I think I committed career suicide

Published

Hello fellow nurses I'm in need of some advice. I started in the ER in May after leaving a tele floor for 8 months. I needed a change and wanted to advance and challenge myself. I'm having a tough time transitioning. I have even thought about asking for my old job back. I was really good and comfortable at my old job but it wasn't much growth where I was. Now I'm ready to jump ship. I feel like I don't fit it in where I work, I'm slow, having a tough to time moving with the pace and prioritizing. Does it look bad on my resume to look for another job??

How is this career suicide?

It takes closer to 2 years full-time to even feel close to moving past novice in a particular role. Everyone thinks they are the outlier exception rather than rule. In my experience in the past two decades, only about 1-2% of newer grads are the outlier exception. You have to work full-time for a good two years post graduation--at least--and this also can depend (may longer) for certain specialized areas. Cut yourself a break already.

Do you like to hone in on a couple to three patients--getting into what is going on with them? If so, maybe a certain ICU would work for you.

You have certainly NOT committed career suicide. . . not even close.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also, Plenty of people tire of ED, even if they are good at it. They can sick of running around, abusive drunks, the whole nine yards.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Also, Plenty of people tire of ED, even if they are good at it. They can sick of running around, abusive drunks, the whole nine yards.

Thanks everyone I'm resigning was told I'm too slow can't keep up the pace and not meeting orientation standards so I'm gone, better luck next time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER - trauma/cardiac/burns. IV start spec.

Ernurse2012,

Please do not let this shake you up too much. The ER is a unique unit to work in and in own humble opinion a very hard place to work, oscillating between being insanely busy and extremely slow. In my time in the ER we had several new grads and a handful of floor nurses try to join the ER staff and only 2 stayed however they only stayed 2 to 3 months. You can always try again after you get more time under your belt. By the time I left I was the oldest nurse on nights and the night shift was 3 nurses short and management was looking for nurses with ER experience You will find the right spot - just keep looking.:specs:

Good luck to you!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lol. I felt that way after 2 wks in the ER after leaving ortho/ neuro. Remember you want a challenge. And that it is! 7 yrs later I became a CEN! Such an awesome feeling! I am a kick Ass ER nurse! You can do it. It is def NEVER a dull moment! Smile and do your best. Never be afraid to ask questions. It will take a few yrs before you become confident! You czn do it! Have faithin yourself! It will become second Nature!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I would try to stick it out at least 6 months. Every job takes a minimum of 6 months to get the hang of. If you are still miserable at the 6 month mark, then I'd try transferring to another unit. Maybe Critical Care? It's a high learning curve, but definitely is complex. :) Good luck in whatever you decide!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, trauma.
I would try to stick it out at least 6 months. Every job takes a minimum of 6 months to get the hang of. If you are still miserable at the 6 month mark, then I'd try transferring to another unit. Maybe Critical Care? It's a high learning curve, but definitely is complex. :) Good luck in whatever you decide!

The OP has already resigned from the position.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

If it's anything like where I work, it's a tough ER for any new to ER nurses, in fact we can't even keep experienced ones sometimes. Don't let it get you down.

May you have some success and joy in whatever's next for you.

And you sound like someone I've recently worked with. Best of luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.
The OP has already resigned from the position.

Yeah I missed that when I initially posted. Good luck in your next position OP! I think some of us having more trouble finding our niche than others!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Whats the tele floor???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Whats the tele floor???

A telemetry floor in the US is a floor that specializes on monitoring the heart rhythm on patients all on one floor/ward. They are usually mostly ambulatory and less acute they don't require the intensive care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion