Is it where I work at, or is it just me?

[ThinkerBelleRN, BSN, RN]

I have been a RN for almost a decade now. I was one of those lucky ones who were able to land a job after graduation. I have worked in 3 hospitals so far and in this third one, I have the same discontented feeling again and have the urge to resign. The last two ones were of similar reasons. Sometimes I wonder if I am just under the illusion that there is a "decent" hospital out there, where I wont have a hard time dealing with people in the admin/HR; where I wont be so burnt out; where everyone at work are just kind and helpful.

Most days I feel fulfilled doing my work and caring for my patients. I know for sure their simple "thank you" goes a long way. However, there are days that I just feel unhappy and even consider shifting to another profession.

At this point now, I am on the verge of resigning. But I am aware of the scarcity of nursing jobs, and part of me fears being unemployed.

I just want to be happy. I suppose working in the middle east does add to the depression I feel. The restrictions and culture and some of the local's attitudes are some of those things that really gets to me.

I need to look into myself too and my attitude towards my circumstances. But what would be your reason as a nurse to stay working in an institution? I would really want to stay longer than 3 years on one institution.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I'm sure a majority of your issues come from the area in which you are working. What issues are you specifically dealing with? Are you from the Middle East or did you move there for a spouse?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Agree with the above poster -- relocating to another part of the world with a significantly different culture is a stressor, no matter how much you may like the work that you do.

I know nothing of employment outside of the U.S., but I am curious about your comment regarding dealing with "admin/HR". Once past the hiring process, an employee will rarely interact with HR. Have you had a series of occurrences that have resulted in discipline or some other unusual circumstances?

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Agree with the above poster -- relocating to another part of the world with a significantly different culture is a stressor, no matter how much you may like the work that you do.

I know nothing of employment outside of the U.S., but I am curious about your comment regarding dealing with "admin/HR". Once past the hiring process, an employee will rarely interact with HR. Have you had a series of occurrences that have resulted in discipline or some other unusual circumstances?

This.

What issues with "dealing with admin/HR" generally, have you had? Also, what is your country of origin?

It's okay to step back and find out if it is you, amongst the issues-I can't say it's you because there is so little information to go on, but remember, we work for a business; of your having some form of a disconnect of what nursing is and what you though nursing is "supposed to be", look for ways to connect to what nursing is, and the what the business of healthcare is, and create a way to deal and cope with those aspects of the business.

[ThinkerBelleRN, BSN, RN]

I moved to the middle east for my fiance. When I meant having to deal with admin/HR, it pertains to paperworks that needs to go through them; They move so slow, the word urgent doesnt even exist in their vocabulary; Policies and protocols that change more frequently than a fickle minded woman; appraisals that remain on paper and has nothing to do with pay raise; the local's mentality of being superior over everyone else; patients and patient's relatives who think they are VIPs (not everyone, but most do); colleagues who have this idea that assuming a charge nurse position means they get to boss people around and avoid work; and the restrictions especially towards unmarried women.

Perhaps i may just seem like I am complaining, but it makes me wonder if the problem is me and my expectations and perspective toward certain circumstances, or is it really my current work place.