Leaving Level I ER

[mandasueRN]

I didn't know where exactly to post this, but here it goes anyway:

So the stress and the forty mile drive to work has finally taken its toll and I am going to leave the Level I ER where I have worked for almost two years now. I interviewed today at the local hospital for a PRN positon--of course, they just had to offer me a day shift position and about the same amount of money with benefits that cost less than what I am currently paying. With gas over four dollars a gallon here, my 80 mile round trip drive to work is taxing my bank account, besides the fact that I am tired of having an hour drive home from work each night--sometimes I don't get home until 10 pm and I get off at 7:30 pm. I'm also getting tired of the inadequate staffing, lack of working equipment, etc at my current job.

Here is the deal--I'm not sure that I am making the right decision. It seems like the right thing to do, but I am not sure I will be happy in this small community ER. I'm going from the drama and chaos of an 150 bed ER to a 24 bed ER. Not to mention that I love trauma and I currently spend most of my time right now working in the trauma bay and this new hospital doesn't see any trauma if they can help it.

I feel so guilty that I am leaving this place I have dedicated so much time to and that has spent so much time investing in me by putting me through all the training, but financially I really can't pass on this offer.

I'm so bummed and not really sure what to do. I will probably continue to work PRN at the trauma center to keep my skills up to date. Thanks for the opportunity to rattle on and keep me in your prayers as I make this difficult decision.:redbeathe

[TRAMA1RN]

Been ther done that almost exactly one year ago this month, gas prices a year ago caused me to make the decision. I to drove 55 miles one direction and worked night shift, left level 1 and went to rual ER 10 minutes from home, same thing with benefits and such, I truely miss it and almost daily regret my decision except for the fact that I am closer to home. Good luck in making your decision. Sorry I cannot help you.

[angel337, MSN, RN]

i would stay prn at the level 1 if possible. i work with a nurse that did the exact same thing and she loves it because she can still stay with us at the level one but she is saving a ton of money on gas with the hospital closer to home.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I worked level one trauma center for 10 years and left 2 years ago. Still miss it daily! Know exactly how you feel.

For me, the change was unsettlling as I left ER pretty much altogether. If you KNOW this is what you have to do and accept that, it is easier. However, there will still be a learning curve to get over changing jobs. Good luck - it does get a little easier with time.

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

The worst that can happen is that you save a few hundred dollars in gas, get more sleep, spend more time with your family and then decide it was not worth it. Then go back to the trauma center full time and pay the price so to speak. My philosophy has always been....."had a job when I got here, will have another one when I leave".

With the turnover in nursing, especially ER, there should be no problem doing whatever works, when it works.

[firecoins]

Don't get turned off by the community hospital. You still may see quite a bit of stuff there.

I would go to the community hospital for now. Save up money, wait for gas prices to stablize and get more sleep. You can always go back to a trauma I later.

[mandasueRN]

:thankya:Much thanks to all of you guys that responded to my post.

[traumaokc]

As I have just done this I can tell you that it is difficult. I worked in 44 bed ER, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in OKC,OK for 6 years. I was a Supervisor and it seemed like you always got your butt kicked because most patients that came in were really sick whether trauma or medicine. The hospital didnt have enough beds for what we see including ICU so we held critically ill patients for days on end and never seemed to get everything done. I loved the adrenaline of trying to accomplish everything and save a few people. I now work in a 10 bed ER that is mainly a clinic. I have not seen that many sick people and they close floors down due to low cencus. It is a difficult transition. I felt that I had lost skills since I was a Supervisor but the new ER doesnt seem to be helping out with that. I have spent alot of time in triage which is not my favorite place. I am not sure what to tell you but this is my experience with it. Good luck on your decision. I continue to find somewhere that I want to go into everyday like my former job.