I think I made a mistake

Published

I recently left a job in rehab for a job in medsurg. At the rehab job it was a constant battle to get the help we needed on the night shift. The work was doable. I also worked 7 12's in a row which was hard. So I left thinking the grass was greener on the other side. Well I think I made a mistake. I got a job at a very busy hospital. It is for the night shift, but I have been orientating on days. I'm charge nurse and also have pts. It's so ficken busy, I almost can't keep up. I start training on the night shift this weekend. I'll see how it goes but I'm too old and slow for the fast paced world of medsurg. I know my old position in rehab is still available. I think I want to go back if I can. I'm a nervous wreck in medsurg. What do you guys think? At least I was not about to have a stroke in rehab.:confused:

Give it some time to get use to it. I think you will be just fine, do not doubt yourself!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.

That sounds like the, "acuity is not part of the staffing matrix paradigm...", that I've heard before. We got a new DON, and it only required the near death of an attending's private patient.:eek:

Completely OT, but Esme, I love your weimer, we have one too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Seven twelve hour shifts in a row? How many days off did you get?

What state are you in? Sounds like working conditions are bad there.

I would try the nights and see if it is any better.

If not, and you can get your old job back, which is less stress, I would go for it.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

rehab over med surge? Thats a no brainer, I say unless you are a new grad getting needed experience, always avoid med surg. The stress and work load is way too much and you get paid the same thing as nurses in much less stressful areas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho and Tele med/surg.

I'm sorry but I just can't stand how these nurses on here are encouraging you to risk your license by telling you "Don't worry you will get used it." Again, I'm sorry to say this but this is the reason why our profession doesn't get the respect it deserves. This is exactly why healthcare is the way it is now. We are the ones that make up for the most people in the healthcare field and yet we keep settling for these kinds of conditions. Attitudes like this makes it difficult for the next generation. Right now I wouldn't encourage anyone to become a nurse. The money is not worth it. Why are we accepting these standards? So frustrating.... I was charging only 4 months out of nursing school. There should be an outcry. Do you seriously want your patient to know that if there is a code she barely knows the protocol?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medsurg, home health, ob and rehab.

ok let me explain more, i will be the only rn on the floor, there will be lpns there also, its medsurge. there will be a nursing supervisor in house too. there will be 2 lpns for up to 20 pts. with me also having a team. if more than 20 pts there is suposed to be a 3rd nurse. and yes im already in charge while orientating with another nurse. but medsurge there is too fast paced for me. :uhoh3:. i come home 1 to 2 hours late after my shift. my body hurts so bad. but i have good news, i was able to get my old job back. :lol2:. i hope i dont have to give a 2 wk notice since im still in orientation. med surg is just not for me. ive been a nurse for 7 years and did it as a new nurse. left after 2 years, but decided to try it again. well now i remember why i left in the first place. thanks for all the advise. i love allnurses!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medsurg, home health, ob and rehab.

i was off 7 days in a row.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medsurg, home health, ob and rehab.

texas u r right, its not worth the money.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm sorry but I just can't stand how these nurses on here are encouraging you to risk your license by telling you "Don't worry you will get used it." Again, I'm sorry to say this but this is the reason why our profession doesn't get the respect it deserves. This is exactly why healthcare is the way it is now. We are the ones that make up for the most people in the healthcare field and yet we keep settling for these kinds of conditions. Attitudes like this makes it difficult for the next generation. Right now I wouldn't encourage anyone to become a nurse. The money is not worth it. Why are we accepting these standards? So frustrating.... I was charging only 4 months out of nursing school. There should be an outcry. Do you seriously want your patient to know that if there is a code she barely knows the protocol?

Great post.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

After working a high aquity unit..I think med surge is easier but more documentation because of a higher case load. But thats my experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion