In Conclusion (a bit of a vent)

ortess1971 · Jul 29, 2006

Have you thought about going into a specialty or even just changing jobs?

Guest717236 · Jul 29, 2006

I
I want a job where I have the time to have a conversation with my patient, not just shove pills at them and keep walking.
Anyone have any advice for me?

Hi Whimsie,

Exactly why I left. The drive -through approach may work

for fast food chains but not in nursing. The new business and

profit before patient needs drove me out.

I hope if you choose to stay in nursing you find a job that

matches your values and committment.

If you choose to leave, it will be a new adventure for you

and you bring many skill others will appreciate...

Best wishes,:balloons:

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

That is why I changed RN positions to a agency job where I could see facilities and find ones I would be willing to work in. It was the best choice I had made!

I swore up and down I would never work hospial again after leaving my first job in Med/surge (long horrid story). I worked as a camp nurse for a local outdoor school program and was able to teach as well (I matched their curiculm by adding little bits on medical history in the pioneer days around the area that we were staying! FUN STUFF!)..but couldn't keep the job because it was hours away from home, had a young child, and I had to be at this camp 24/5. But that was a FUN job!!!!!

Then off to a disabled group home, and had a horrid time as one nurse for 5 high need homes...that didn't last long at all! Then off to this local ALF/LTC where I worked 4 years!

But after 4 years of deaths of residents I cared for, it was weighing on me heavily, and the company did some rotten things to save money...I had to leave.

I went agency and started working for different places as they came up...and lo and behold I went back to hospital...found an awesome group to work with in a med/surge area (funny happy folks), fit right in, and said 'huh...go figure!?'. I don't feel like I just pass pills, wipe bottoms, run around like a hamster...I get time to teach (and our doctors encourage it :)...they are cool too and know most nurses like to do teaching too!).

Yeah, it took time, but I am so thankful I took on the challenge. Heck, if I didn't like a place...I just didn't go back! I picked my own hours, worked within my comfort zone...it was great!!!!!!!!

Now there is a bidding war over me in one hospital for hiring me on! I feel great!!!!!!

Good luck to you! :)

weirdRN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

found an awesome group to work with in a med/surge area (funny happy folks), fit right in, and said 'huh...go figure!?'. I don't feel like I just pass pills, wipe bottoms, run around like a hamster...I get time to teach (and our doctors encourage it :)...they are cool too and know most nurses like to do teaching too!).
Good luck to you! :)

Thanks TriageRn. I know that if I could find the right group of people/environment I would be just fine. Right now I am just crabby about the stiuation at work. I feel like I am neglecting and abusing the residents when I can't give them the time and attention I feel they need.

I will most likely get through this too.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

I think you will too...I have been there multiple times sadly...and it all seems to be making itself up by this recent change of events with the bidding war..LOL!

That is what was so cool with agency...I got to meet and greet the people before hand, get to know the facility and their policies....hear and see the 'probelms' first hand with the facility...and guage if it was worth it. Honestly, I would have NEVER thought I would pick a job this way...thought of keeping that agency job going...but I found my niche...and well...I fit in like I have always been there :)! That is one happy feeling, and worth trying to get!

I am hopeful for you, you know what is going on with the way you feel, and that is important to respect! You own feelings really dicate how you feel physically and mentally, and show. If you are unhappy, it rears its head out of any crack...leading to depression. Take some time to check out other places...you may wind up with a big suprise like me...and I didn't do anything different at any of the agency jobs than actually being myself for once...that won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wooh, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

Sounds like burnout and a change of scenery will do you good.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2006

Maybe a physicans office or factory. Ever tried occupational health?

prmenrs, RN · Jul 29, 2006

I vote for Triage's sol'n--agency! It's a great way to shop! AND, if they treat the agency nurse nice, you know they'll be a good group. jmo.

Or, you could always try NICU. (not that I'm biased or anything)

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 29, 2006

I sure feel for you, Whimsie! Eight months ago I felt just like you do now, only my self-confidence was completely gone and I was beginning to believe I was incompetent. The wheel was spinning, but this hamster was very nearly dead..........and if I hadn't walked away when I did, I'd probably BE dead, or at least wishing I was. I was that stressed out.

Now I know it's merely a matter of finding the RIGHT job, working in the RIGHT sort of environment. For me, that was taking a DON position in an assisted living facility where I'm free to be as autonomous and as creative as I want to be. My administrator and I work well together, and he allows me as much control as I want, as well as giving me opportunities to stretch myself in ways that I've never done before (I now do some of the community outreach stuff, and when he went on vacation for 2 1/2 weeks, I got a chance to actually BE the administrator).

In addition, I have a great staff, great residents, and (mostly) great family support. I pretty much set my own schedule as well and work at my own pace, and best of all, I get to practice nursing the way I believe it should be practiced. If a resident needs extra attention, I can give it; if someone has a wound, I have the option of taking care of it myself or calling in home health; or even if a resident just needs a back rub or wants to talk, I've got the time for that---sometimes I have to push another priority aside to do so, but since I set the pace, I can do that anytime.

Yes, it's just a matter of finding your niche. Once you do that, and find a job that closely matches your goals and needs, it's amazing how well everything else falls into place. Since I've been at this job (going on 6 months now), my blood pressure has dropped 30 points without additional medication, I haven't been sick a day, and I've achieved a good balance between life and work......actually, this job IS part of my life, a good part. But I still enjoy my private time, my family, my weekends and holidays, and the good life we are able to have because my husband (who also works there, doing housekeeping and maintenance) and I make enough money to be comfortable, if not wealthy. What could be better?

I wish you luck in your search. Please don't give up on nursing entirely........there's such a wide variety of different careers within the profession that there surely is at least one that should appeal to you. We haven't a nurse to waste!