How to redeem my nursing career

[chocolateskye]

Ive had plenty of bad nursing experiences during my career and admittedly I have not always handled them in the best ways. I have always done what works best for me in the present not thinking about my nursing future and not realizing how small the nursing world can be. How can I reclaim my career and recover from my mistakes?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

You haven't said what the problem is. Perhaps because there are a few threads active about the issue, I'm suspecting job hopping, quitting without notice or something similar. The best way to reclaim your career after that is to choose a job carefully and then STAY for at least two years. And don't leave that job without having another lined up. Then STAY at that job for at least two years. If you've really behaved badly, you may have to actually leave the area and get a fresh start somewhere that your ex-manager isn't friends with a potential manager.

Sorry we can't help you very much without knowing exactly what the issue is -- or maybe a bit more specifically what the issue is, in a general sort of way. If that makes any sense.

[chocolateskye]

Yes mainly job hopping, but I have also left jobs without proper notice. I have never been good with nursing politics and BS that surrounds new employees. I love nursing but often feel as though egos and other misplaced anger and whatnot does not allow me to be the best nurse that I can be and therefore I leave. The unit supposedly needs help but runs anyone hired to help out?

[chocolateskye]

I meant to say thank you for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.

[enuf_already]

Yes mainly job hopping but I have also left jobs without proper notice. I have never been good with nursing politics and BS that surrounds new employees. I love nursing but often feel as though egos and other misplaced anger and whatnot does not allow me to be the best nurse that I can be and therefore I leave. The unit supposedly needs help but runs anyone hired to help out?[/quote']

Burning bridges in nursing can doom a career. I don't know if you live in a small town where there are few facilities to work or whether you have multiple job opportunities. Administrators and former coworkers often change jobs and recognize people who apply at their workplace. Nursing can be a small world even in a big city.

In my opinion, nursing politics exists in every job. Open communication between management and staff and staff members to other staff can circumvent many problems. If you leave every unit who has a member with a personality flaw, chances are you will never work.

If you've already made it too difficult to get a job locally, then you may have to consider going out of the area. Whatever you do, as another poster suggested, plan on staying at your next job for several years. When you do leave, give proper notice and leave on good terms. Coworkers at your current place of employment could also be coworkers at your next job. Good luck to you!