Hate 8-5 OP

[happyhippo]

Hi,

Recently I left my hospital job at neuro/stroke stepdown and went for 9-5 OP primary care office. I worked 3 12s nightshift and liked it more than dayshift because I don’t have to deal with family drama and constant phone calls. However, I developed anxiety and dreaded work. I hate how we were short staffed all the time and we had to take extra patients. So, I finally decided to leave for 8-5 OP primary. While it’s less stressful and the office is well staffed, I just don’t feel it. I get stuck in traffic every day. It takes me 1.5 hrs for 30 min drive to the office. I thought I’d have more time for myself after work because I get out at 5pm but that’s not enough time to do anything. I’d rather work 3 days and have the rest of the week off. I do have the weekend and holidays off but that doesn’t feel enough.

I know a lot of people prefer 9-5 jobs and I thought I would too because I can live life normally without feeling sleep-deprived all the time. But now that I tried it out, I just don’t think I like it. Will I go back to my old job? Probably not. I do want to try out neuro ICU and if I ever decide I’m sick of OP, I’ll definitely look for an ICU position. 

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Maybe it is the commute that is bothering you? I would not be able to tolerate 1.5 hour commute....that is crazy.

Anyway you can look for something closer to home?

[happyhippo]

On 4/6/2022 at 3:46 PM, ThePrincessBride said:

Maybe it is the commute that is bothering you? I would not be able to tolerate 1.5 hour commute....that is crazy.

Anyway you can look for something closer to home?

The commute drives me nuts even though I’ve only worked there for a week. My old hospital is actually farther from this new job but because I worked nightshift, traffic is not bad when I drive in. I decided to transfer to neuro ICU at my old hospital. It’s like an extra 7-mile drive from the current OP office but in return I don’t have to sit in traffic every freaking day. I’d much rather drive to work 3 days per week than 5 days. 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Sorry that the change you made hasn't turned out to be what you were looking for. I also agree that the commute would give me second thoughts. I'm about an hour, but no traffic and that makes a huge difference. I also would not have the patience for an outpatient position, my clinical rotations taught me that. The good news for you is that there are likely to be many opportunities available to you if you want to find an ICU position. Good luck with your future plans. 

[klone, MSN, RN]

Is it the job or the commute? If it's the commute, maybe look for a clinic position closer to home.

[happyhippo]

26 minutes ago, klone said:

Is it the job or the commute? If it's the commute, maybe look for a clinic position closer to home.

It’s mostly the commute. This job is actually closer to home than my old job, which is part of the reason why I made the switch. But it turned out I have to sit in traffic every day even though the drive only takes less than 30 minutes. I have to leave my house 1.5 hrs early or I’d be late. 

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

Yeah, I wouldn't like to drive that far either. You are very lucky to be out by 5 p.m. Many clinic jobs would have you there until 6. ?

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

There might be outpatient jobs with different schedules.  I know that at my clinic, most nurses work M-F as you've said.  But we have an urgent care, so somebody is always scheduled for evening (open until 9, so that can be a 12-hour shift).  I'd keep looking around for something that isn't 8-5 every day but also isn't inpatient.