Getting a non-nursing job?

[TNViking]

Hello all! So, if anyone is familiar with my previous posts I've somewhat struggled with stress management/depression as an RN. At a year and a half in, I'm still fairly new; however, I'm growing increasingly worried the bedside isn't for me. My coworkers tell me I'm a great nurse, but the stress and all the emotions I'm feeling are almost unbearable. So I was presented with an idea: change my full time RN job to PRN employment for more control/flexibility in hours, and get full time employment in something non nursing that I would enjoy. Unfortunately, I would be taking a pay cut; but with PRN job, I'm paid slightly more than I am now and I can pick up when money is needed. Have I lost my mind? What do you all think about this idea? I can't keep going on feeling this type of dread every day. Something has to change, and at this point, this is the only way I know how.

[jaderook01, BSN, RN]

I am a firm believer that people know themselves best. That said, I am also a firm believer that one should not use their first year of a career as the indicator of whether or not they should continue in that field. However, if you want to get a full-time non-nursing job somewhere then do so. Sit down and figure out what you'd rather be doing in life and then pursue it. There is nothing wrong with changing careers. I did it. I will do so again, as I fully plan to combine my old career with my new one.

[Everline]

Why not? The best thing about the idea is that you are keeping your foot in nursing and therefore can go back to it full time if needed or wanted without the trouble you might have if you left nursing entirely.

[Calalilynurse]

What about benefits until you find a non nursing full time job? Have you thought about school or office nursing? you might find it less stressful the hospital is not for everybody I know but maybe you just have to find your niche.

[NuGuyNurse2b]

It's a slippery slope, cause it seems like you already hate nursing (bedside, at least), so once you are in a non nursing job that may not pay as well but offers that peace of mind you are seeking, you may get comfortable and just leave the nursing industry altogether, and then you will have wasted all that time getting the license to begin with. If that's something you're fine with, then it's a no brainer to me.

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

A full time non-nursing job and part time RN job, sounds like a lot of time spent at work to me. This may cause you to feel exhausted and be unhappy in both. If you don't like bedside, you might want to look elsewhere. Learn something new and give your full attention to new nursing employment so you will succeed. What makes you think you will be happier in non-nursing employment? It's harder than you may think to go from a decent to good salary to a low paying job. It may take a couple weeks or months, but eventually you will feel the loss of income. Also, quite possible, that you won't like the full time non-nursing job.

Starting a new career because you feel a desire or passion for another career is an option. But then, it's not just a job, it's a career. Usually, this involves some planning, time, and pursuit of more education. If this is the plan, then PRN nursing may help you reach your goal as far as temporary income and flexibility of schedule.

If your trying to escape certain aspects of nursing such as stress, challenging attitudes of the public, demands of management, difficult coworkers, that's a very different issue or problem. This type of concern is best addressed with learning new coping skills. You may need some practice and guidance from a couselor to help change your perception and to assist you in learning new coping skills so that nursing works for you.

I have experienced great times working as a nurse. I have also held some miserable positions. Leaving one employer for another to get away from difficult situations does not always work. Lower pay does not equal less stress. Try something, you are interested in. Assess your nursing skills and consider what you like doing and what you excel at. I have felt the same feelings you appear to be feeling, but I'm working on it....