How do I break the mold?

Nurse Lulu · May 14

Hi,

I was in management for quite a while (approx 14 years) but hospital based. For several years at the end I felt trapped because like you I wanted out but was unsure where I could go and I did not want to go back to staff. I wanted to spend more time with my children and was very sick of being on call 24/7 expected to come in to cover, and also having nobody happy (upper management and staff) regardless of what I did, plus not being given any power to make changes to allow things to get better.

I ended up looking at positions completely away from things I had tried before. My background was critical care, some POHA/PACU as an extern, and waaay back pharmacy tech in nursing school LOL. I looked at pre-op testing, POHA, IR, home care, clinic positions, care management, utilization. I ended up taking a utilization management position with the expected pay cut however it is work from home. It is the best thing I ever did! No hour commute, no on call, no payroll, no schedule, no drama. I am able to walk my child to school, flex for my baby's Dr appts, eat lunch, go to field trips, it is just a better fit for my life right now.

One thing that helped is I reached out to recruitment and let them know my intentions, which was scary-and that I wished their help to be confidential until we figured it out. I know your situation is different but maybe recruitment could also help if you have some ideas? Hospitals will want to place you somewhere, or if that is not appealing an agency contract for something while you figure it out?

JPHeeler · May 14

This was me three years ago. I wanted to go back to a cart from a Unit Manager and I got walked out of the building. I was working 7 days a week, going in to mix TPN after hours, etc. I now work at a hospital on a PCU Unit and am extremely happy. I worked many jobs in and out of medical, and for me, I always end up in management because of my personality, so be aware you may end up in management. Also, most hospitals are going to pay less per hour. Make sure you can live on it and that you aren't asking for a pay rate they won't consider (night shift pay differential and PTO earnings will help that). I was offered positions for the first three jobs I applied for. There are many rehab facilities who want RNs for direct patient care, you could try them, some are affiliated with a hospital. I think you're probably too qualified. A lot of hospitals are getting nurses straight from school so they are a blank slate. My advice:

If you can, agree to one year in night shift. Honestly, it would be better for you, and let your interviewer know you are aware you will need to adjust, but your resume proves you are a quick study. Network. I happened to know the House Supervisor in the hospital of my choice. He made one call, the director of the unit called me within 10 minutes and that's the job I took. Your old SNF has the person who coordinates with hospital case managers to get admissions to the SNF. See if that person can recommend you to the hospital case manager--they intimately know the management of hospital units. During interviews and on your resume, focus on a desire to continue learning. Let's face it, there is a finite amount of active learning and different roles in a SNF. If all that fails, take a RN refresher that has clinicals and you can probably get into the hospital where you took clinicals. Networking is your best option. You know a doctor who has privileges, people through your children's activities who know what kind of person you are, etc Some nursing schools are heavily recruited by certain hospitals, find an entry that way, by taking one course and getting to know some students or instructors, etc. I hadn't worked in a hospital for 20 years and I'm 61 years old. It's doable!

mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN · May 14

Check some of the bigger home health agencies websites, they often have work from home case management positions. I know I saw one recently on Amedysis. Hope you find one with a better work/life balance, life is too short to spend it all at work! Good luck!

fsudmbRN, ASN · May 15

So, this week I have had a few break throughs. Offered a job with two different home health agencies and in-patient psych at a local hospital... My ultimate goal is to go back and get my PMHNP, so I am taking that one. Stepping back from a manager and only taking a $2 an hour pay cut. This will be easily made up by working an extra shift a pay period. Which, since I am use to working 7 days a week, should be easily do-able. I have worked in psych before and have really missed it. I am very excited about this new venture.

JPHeeler · May 15

Congrats!!

fsudmbRN, ASN · May 16

JPHeeler said:

Congrats!!

Thank you! Happy to be moving on with my life. LOL