Leaving Bedside after 1 year

Nurses Career Support

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I need to preface with, I've been on a COVID critical care unit since this all started. I was really interested in LNC but know I am limited due to lack of experience, etc. But I'm absolutely burned out at the bedside right now. Not that I wouldn't ever go back, but I need a serious break right now. Are there any jobs where I could be away from the bedside, maybe even remotely that I could possibly look at with only 1 year RN experience?

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I feel for you, coming to bedside nursing during the pandemic. I say you stick it out as it will get better. If you really can't, maybe you can look into research or clinics depending on your location. I worked with a new nurse who absolutely hated bedside and went into research. She is really happy now. For LNC you typically need at least 5 years of experience. Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Bedside is a hard gig. Yes, you would definitely be able to get a job away from the bedside, though remote is highly unlikely. You will likely find it difficult to ever return to the bedside, though, in leaving this early in your career. Tough choices. 

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What was your vision when you started nursing?  Was it bedside?  There are lots of different skill sets in nursing. I worked as a CNA for four years an knew bedside nursing was never what I wanted, but seemed like a necessary coming out of the gates of nursing graduation. I’ve worked ER, Acute Rehab, Home Hospice, and stepped away for two years doing corporate health and wellness screenings. Now I’m headed back to the hospital in a couple of weeks as a Cath Lab RN. Do some exploring to see what fits your performance level/desire, your lifestyle, and income earning potential. Check out Whole Life Nurse Community on facebook. Good luck honey!

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