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

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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!

Specializes in ER.

I work in ER now, and believe me, it's not all codes and traumas. There is a lot of humdrum there, with the same old drunks coming in, the same old drug seekers. I worked ICU in the past, there are a lot of repetitive tasks there, and LOTS of incontinent patients. Ventilator pts don't get up to use the BSC!

Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

Somebody doesn't have a very realistic view of the nursing profession.

I think that's understandable considering the one year experience.

What is not understandable, is that anybody above the age of 15 can make a statement like "I know I'm better than that" and not recognize how offensive it is.

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

"Wiping butts," as it was put so elegantly, is a basic part of nursing that you won't escape unless you go into management or some other area that doesn't involve floor work. If you're not learning something from it, then you're not doing it right---this is a good time to assess the skin and yes, the character of the stool, and it's a great time to talk to the patient and reassure them that it's OK. No one likes to be incontinent, not even people with dementia or developmental disabilities, and if you can imagine it from their side of the bedrails, you'll understand how hard it is on their dignity to have to be cleaned up like a baby.

A year in Med/Surg isn't anywhere near long enough to become bored, but if it's not the right job for you---and it really isn't for everyone---you should definitely move on. Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons, because the basics will still have to be done no matter whether you go to ER, ICU, OB, or psych. Just sayin'.

Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I got bored on Medical too. SSDD basically. While the certification did entice me, there really was no other way to go, no challenge to be had. I moved to ER. It plays so much better to my ADD and my desire to keep learning. We do get a lot of nonsense that comes in, but the few times the really sick/hurt people do make it to us makes it worth it. Give it a shot.

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
I got bored on Medical too. SSDD basically. While the certification did entice me, there really was no other way to go, no challenge to be had. I moved to ER. It plays so much better to my ADD and my desire to keep learning. We do get a lot of nonsense that comes in, but the few times the really sick/hurt people do make it to us makes it worth it. Give it a shot.

Good advice

Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Could you be anymore offensive? "wiping butts"?? "babysitting geriatric patients"?? Maybe you could talk to some of those patients. I bet many are veterans or have raised amazing families. I hope the nurse who cares for your aging parents or for you when you are old as more than just "babysitting". I pray you are never my nurse OR my families.

Could you be anymore offensive? "wiping butts"?? "babysitting geriatric patients"?? Maybe you could talk to some of those patients. I bet many are veterans or have raised amazing families. I hope the nurse who cares for your aging parents or for you when you are old as more than just "babysitting". You are absolutely disgusting and I pray you are never my nurse OR my families.

This!!

Trust me you will be cleaning up even more poop in the ICU. Fecal bags, foleys, GI bleeds so you aren't going to be in a "cleaner" area. Actually the opposite. When I work in the ICU I clean up more poop than when I'm floated to a med surg floor.

I suggest start applying to the ICU's and ER's in your area. To make yourself more competitive you should go ahead and get your ACLS and EKG class.

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Specializes in ER.

I don't it helps to call the OP "disgusting". That's rather harsh.

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

I get your point. I would say definately look for something else. Maybe even something that is not bedside care.

For the PPs that are bashing the OP:

"What Sally says about Timmy says more about Sally than what she was saying about Timmy."

Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.

My guess is by "I'm better than this" you mean you're not fulfilled in your job and you don't feel challenged - not that you actually believe you're quality as a person somehow transcends that of basic nursing responsibilities or the profession in general.

You got your year of experience, plenty of people move on to different areas after that. Apply to different positions that interest you after doing some research. Personally I would try to fit some time in shadowing those other areas before making the transition. Might turn out you dislike them too. I don't see why anybody should spend added time in their career (and therefore, life) expanding on an area their heart isn't in.

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
Could you be anymore offensive? "wiping butts"?? "babysitting geriatric patients"?? Maybe you could talk to some of those patients. I bet many are veterans or have raised amazing families. I hope the nurse who cares for your aging parents or for you when you are old as more than just "babysitting". You are absolutely disgusting and I pray you are never my nurse OR my families.

I think you are being harsh. Surely, OP could have used different wording or put it more mildly but I do not deduct she is a disgusting nurse or someone without principals, morals or empathy.

I think that was needless and harsh!

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