Has anyone ever done this?

[RNmyFriend]

I am an RN on an acute floor in a hospital and I am burned out. :-( I want to stay in the medical field and I would not mind working in a clerical position. I have tried to get into clinic nursing without success so far. I really do not care if the pay is lower I just don't like where hospital floor nursing is going. It seems it is more important to get a patient his/her coffee than it is to make sure his/her blood pressure is WNL. I feel like I am working in a 5 star hotel and having to take insults and condescending comments from patients with a smile. I worked as a patient care tech a few years ago before I became a nurse and it did not seem that way then. The hospital also seems to ask you to take on more patients than is safe and gives no support at all. I just want to go to work and not come home dreading the next time I have to go to work. Back to my original question-Has anyone ever gone from floor RN to a clerical position in the medical facility where they worked or other medical office? What did you say when you were being interviewed as to why you wanted to go from RN to clerical worker? Thanks for the help!

[Katie71275]

That's the way of nursing now....more about customer service! Have you thought about going to a slower paced unit? I work L&D, and one thing I love about it, is that we aren't overloaded with patients. It may get crazy busy at times, but we usually have aides to help, pt are usually NPO so no fetching food and drink, etc. I really love it. Aside from that, there are other units that are slower paced as well.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

If you want an office-type job and enjoy clerical work, what about MDS nursing? Or working for an insurance company? In our profession we have lots of options. No need to leave nursing alltogether

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Sadly, nursing seems to be more about customer service than actual nursing. Blame Press Ganey. I also worked as a tech before I became an RN (2008-2011) and I have also noticed the changes. It did seem different back then than it does now.

With that said, I also agree with doing something slower paced. What about infectious disease/employee health, home health or hospice? Or work in a doctor/NP/PA clinic.

[RNmyFriend]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I am trying to get into clinic nursing, but have not had any job offers yet. I would like to also, pursue case management nursing and have applied for a few positions with no offers. Guess I just have to press on.

[naptimeRN]

I agree with what you said. There is a lot put on nurses in the hospital. This is especially difficult with hospitals cutting OT and staff. Makes an already high stress job even more stressful.

I recently interviewed for two outpatient nursing jobs and was offered both. When asked why I am leaving the hospital, I told the truth that I would like to shift my career in another direction and have more one on one time with patients. I rarely see outpatient positions posted in my area. So when I did, I pounced on them. Having experience on the floor really helps in being selected I believe. Good luck!!