Job Switch??

labcat01, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2008

First off, I am sorry for your recent loss and for the news of your sister.

While I would caution you about making decisions when you are emotionally distressed, it sounds to me like you already know what you want to do. :) The question is will making more money in the MICU be worth your emotional well-being (I'm not making a judgment on this- I'm just trying to give you some perspective)?

Good luck with a tough decision

4tnerzwife · Jul 28, 2008

Thanks for the immediate reply. I need to make my decision today asap so I truly appreciate your advice. My thoughts are: I realize that every nursing job carries stress but stress in the MICU is completely different than that of community nursing. I would like to add that my mother passed away with anoxic encephalopathy (I take care of these pts on a regaular basis) in an ICU. I just worry that I am disappointing the ICU staff by leaving after only one year. MY managers at the ICU iare very caring and understanding people. I truly believe that they are very supportive ot all of their staff. Just after being there a few months, they took me to Chicago for a nursing convention. And to answer your question, this job is not worth my well being. I found that I have lost my natural will to learn and grow since I have been there. I am wondering if ICU nursing just isn't for me??

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jul 28, 2008

If you decide to leave your current employer, simply leave on good terms. Give them ample notice. Any good employer that hires you should have no problem with you giving this courtesy to your current employer. The side benefit is that, if the new job doesn't work out, you may be able to return to the first one.

RNperdiem, RN · Jul 28, 2008

The new job sounds like what you need.

If possible, you could still work the occasional per diem shift in the MICU.

Where I work, there are nurses who are primarily employed in research, teaching or case management who work the occasional per diem shift. They maintain their skills, keep useful contacts and earn extra money that offsets the lower pay of a non-hospital job.

txredheadnurse, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2008

My personal philosophy is go with your gut. If you are unhappy and there is no apparent solution to be found for that job related unhappiness at your current position then follow your instincts.

Also, this is just my opinion, but I think sometimes we pass up wonderful professional opportunities out of a sense of misguided loyalty to the current position. The bottom line is that any hospital is a business. Staff comes and goes and the business continues. None of us are irreplacable in the eyes of management usually. If we are truly fortunate we have a boss who is supportive, caring and wants to empower us. That type of boss is usually the first one to tell you to go for a chance to grow professionally.

GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN · Jul 28, 2008

Sounds like a slam-dunk, don't ever feel guilty about disappointing others, you need to do what is best for you, sounds like this is an opportunity that suites you perfectly, go for it!!!!

PMHNP10 · Jul 28, 2008

Ok, I will try to make this short and sweet...
I graduated in May 07 with my Associates and May O8 with my Bachelor's degree. Since getting my license, I have worked in a Medical Intensive Care unit. I loved the excitement and challenge of icu nursing. Since starting the mandatory "new nurse" night shift, I dread going to work, I hate every second I am there and I have no desire to learn anything new. I will add that I have had other significant events happen in my life recently (my mother passed away and my sister was diagnosed with cancer with mets). I feel very depressed on my off days, my drive is gone. I was browsing the local help wanted ads and on a whim applied for a prestigious job with the local health department (goverment benefits!). To my amazement, they called me for an interview and offered me the position. It is Mon-Fri 8-5 all weekends and holidays off. The pay is much less for now, but after 1 year in I get a significant raise. I will basically be my own boss and I would primarily do case management, research and grant writing (I am a nerd and this excites me). What would you do?? HELP??!!

It's fascinating how life happens. I am in that job folks go to who want to get away from the floor--regular hrs., regular days off, less danger to your license and consequently, less pay. I've been fairly ok with the pay issues but I'm having more significant pay issues lately as well as education issues and am hoping to get out of here. I've been devalued enough as an employee and am fine with giving up some benefits including a month+ of leave for baby to say adios. Unfortunately, due to school and impending child (well not unfortunate, but y'all get the point) I can't take just any job and will not make any stupid decisions, but if I get a chance for this one job, I'm going to jump at the chance.

I don't know why I'm mentioning this other than to encourage you to make sure you have this 1 year increase in writing, because it's funny how funds run dry when it comes to keeping up with promises (which isn't my issue, currently, but it was while I waited for my 1st raise). Also, I have to say that in spite of all this nightmare I'm going through lately, I don't really regret my decision take this job in the first place; it's certainly better than most floor jobs. Good luck with your new job, because I think you know you want to accept it.

4tnerzwife · Jul 28, 2008

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! I guess I just needed a little confirmation to do what I wanted to! Ya'll are awesome! I am now Lead (as in the metal) Case Manager for the Health Department!

Thank you so much again!

clairebearrn · Jul 29, 2008

Good Luck