I miss bedside nursing.

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Specializes in ICU.

I never thought I would say this. I am an ICU nurse turned nurse manager. I really wanted to get out of bedside. My body was beat after only 5 years bedside, 12 hour shifts without barely eating or peeing were killing me, especially as a single mother. I have been a manager for 6 months and hate it. The corruption (yes, where I work there is actual corruption) politics, my CEO hates me..... I just want to take care of my patients again. I want to use my critical thinking skills, I want to make people feel better...have that contact with individuals.

I never in a million years thought I would feel this way. But I do. I am seriously considering going back, but the pay cut would hurt. But, I am probably getting fired soon anyways!!! Maybe I will consider PACU, or same day surgery. Of course these jobs are hard to come by now.

I guess the grasss isn't greener on the otherside.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I've been where you are. Was a manager for 3 yrs and missed bedside nursing. I took off for a great many yrs to stay home with my kids and am now back to bedside nursing on an oncology floor. It is HARD as all get out, things have changed since I left and pts have multiple diseases, but I love it. I know my body can't take this forever either, so I'm going back to get my nurse practitioner degree which seems to be the best of both worlds, pt contact and good pay. Is that an option for you?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I felt as you do.....I went into supervision of community hositals. I could play at the bedside, educate and mentor the new nurses and I didn't have to break my back at the bedside. I went to management meetings but I didn't have to get involved AND I didn't have to fight for my budget....heaven :)

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Specializes in med surg.

I also went into staff development with 2 days a month at the bedside. My body feels better but bedside nursing will always be calling me. I just think at 59 that I am only one lift away from an injury that could plague me forever. And i know I will be working for a least 6 more years

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You don't get to use critical thinking skills as a manager? Heck, watch Jeopardy. When I finish and get a clinical job we can trade. I was a supervisor/manager/administrator in previous employment. I decided to go to nursing school, took a peon job to make the schedule work, and now I miss management. I'd trade you in a heartbeat.

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Specializes in Rehab, LTC.

I am a second degree nursing student who worked in management in another field prior to starting nursing school. One thing I know FOR SURE is I NEVER want to work in management in nursing. I feel sorry for the unit managers, they have to deal with the employee crap (people not showing up for shifts, covering shifts, so and so having an emotional break down, family complaints, ect). as well as dealing with crap from the higher ups (budgets, goals, ect.) NO THANKS!

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I am a second degree nursing student who worked in management in another field prior to starting nursing school. One thing I know FOR SURE is I NEVER want to work in management in nursing. I feel sorry for the unit managers, they have to deal with the employee crap (people not showing up for shifts, covering shifts, so and so having an emotional break down, family complaints, ect). as well as dealing with crap from the higher ups (budgets, goals, ect.) NO THANKS!

That's typical though when your workforce is largely female. No offense to anyone. Just speaking from experience.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
that's typical though when your workforce is largely female. no offense to anyone. just speaking from experience.

not only is that statement offensive, it's misogynistic.

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[color=#483d8b]where i work, the majority of the drama, last minute call-outs, family problems, patient complaints, etc. can be attributed to the males on our unit. one of them has had three "nervous breakdowns" in the past three years, and was on an extended leave because he was in jail. another has been going through a nasty divorce for years.

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[color=#483d8b]that sort of thing is typical when you work with people.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

:rotfl: :yeah::cheers:

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That's typical though when your workforce is largely female. No offense to anyone. Just speaking from experience.

"No offense to anyone."

Seriousely? Don't make an offensive statement if you don't want to be offensive! :idea::idea:

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Specializes in Rehab, LTC.
That's typical though when your workforce is largely female. No offense to anyone. Just speaking from experience.

What do budgets, patient goals, family complaints and covering shifts have to do with working with females? I could see the emotional issues when working with mostly females, but I have seen male nurses break down at the drop of a hat just as much as females. I've also seen male nurses gossip just as much, if not worse then female nurses as well. Sorry, I just can't agree with you on that one.

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Specializes in diabetic wound care/podiatry.
That's typical though when your workforce is largely female. No offense to anyone. Just speaking from experience.

I see your point. In my previous life, I managed females in a medical office, then moved to managing a larger group of men. I would prefer, as a female, to manage men over women any day. Yes, our field is mostly comprised of women. A lot of drama comes with the majority of women. Unfortunately, women do not always know how to keep the drama at home. Yes, men have drama also, but in my experience, you address the men, say enough is enough, it stops. With women it goes on and on. I know S*** happens, kids, life, DH, etc., but leave that at home, come to work, do your job, make a difference, then go home.

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