any ideas to help me with motivation?

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I am just wondering if any of you have any ideas. I love nursing, the 2 of the 3(:-() jobs I have had since I graduated I have loved. But, one I had to quit because the commute to this specialty hospital was too far, and it was non-profit, so pay hardly covered rent, and basics-literally. Number 2, was a seasonal job giving flu shots, which I have actually done the last two falls. I loved this, I loved only having one patient at a time to take care of, I loved the quick, small talk if you will, when I got them in and out the door so quickly, but alas, that was seasonal, and it is over. The other job I had, was at a small rural hospital, which sounded great, but I could not comprehend the management, as well as they didn't tell me about their extreme turnover, so there were virtually no more senior nurses to myself. I had people orienting me that had been nurses for less time than I had.

Now, as of being graduated two years as of last week, I am in the job market again. I am stumped. I don't know what I want to do. I want to get into a job, love it, and be there for 30 years. I am just sooooo unmotivated, I don't know how to change this. The jobs I have been looking for, pay significantly less than I made at hospital #2, and way less than the flu shot job. And, I can't get excited about working for this kind of pay. But, I know it would be manageable work. I know I am focusing too much on the dollars, I have been good with what I do, I aced my way through nursing school due to previous CNA experience. I loved my clinicals, I loved having a reason to get up each day, and to be in school. What is wrong with me that I can't get this much excitement for being in the working world??????

Thank you for any advice. I don't want my education to go to waste, and I am fearful that if I don't work more seriously in the near future, that no one will hire me.

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If you liked working in a hospital but the commute is too far, why don't you consider relocating. It sounds like the opportunities in your area are pretty sporifice. Also, you could write a list of what you loved and hated about each job to give you a better idea of what you're looking for in the next. You mentioned you enjoyed school. Perhaps, you should consider going back to get an advanced degree, this may fire you back up as you start to learn more. If you have an idea what you want to do look at the Specialty Sites on this site and see what those nurses have to say, ask questions. I always get excited when I learn new stuff, so maybe read a book on something in nursing or a magazine or something. You worked so hard for this career, don't let yourself get discontent, especially this early. Being a nurse is great!! Figure out what you love and go for it!! God Bless!!

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definitely relocate and find a hospital that have good benefits so that you dont have to worry on making ends meet..when you love what you do everything else falls accordingly..sometimes in life, we just have to take steps behind to see the bigger picture and you'll be able to know exactly what you want..Godspeed and you'll do just fine..life's too short to worry.. =)

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

you don't say much about your personal situation, but it sounds as if relocation might be your best bet. pick someplace you've always wanted to live and send a few resumes. i can understand if you're not in a position to relocate -- i'm not myself at this time -- but it can rejuvenate your career and spice up your life considerably! i've done it myself a few times -- from midwest to east coast to midwest to west coast to further down the west coast to east coast. although a less drastic relocation (say to a bigger city in your area) may be all the move you need and far easier to accomplish as well.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Med-Surg.

Dare...... I think you need a change of environment. Look into travel nursing. I did it for 2 years and absolutely loved it. Stopped because my fiance doesn't want to be a "nomad" You get to negotiate your rate, your shifts and your housing. I worked on multiple units and was able to meet so many people that I wouldn't have me otherwise. Your contract initially is only 3 months so if you try it and don't like it you can always go back to where you were. You can choose to work in any of the states within the U.S. and since they pay your housing, your salary is yours to keep and save. There are several agencies out there such as Medical Express, Cross Country, O'Grady-Peyton. See which one is best for you. Good luck and hope to hear from you again.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Med-Surg.

Sorry forgot to mention that most of these agencies offer day one insurance which is also a blessing since your medical expenses are covered and they offer some type of relocation assistance.

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Specializes in NeuroICU/SICU/MICU.

You say you loved the flu shot clinic. Have you considered looking for work in a doctor's office? Typically they hire LPNs for general/family practice offices, but you may be able to find a job in a specialist office. I know pediatric cardiologists and gastroenterology offices (in my experience) hire some RNs :up:

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Specializes in Developmentally Disabled, LTC, Clinic, Hospital.
You can choose to work in any of the states within the U.S. and since they pay your housing, your salary is yours to keep and save. There are several agencies out there such as Medical Express, Cross Country, O'Grady-Peyton. See which one is best for you. Good luck and hope to hear from you again.

Hey, Just curious, how does licensing work with travel nurses? You still have to be licensed in any state you work unless its a VA, right?

Vicki

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