Guidance on career path please!

[smangrolia]

I have my BSN, 1 year med/surg/tele experience and 1 year of emergency experience, floating to ICU occasionally. I want to continue to work in the ED, per diem only. I want to do online Masters program, but do not want to become a NP. Or maybe its because I don't want to become a ED NP, I have no idea. Anyways I am on the hunt for a new job, but I really need direction. I am easy going, adaptable, willing to learn. Was thinking of doing corrections nursing, but my husband isn't huge fan of that. Also thought aesthetics nursing would be fun, or IV infusions. I would appreciate any direction, tips, advice, of options. I keep hearing after a couple years hospital experience, that I have so many opportunities, but maybe I am just not seeing them? I live in CA, and indeed has mostly hospital, or home health listings.

[Sour Lemon]

35 minutes ago, smangrolia said:

I have my BSN, 1 year med/surg/tele experience and 1 year of emergency experience, floating to ICU occasionally. I want to continue to work in the ED, per diem only. I want to do online Masters program, but do not want to become a NP. Or maybe its because I don't want to become a ED NP, I have no idea. Anyways I am on the hunt for a new job, but I really need direction. I am easy going, adaptable, willing to learn. Was thinking of doing corrections nursing, but my husband isn't huge fan of that. Also thought aesthetics nursing would be fun, or IV infusions. I would appreciate any direction, tips, advice, of options. I keep hearing after a couple years hospital experience, that I have so many opportunities, but maybe I am just not seeing them? I live in CA, and indeed has mostly hospital, or home health listings.

I would not invest in more education without a solid goal in mind ...and I think it's easier to find "something" when you know what you're looking for.

Beyond that, I can only say that aesthetics nursing has been a big financial disappointment to the people I know who have tried it. They came running right back to the hospital.

[Chickenlady]

I agree that it is best to have a goal before investing in a Masters.  MSN programs seem to be geared toward NP, Education, or Admin.  Pick the wrong one and you will find yourself back in school.  

Why are you looking to leave ED?  Your reasons will guide you toward what you are looking for in your next position. 

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

" Also thought aesthetics nursing would be fun". My first piece of advice would be... if it's fun you are looking for, nursing is not it.  You are all over the map as to your next move. Try to narrow down what you want for your future. Keep in mind, that nursing is a very tough field, especially in the Covid age. You may very not be able to waltz into any of your plans.

Best wishes, let us know how it's going.

 

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Try to picture yourself 5 years from now in a different role. 

Are you still providing direct care or could you be in an office (Informatics, Infection Prevention, Documentation, Case Management)?

Can you see yourself teaching, classroom or clinical instructor? Leading and motivating others, as in being a manager? Does travel or sales appeal to you, such as working for a medical supplier and either doing sales or in-servicing? Flight nursing?

Have you considered outpatient chemo, or other clinics? Hospital @Home is another growing field, where acute care patients who meet criteria are cared for at home, with Lab & Xray and nursing provided in their home. What about telemedicine?

The jobs you immediately rule out combined with the jobs you may be interested in should help to show your possible interests.

Then make a list of what you must absolutely have in a job- 12 hrs shifts, days, nights, no weekends, a pension plan, close to home- whatever is important to you.

Hope this helps ?