Should I leave the ICU?

[tachynut]

Hello! This is my first post here . I am in desperate need of help/suggestions! I have worked in the Cardiac ICU for 4 years now and believe I am burned out. When I first started I loved the job, but now there is not much I enjoy about it. I am constantly stressed out and I cannot even enjoy my time off because I am so tired from 12+ hour shifts (let's be real, they are always 13+). To top things off we are severely understaffed to the point that it is unsafe at times.

I am considering leaving the ICU for something less stressful, relaxed pace, hopefully 8 hour shifts. I was thinking of doing home health/VNA, but it is a scary jump to leave the ICU. I don't want to do something I will regret in 10 years, but I know that I cannot keep up the pace of what I am currently doing. I also have orthostatic intolerance which makes standing all day a nightmare . I really need a job where I can sit at least 50% of the time.

Does anyone have any ideas?!?

[Marshall1]

You can always remain PRN where you are while you move into a different flavor of nursing. A home health agency would scoop you up in a heartbeat w/your experience...while home health isn't without its own stressors, it would be something less stressful than what you are in as far as clinically (vents, drips,etc). You have really answered your own question about needing to make a change in what you describe as not enjoying your job, burnt out etc.

Many times nurses focus on the 12 hr shifts (which I agree are really 13 or more depending on the day) and having time off during the week or whatever but if the days off are spend stressing about going back or so exhausted you aren't enjoying them then what is the point? I've worked the majority of my career in a hospital setting..I left in 2009 (hospital), did a few others things, then returned to the hospital setting earlier this year. For me, it was a mistake. I quickly remembered why I left in the first place..thankfully I have secured a position that is M-F (with Fri. being a short day), no weekends, no call, no holidays, full benefits and about what I was making in the hospital with a lot less stress working in a specialty clinic for a group of MD's. My advice is to give yourself a chance to experience something else - then - if you don't like it you can always go back to ICU.

[hajordan]

I feel like you just spouted out all of the things I am feeling! Cardiac, severely understaffed etc.

I have made a big decision in the last few days, I need to leave. I feel after 5 days off, I am still not sleeping right, and I am anxious all the time about work. I haven't stopped thinking about it. And I'm so tired/depressed/angry that I worry it's starting to really impact on my relationship. Not to mention how awful I feel myself.

Would you ever consider being a Cardiac Liason Nurse, or go into educating the new staff? After 4 years, you must be a mine of information. This is my plan anyway. Nicer hours, less pressure.

If this doesn't work out, I'm going for plan B. I'm gonna be a florist. Who wouldn't want to go home smelling of roses?!

Take the plunge. Even if you're bored, you're not running yourself into the ground. Work is NOT worth killing yourself for. Good luck!

[babilidose]

When was the last time you had a vacation? I worked in ICU that was also critically understaffed and I made sure to take a vacation every several months. Now this may not be feasible (I'm single, no kids) but at least staycations and a good vacation once a year. Otherwise, I agree with the above poster. Stay on PRN and try something new.