I quit my job.

Published

Specializes in SICU.

After 14 years of doing bedside nursing, I have decided that I just can't deal anymore. :o

I work nightshift and can't physically handle it anymore and I know for a fact that dayshift would make me insane. I am tired of the residents with their political games and their fear of attendings that is so strong that they can't write a simple order for pain medicine without it being a major ordeal, I'm tired of the families and their ten-tons of drama, I'm tired of cleaning up poop and vomit and giving excellent care to patients who view me as a personal maid/slave. I'm tired of fighting with pharmacy to get meds, and I'm tired of getting pulled to other units to be a charge/preceptor. I'm tired of sitting on the toilet at work and being inundated with flyers and messages about mandatory meetings and classes (that interrupt my sleep in between shifts). I'm tired of having back spasms after a 12 hour shift of moving around 300+ pound people. I'm sure you know how much I could go on and on...

I'm just tired. Period.

I only have 4 more shifts of bedside nursing to do, and I'm SO ready to be done with it all. I feel like I've given nursing 1000% of myself, and the return lately has been zilch.

I've taken a Case Management job, and while I know for a fact that it will have many frustrating moments and I will want to pull my hair out, it also means that I'll be off on holidays and weekends, and I'll have a normal sleep pattern for the first time in 14 years, and I'll get to wear nice clothes to work, and I will NOT have to TOUCH another patient. It won't be perfect, I know... but it will be better for my mental health.

I'm kinda sad, because I know I'm a good nurse and I have an excellent knowledge base and great skills, and I've had some fantastic coworkers over the years, and also have a lot of good and funny memories and stories... but I also know I need to do this for me.

Thanks for reading.

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Thank you for your 14 years of excellent care and for making the profession of nursing look so good. You'll thank yourself later for taking care of you in making this change.

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Specializes in Licensed Practical Nurse.

thank U For Your 14 Years Of Dedication, I Admire U , Will You Consider Some Other Area Of Nrsg That Isn't So Stressful- Teaching Maybe? Anyway Whatever Your Decisions I'm Wishing You Luck,luck,luck;) May God Truly Bless You!

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congrats on the new job...

sometimes you realize what is best for you...you don't need to work yourself into a breakdown

take your new job one step at a time and you will be fine

good luck

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Specializes in cardiology-now CTICU.

i hear you on the pain meds- takes an act of congress to get something more than 2 mg morphine for someone who just had their chest cracked.

thank you for your years of service. i hope your new job is intellectually stimulating and fulfilling. maybe when all the good ones leave management will wake up.

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Specializes in 6 years of ER fun, med/surg, blah, blah.

You are one brave person to stand up & say "enough!" Good luck with your new position & you will still be caring for people, but in a different way. I'm very glad you are taking care of yourself now.:kiss

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Dear SICU Queen:

You may be leaving bedside nursing, but you certainly aren't leaving nursing. You'll continue to make an impact, a positive one, and I'm glad you aren't leaving the field.

Thank you (adding my voice to all the others) for the work you did and do and will do.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

WOW!! 14 years?? I quit bedside nursing after 2!! You're my hero!! I audit charts and let me just warn you... BORING!!! But you may like that for a little while. I've been doing it for a month and I think I'm ready to jump back in!! Just be sure you get up and take lots of breaks!! Oh, I have to say, I LOVE the hours, my holidays with my families, and if there's ever an emergency (aka hurricane) I get to stay home instead of rush out to work!! You'll like those perks!! :)

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Specializes in geriatric, hospice, med/surg.

After twenty plus years of doing the above of putting my heart, soul, physical body and everyone else's best interest including my now grown daughters and caring for them as a single parent,.....I am done with taking care of folks, also! I am all about looking out for me now...finally. Haven't ever really just focused on myself like I should. Will be interesting to see who I am now, even! LOL!

I applaud you for the cessation of the endless stressors both physical and mental/emotional on your heart, mind and body. You are to be strongly commended. Good for you!

And yes, thank you for those years you DID give of yourself.

Good luck on the job. You'll probably be bored after a while, but the exchange to actually start living life less stressed will be worth it!

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Congrats on the change. We wish you the absolute best with the new job. If anyone deserves a reprieve it's you! God Bless.:lol2:

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Specializes in SICU.

Awww... thanks everyone for the kind words and good wishes. I'm sure you all know how nice it is to be appreciated!!

I'm really looking forward to starting the new job on 5/7... :)

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SICU Queen :

Well written. I hear your pain and disappointment.

It is sad. I can identify with your feelings when you write of

giving 1000 % and the return is zilch.

I spent 11 years in SICU and 3 years in adult burns.

The only return is in knowing, at the end of each shift,

I left my patients in a better condition than I found them.

There is a immense personal pride and gratification in that.

That is the return. Personal pride and dignity, the knowledge

that I did my best.

This kind of knowledge is the kind that will serve you and your patients

in your new endeavor.

It also keeps one off the anti-depressants.

It feels good to look in the mirror and know that many many people

recovered and moved on - because of my dedication and my caring interventions.

The case management patients will need you just as much. It is a harsh

cruel world out there when you are disabled, ill, and trying to transition out

of the hospital.

Good Luck.

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