How do you know when it's time to move on?

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Dec 16, 2013

So go apply for jobs you don't think are beneath you.

Your goals and guidelines are probably listed on the job postings.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Dec 16, 2013

Well I have to say I think you are going to get some interesting replies to your post. If you are bored and fell Med Surg is not good enough for you try something else. Perhaps having ACLS & PALS may make you look more attractive.

RInursingstudent · Dec 16, 2013

I have been an RN on a med/surg floor for just over 1 year. I feel comfortable, still not 100% confident, but I am BORED.
I feel like I'm not being challenged. I've had 3 of my own patient codes and have participated in 1 other, and I love the rush that comes along with them.
I spend my nights wiping butts, passing meds, and babysitting geriatric patients. I KNOW I'm better than this. So although the thought of moving on petrifies me, I think I'm ready. ICU? ER?
I guess what I'm asking, is are there specific goals or guidelines I should meet before I take that next step? I want to be a competent, efficient nurse before I take the next step.
I appreciate the replies!

Wow, just wow.

RNperdiem, RN · Dec 16, 2013

As you continue in med-surg, you will probably get the chance to expand your skillset when you work as a charge nurse or precept newer nurses.

Now is the time to do your homework and look around to see what else there is in nursing, so if you do want to move to a different specialty, you know what you are getting into.

A word of warning, there is a lot of overlap. In ICU, I spend lots of time charting, giving meds, wiping butts, and babysitting agitated patients too.

Palliative Care, DNP · Dec 16, 2013

It's time to move on when you feel like it is. I agree really research the area you are interested in. Maybe speak to folks that currently work in that unit. That way you get a realistic picture and not a fantasy version of the ER or ICU.

Emergent, RN · Dec 16, 2013

You've had 3 of your Med/Surg pts code in only 1 year? I have to say, that sounds like a high rate. I've been a nurse for 20 years in many different settings. In Med/Surg codes are rare.

A good way to avoid codes is frequent rounding, and careful observations of pts.

Ruas61, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2013

Do you hear how arrogant you sound?

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2013

I spend my nights wiping butts, passing meds, and babysitting geriatric patients. I KNOW I'm better than this.

And that is where you lost me.

Perhaps it was just a bad choice of words on your part, and you don't *really* feel, as your post implies, that you are superior to your co-workers on med/surg, nor do you feel the level of disdain toward your patients as your comment implies.

At any rate, growth is critical for my job satisfaction. If I don't feel I'm growing and learning and becoming a more skilled clinician in my current role, I become bored also. Having just completed your first year as a nurse, you still have much learning and growing to do. The first year is all about just getting your feet underneath you, and there is still much opportunity for growth in your current position, believe it or not.

However, if you just feel you're ready for a change, there is nothing wrong with trying another area. I like that you're doing your homework before making such a change, as you might find that the aspects that bore you about med/surg are also a significant part of the picture in other areas.

While I haven't worked ICU, I do know that it can be heavy on turning/positioning, cleaning, med administration, and "babysitting" confused/agitated patients. You may or may not have aides to assist with these things.

I do have ED experience and I can honestly tell you that while I rarely have any one patient more than a few hours, our assessments tend to be targeted, the focus is on moving them through- they present, we diagnose, we dispo (either discharge or admit), there are still plenty of days filled with the drudgery of things like ice chips, warm blankets, meal trays, and poop.

So, while there is nothing wrong with wanting a change of scenery, be careful about your expectations.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 16, 2013

Have you thought about working toward your MedSurg certification? What about stepping up to Charge role? Becoming a preceptor? Developing an inservice? Getting involved in a performance improvement project? Active minds are never bored (thanks grandma). In terms of your career, those 'extra' activities and the skills & knowledge that come with them will be far more valuable for advancement than learning another set of specialty tasks.

caliotter3 · Dec 16, 2013

The problem with being bored is that general, or specialized, nursing care will be basically the same thirty years from now, as it is now. It would be a shame to change jobs for this reason and find that mostly what changed was the faces and names of your coworkers.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 16, 2013

I started off in med-surg and nights as well. It was a great learning opportunity as well and much like you I felt not challenged so I moved on. I really love critical care for many aspects however in retrospect, I know what the real problem was. It was nights. Once I went to days there is literally not one boring moment in any floor I work (float pool).

Days is where all the action is. We usually have more ancillary staff to take care of the basics and as a nurse you are more available to fulfill other roles such as intradiciplinary rounds, incorporating family into the picture, etc.

I am moving out of here soon and starting back on nights (only shift available) in another state, I am dreading it so much but I have to eat.

Much luck to you!