Job change?

[penny186, ADN, BSN, CNA, RN]

Advice please! I've been working as an RN on the floor and supervisor at the long term care facility I was a CNA at for 7 years since this past July. I wanted to get some experience and im glad I did but I feel its time for me to move on. There is total lack of respect as well as laziness and incompetence from the CNAs. You can't get then to do their job. The Lpns can't do their job right either. No one cares. I work 11 to 7 and waste time fixing mistakes on paper and physically on the residents. The company was bought out in October but things such as staffing are getting worse not better. Management never disciplines anyone and doesn't take you seriously when you complain again and again. Its the same thing day after day in a nursing home. Ive been rotating with 3 to 11 recently but it's getting old. I want to apply to the VA since they pay for your education, extra $ from 6p to 6a and more holidays , get 5 weeks of vacation, 12 HR shifts , and a better working environment from what I've heard from my mother who works there. There's 2 jobs open in ICU and psych and I want to apply but am nervous to leave where ive been so long. I feel a strange sense of attachment and comfort since I know the job so well and enjoy it at times. However, Things will never change and I feel sorry for the residents who live an awful life not getting care. I get aggravated everyday and know as a new nurse I should move on. Im a team player and hard honest worker but no one is the same. Is it crazy to go from nursing home to ICU? All the people I graduated with went to hospitals and I feel its my time. Just nervous to make the necessary switch!

[Sour Lemon]

I think it would be extremely difficult to get an ICU job offer with only long term care experience. That being said, apply for whatever you'd like and see who calls back. What do you have to lose? It sounds like you're ready for some sort of change.

[ivyleaf]

I would apply! I totally identify with being comfortable somewhere, even if you're not happy. But doesnt sound like youve got anything to lose by applying.

[BAN]

Change can be good ! We as humans get comfortable. Be aware the VA hiring process takes a little time so don’t get discouraged. You will definitely have to get acls certified for ICU and you will be in training for probably 4+ weeks. You got this:) VA also has amazing benefits

[ArmyRntoMD, BSN, RN]

It’s not always hard to get a critical care job. I jumped right in

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

It is hard to leave your comfort zone. However, you know this job is not what you need.

The VA would be an excellent choice. Apply and see what they would offer. If not critical care... you could surely move on to it. It takes at least 3 months to jump through their hoops. Apply wherever you can, interview wherever you can.

Onward and upward. Best wishes.