I'll just rip the band-aid off and blurt it out: I took a leap of faith and resigned from the workplace that has employed me for the past 5+ years. Yesterday was my last day there. The end of my 30-day notice of resignation couldn't arrive soon enough.
Strangely enough, I felt no sense of sadness or regret during my final moments there. Actually, I felt a weirdly giddy excitement combined with a sense of relief.
Let me explain further...my former workplace has seen approximately 8 chief nursing officers (6 full-timers and 2 interim) in the 5 years I spent there. Each managerial change brought a degree of uncertainty. I actually had high hopes for the current CNO, but the nursing department has become somewhat of an "audit villa" since she took over...
1. Pain reassessment audits
2. Finger stick blood sugar audits
3. Abnormal vital sign audits
4. Wound care audits
5. New admission audits
6. Functional independence measure audits
7. And many more audits...
In previous times, the assistant CNO or unit manager would complete all of these audits, but in recent months the auditing has been shifted to the house supervisor and floor nurses. These audits must be done shiftly. Ain't nobody got time for that!
I took a leap of faith by leaving the place that had provided me with a steady paycheck and a sense of belonging for the past half-decade, but the time has come to move onto the next professional chapter of my life. I'll start my new non-bedside job next week. Thanks for reading if you have gotten this far. :)
Specializes in Med-Surg, OB, ICU, Public Health Nursing.
The first move is always the hardest. I rarely hear nurses regret moving. Mostly, it is "why didn't I do this sooner?" I loved case management and I hope you do, too. However, if it is not a good fit, remember you can move again. No one should stay in a miserable situation.
Congratulations! I always enjoy reading your thoughtful articles, comments, and posts. I hope you enjoy your new position! Let us know what it's life is like after the bedside!
Congrats! Taking that step can be so scary. I fully understand your excitement and apprehension. I may be facing an upcoming change as well due to my LPN-RN program, and to be honest I am terrified. In the end you will do just fine. Any employer would be lucky to have you. Enjoy your new role in nursing. :)
Congrats and best of luck in your new adventure! I did that recently too, left the job and hospital I had been at for about 5 years to try a new specialty in a new city. My old hospital was being sold and there was just a lot of crazy stuff happening. So glad I did, best decision of my life. Hope you look back on this decision and feel the same!
nurseactivist
247 Posts
The first move is always the hardest. I rarely hear nurses regret moving. Mostly, it is "why didn't I do this sooner?" I loved case management and I hope you do, too. However, if it is not a good fit, remember you can move again. No one should stay in a miserable situation.