Leaving outpatient for bedside, feeling guilty?

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Specializes in Oncology.
Leaving outpatient for bedside, feeling guilty?

Recently quit my clinic job for a bedside NICU position. I am a unmedicated ADHD person who likes to be busy, unfortunately this clinic is extremely slow. I am behind a computer screen most hrs of the day. Yes, that is a good thing for most nurses, but I did it for almost two years and I had to move on. I never hated the job, but I wasn't really happy. I didn't see any growth and it wasn't stimulating. Plus, I rather deal with pediatric population than adult patients. Tried looking for a peds clinic job but everything was more mental health adults.

I am not a big fan of 5x8s and felt like I was at work every day. Imagine being bored 5 days a week ...... So many people were in shock that I left a chill job, most nurses will fight for this job. My cousin who is also a RN basically scolded me for leaving.  I don't know why I feel so guilty ?

I feel some relief leaving, not bc I hated the place, but I can finally do pediatrics again (my specialty) plus I get my 3x12s back. Bedside sucks but so does being bored every day. I shadowed the NICU stepdown floor and really liked it. At least, I won't have a pt ratio of 1:8 like adults.  My clinic manager was sad but told me I can come back anytime if I change my mind.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Mursefirst said:

Recently quit my clinic job for a bedside NICU position. I am a unmedicated ADHD person who likes to be busy, unfortunately this clinic is extremely slow. I am behind a computer screen most hrs of the day. Yes, that is a good thing for most nurses, but I did it for almost two years and I had to move on. I never hated the job, but I wasn't really happy. I didn't see any growth and it wasn't stimulating. plus, I rather deal with pediatric population than adult patients. Tried looking for a peds clinic job but everything was more mental health adults. I am not a big fan of 5x8s and felt like I was at work every day. imagine being bored 5 days a week ...... So many people were in shock that I left a chill job, most nurses will fight for this job. my cousin who is also a RN basically scolded me for leaving.  I don't know why I feel so guilty ? I feel some relief leaving, not bc I hated the place, but I can finally do pediatrics again (my specialty) plus I get my 3x12s back. bedside sucks but so does being bored every day. I shadowed the NICU stepdown floor and really liked it. at least I won't have a pt ratio of 1:8 like adults.  My clinic manager was sad but told me I can come back anytime if I change my mind.

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Try looking at is this way; you allowed someone else who wanted your clinic position, to get what they wanted.  And in that process, two people got.what they wanted.  You're feeling.guilty for that?  Just enjoy being back to peds.

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Maybe you feel guilty because of your mindset. Your post reads like something on the order of a humble-brag, where this great thing that supposedly every other nurse loves is just too boring for you.

Mursefirst said:

I am behind a computer screen most hrs of the day. Yes, that is a good thing for most nurses

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In the nursing circles I've been exposed to I would be hard pressed to come up with a single nurse who would love staring at a computer all day.

I'm sure you're special just because you're you, but you're not special for not wanting to sit at a computer all day. ?

Just be happy with who you are and don't worry about what others have to say.

Hope you enjoy the new job ~

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Everyone has and keeps their job for whatever reason they have. There's nothing wrong with nurses that would enjoy the job you had that required more desk work and a certain mindset and skillset. And there's nothing wrong with nurses that don't enjoy that job. There's no reason for you to fell any guilt. You leaving your position had no negative impact on anyone's life and if you're enjoying your new position, it made yours better. I wouldn't give it another thought. Good luck with your new job.

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Mursefirst said:

 bedside sucks but so does being bored every day.

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You might find that you really like NICU. It has one of the highest retention specialties in nursing, with many people staying for decades. On the whole, I think it's one of the most uplifting units in the hospital. It can be a bit repetitive (most kids follow a typical routine and have standard preemie problems), but the psychomotor tasks keep you fairly busy.

Regardless, you should do whatever job with whatever schedule that makes you happy. You don't owe anything to your previous employer, and there will always be more clinic jobs if you change your mind.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Pediatrics.

Don't feel guilty! Do what you makes you happy and what you want!

You do YOU! The others are jealous! Good luck!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

If you have ADHD, why are you not taking medication?  I strongly urge you to get proper treatment for your ADHD.  That will be very beneficial for your career.

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Specializes in cardiac/education.

How are you liking it now? Glad you made the change?

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