Leave First Nursing Job and Get Non-Nursing Job while Searching for new Nursing Job

Hi all,

I am an LPN. I have been at my first nursing job for a little over 8 months. I am very unhappy, and I feel my mental health is in jeopardy. The thought of working one more shift induces a near-panic attack! (Literally--I'm having attacks on my off days now.)

Career-wise, could I leave this job after giving a two-week notice and get a non-nursing job to quickly cover the bills while I search for a new nursing job? I know that probably sounds silly, but I'm at my wit's end. I've never been as depressed as I am right now.

[himilayaneyes]

It can be done. Hopefully, you find a nursing job soon because if there's a long interval between your leaving the nursing job and getting the new one, that may be a problem. Employers usually want clinical experience within a certain time frame (e.g., within the last 6months to a year). But if it's that bad....get out...save your sanity.

[RunBabyRN]

You could. Mental health is important! But make sure you have something else lined up to cover your bills, because that can cause plenty of stress on its own.

Good luck!

[Baubo516, RN]

For that job "in the mean time," maybe try signing up with a temp agency. I'm not sure if they place nurses, but I have always been able to find quick clerical-type work with these kinds of agencies. Good luck!

[BluePotion, LPN]

Thank y'all. I put in my two week notice yesterday. I'm excited because I feel better already. And I'm scared but strangely excited for a new adventure!

I'll keep y'all posted! Thanks again.

[Baubo516, RN]

Good luck to you! Can't wait to hear what lies in store for you next.

[catebsn25]

I'm in the same boat! I finally put in my notice but I wasn't smart enough to line something up first... but knowing it's almost over I feel happier than I have been in the past 6 years I've held this awful job. good for us for taking care of ourselves!!

[caliotter3]

Hopefully the break will do you good. While you are out try to figure out how to alleviate your feelings of distress so that your next nursing job does not bring about the same bad results. Good luck.

[BluePotion, LPN]

Hey y'all! Just wanted to let everyone know that I gave and completed my two weeks notice, had a couple of interviews during that time, and accepted an offer to work in a doctor's office. I start next week.

I'm excited, and by the time I start, I'll have had a two week break--I feel reinvigorated!

Thanks for the support and well wishes. :)

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Hi all,

I am an LPN. I have been at my first nursing job for a little over 8 months. I am very unhappy, and I feel my mental health is in jeopardy. The thought of working one more shift induces a near-panic attack! (Literally--I'm having attacks on my off days now.)

Career-wise, could I leave this job after giving a two-week notice and get a non-nursing job to quickly cover the bills while I search for a new nursing job? I know that probably sounds silly, but I'm at my wit's end. I've never been as depressed as I am right now.

At eight months in, you're still in that first miserable year of nursing. It really is miserable. I cried all the way to work and all the way home for months.

If you want to leave nursing altogether, that's one thing. But if you really want to be a nurse, stick it out. Hang tough. Make it through this first miserable year -- get through it and move on. Changing jobs will just prolong your agony. You're going to have to start over with a new job, new boss, new environment, new co-workers, new patients, new drugs, new policies and procedures. Why do that to yourself when you're 2/3 of the way through that first year?

[ccguidry]

Congrats on the new job!!! I was in your situation not long ago and was able to find something before I resigned.