps you could look into case management? I would guess that in that field, you still have to deal with people, but fewer at a given time.

[C0252786]

If you are not taking breaks, its either you work on a poor managed unit or that you cannot time manage very well due to the workload. I suggest re-evaluating why you got into nursing. Was it because you are a caring person who enjoys helping people and making a difference, or is it because of the attraction to money. If its the former, you definately can find a niche in some field that is less caotic. If its because of the money, I think you will be unhappy regardless of whereever you work.

Fields of nursing that might suite you would probably be any administrative position such as: nurse recruiter, infection control, nursing supiviser, case management, or community health (travel immunization clinics) or home health nurse where you just travel to one person's house at a time giving injections, changing dressings ect.

If the above suggests don't sound appealing, then I suggest a change in career. Try accounting. Good luck.

[Chin up]

I agree with the top two posters. Nights has very little stimuli and you can work at your own pace....case-management is a different ball game, you have tons of autonomy and can work days....there are also many areas in administration you can explore. Good luck.

[Chin up]

If you are not taking breaks, its either you work on a poor managed unit or that you cannot time manage very well due to the workload. I suggest re-evaluating why you got into nursing. Was it because you are a caring person who enjoys helping people and making a difference, or is it because of the attraction to money. If its the former, you definately can find a niche in some field that is less caotic. If its because of the money, I think you will be unhappy regardless of whereever you work.

Fields of nursing that might suite you would probably be any administrative position such as: nurse recruiter, infection control, nursing supiviser, case management, or community health (travel immunization clinics) or home health nurse where you just travel to one person's house at a time giving injections, changing dressings ect.

If the above suggests don't sound appealing, then I suggest a change in career. Try accounting. Good luck.

I'm sorry, but this was funny! LMAO!

[PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN]

When CO2 suggested accounting, it reminded me of my dad. He was very introverted, and some others in his family line are painfully so.

But my dad was happy in accounting all his life. So, maybe that suggestion was not so funny after all. If there is a line of nursing that allows you to do a good job in a fairly private setting, maybe you could try that. What about private duty nursing? It could be actually lonely! And so could nights, as was suggested.

Maybe you can find your niche in nursing after all. Wishing you the best! :heartbeat

[NaKcl, BSN, RN]

How about,,, taking a break for a while? If you can afford to be off for a while, take a break for a few weeks or months.

OR,,, you can try out agency nursing to see, what is out there-- that is what I am about to do :)

while taking a break, get some rest and priotize your thoughts.

I was in a same situation like you. For a long time, I didn't know what to do.

Well, I came to the conclusion that even if the choice I made today is not the right one, I decided to go for it.

I do not want to waste anymore time on going back and forth.

I hope you will make a decision shortly. because it will drain your energy, ultimately, it will affect your job performance.

Good luck!!! :nurse:

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

Hey Rob

I'm introverted too and an older nurse, and I am getting to the point where I can't deal with people's obvious and ignorant stupidity. So many patients do not listen to what we say or suggest, (even though they ask our advice!), and then abuse the nursing staff when their life and health lets them down. We seem to be their mental punching bag.

What about doing nursing agency work? I have done this, you can choose where you want to go and your own shifts (most agencies give you a code and password to update all your details and shifts online now). Then you can have the days off that you want usually as well. Only thing is some bigger hospitals/facilities can have a high cancellation rate. Otherwise try applying to doctor's offices or telenursing, home health maybe.

Good luck.

[honeykrown, MSN, NP]

Home health is a great place for introverted people like you