Have you found your calling?

I also like my job and coworkers, but it's not where I see myself longterm. I've just accepted a job with a local hospice. I've always wanted to work hospice, but I figured I'd wait and get a couple years experience first. But when I started volunteering for hospice, they offered me a job with an extended orientation period (at least three months). It's a little daunting to go into such an autonomous field of nursing only six months after graduation, but I think I can do it. I hope you find your niche.

I just left critical care to go to labor & delivery....so I guess my answer is YES!!!!:chuckle

I love the critical care environment. In most hospitals the nurses are closer than on the other floors and you have the ability to affect your patients outcomes. Now I know alot of people cant handle critical care because it is very demanding work. But once you get the hang of it, it is wonderful. I mean where else can you make maximum income for only taking care of 2 patients. Well I just thought I would throw my 2 cents in.

I started in the ED, and Yes!!!!!!!! i've found my calling..... i vow to be a great trauma nurse!!!

xo

Jen

I went to work on a cardiology unit in july after i passed my boards. As more and more I work I realize hosptial isnt for me. I have a passion to work in the community and work with prevention efforts. I figured having a few years under my belt in critical care would be beneficial in the long run. I tolderate my job and enjoy the type of patients but this isnt for me. I know where your coming from.

This may be a little pre-mature but right now I honestly regret going into nursing. It is not at all what I thought it would be. I HATE 12 hour shifts, I hate working nights, I HATE the envirnoment/the unit I am on. I am just really miserable all the way around. I am so pooped out even on my days off. I have NO energy. I am very crabby around my daughter who is almost 6 even on my off days and I have once a month a 7 day stretch and right now I am on my 7 day stretch but then I dread going into work this coming Thursday after my 7 day stretch where I will have to do 3 in a row and then I will have only one off day after the 3 days in a row which will probably be spent sleeping all day.

The only thing interesting is that there are LOTS to learn but one really has to be receptive with learning in the first place.

I NEVER did any true CNA work before deciding to go to nursing school. Had I done that first I am 98% confident that I would have probably chose something else. Don't get me wrong I LOVE helping people but I don't love the other things involved with nursing.

Hang in there Tonya....I know that you've worked extremely hard to get to this point.

It could really just be the night shift not working out for you. I love the 12's, but I left my 1st position before finishing my orientation on the day shift ( never made it to nights). I had it so stuck into my head that I would fall apart on nights...physically and emotionally. I ended up finding a position in a totally different area working 3-11 (my body's favorite). It's going to be real hard with kids to get enough quality time with them, but I'm going to give it a shot and see what happens.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we care!!!!!