Jobs outside of healthcare after burnout

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Oct 19, 2019

My son is in a similar situation. He's never worked outside health care and he is burned to a crisp. He is also in school for his BSN, which almost seems like a waste of time if he's no longer happy in nursing. I don't have any words of wisdom for you, I just wanted you to know you're not alone.

Guest1130774 · Oct 21, 2019

Keep us updated on this because I want to know, too. I recently left my job and was accepted into an FNP program. However, I will turn it down. I'm just too burnt out. My last job really did me in. It was bad enough that I had to check into Acute Care for anxiety.

Is FNP just as stressful? I had hoped it would be better. At least a little more independent.

I've always been good with technology and wanna look into informatics. However, it seems like it's difficult to find the job anywhere, and they require experience. That's a familiar problem. Wondering if the job is any easier.

Kyla RN, BSN · Oct 22, 2019

Try Informatics. But instead of working for your healthcare employer, try the healthcare technology software companies. For example, my employer uses EPIC for EMR. I know EPIC hires nurses, although not at that title. They've hired nurses as project managers that go around to different institutions and implement the software, train employees, participate in software development, etc. Because nurses are familiar with documenting in EMR, it's valuable insight to have. Very "tech-driven" job, no direct patient contact. From what I read, no informatics experience required.

Best of luck.

Cara Fowler, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2019

Do you enjoy writing? Health writers, especially those with a nursing background can work from home writing all KINDS of content for blogs, websites, etc. With your FNP degree and experience, you would be a great resource for health content for clients! If you're on Facebook, check out this group that I'm in https://www.facebook.com/groups/savvyscribecollective/

As a current practicing RN I was looking for a way to use my nursing knowledge other than at the bedside. This group has great connections and resources for you to utilize if you're interested!

barcode120x, RN, NP · Oct 30, 2019

On 10/21/2019 at 4:31 PM, Anthony O said:
Keep us updated on this because I want to know, too. I recently left my job and was accepted into an FNP program. However, I will turn it down. I'm just too burnt out. My last job really did me in. It was bad enough that I had to check into Acute Care for anxiety.
Is FNP just as stressful? I had hoped it would be better. At least a little more independent.

Not sure how much validity I have regarding FNP status, but I literally just finished my first day precepting under a GP (technically I was shadowing a few PA students in the office). If you're looking at general practice/family medicine as an FNP (which is the program I am in), it doesn't seem too bad. When I spoke to the PA students who are actually finishing their rotations this week at that office said that the the office visits for family practice are pretty straightforward. Family practice is more of health maintenance and follow ups, while anything of concern of significance outside "general" medicine, is referred to specialists and consults. Though, also it depends on your clinic/preceptor. I've heard great things about my preceptor and she is actually my PCP so I knew from the start it would be a good experience with her the next 2 years.

Keep in mind though, you don't necessarily need to do family practice as an FNP. I want to do urgent care and maybe some SNF work on the side. My focus really is just to finish school, get that license, and hopefully move into my field(s)s of choice. But from what I saw on my first day, family practice didn't seem so bad. But I could never do 8 hour, 5 days a week.

nurseteni · Nov 26, 2019

On 10/30/2019 at 12:02 PM, barcode120x said:
Not sure how much validity I have regarding FNP status, but I literally just finished my first day precepting under a GP (technically I was shadowing a few PA students in the office). If you're looking at general practice/family medicine as an FNP (which is the program I am in), it doesn't seem too bad. When I spoke to the PA students who are actually finishing their rotations this week at that office said that the the office visits for family practice are pretty straightforward. Family practice is more of health maintenance and follow ups, while anything of concern of significance outside "general" medicine, is referred to specialists and consults. Though, also it depends on your clinic/preceptor. I've heard great things about my preceptor and she is actually my PCP so I knew from the start it would be a good experience with her the next 2 years.
Keep in mind though, you don't necessarily need to do family practice as an FNP. I want to do urgent care and maybe some SNF work on the side. My focus really is just to finish school, get that license, and hopefully move into my field(s)s of choice. But from what I saw on my first day, family practice didn't seem so bad. But I could never do 8 hour, 5 days a week.

Just curious barcode, are you able to precept with the same PCP for the entirety of your clinical practicum? Do you know if this is typical of FNP programs?