have any of you left nursing

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Either due to burnout or disenchantment. Did you leaveleave or know someone who has left. ..and what did you do career-wise post nursing?

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I left nursing post baby #1 because my place of employment wouldn't let me cut back my hours. After my kids started school I because an art teacher in a private school and only recently went back and took a RN Refresher Course to get relic ended and hope to return to nursing.

I do know lots of other that left nursing. Mostly to raise kids but sometimes because of disenchantment with healthcare.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

I don't think I'll ever leave nursing persay, but my years at the bedside are numbered due the wonderful thoughtfulness of Press-Ganey scores and other customer satisfaction "improvements"!

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

I didn't leave nursing exactly, but I left the bedside 2 years ago to work in informatics. I never thought I'd miss it as much as I do. I don't feel that what I do now is as crucial as what I did in the ICU, and I find myself watching all the medical programs on TV and get emotional because I'm not there doing it. Not to worry...I just accepted a new job in a trauma ICU so I'll be going back to where I belong. I have an easy life now and I know what I'm giving up, but I don't think I can continue to do something as mundane as this for the rest of my working life.

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

I began nursing in 2007 in the ER full time and I was so burnt out by the end of 2008 I cut down to 24 hours in the ER and went back to working as a medic for 24 hours a week. Then, in very early 2009 I took a vacation of sorts, well it was an EMS conference so not a real vacation. Anywho I realized how much better I felt not working as a nurse, as I was less stressed, less drained, less tired, it was at that time that I realized that I love EMS a lot and am not really a huge fan of nursing. I reversed roles and went back to EMS full time and stayed as an ER nurse per-diem.

Everyone said to me I would be broke and it wouldn't work, but guess what, I am not broke! I work (2) 24 hour shifts a week with sleep allowed in-between calls. I get to pee, I get to have meals, and patients thank me regularly! I also get 8 hours of OT EVERY week built in to my schedule! I wanted to play paramedic since kindergarten, so I guess this is more my calling!

Unfortunately I know my body is getting older and it will not tolerate carrying the ever growing population down stairs forever, so I obtained my BSN, and am hoping to get into a NICU. I live in the North East US and no BSN equates to no NICU job, and I have ALWAYS wanted to work in the NICU. Even in the ER I was drawn to the little ones, even those who were critically ill. My plan is to transition back into nursing if I can get a NICU position, otherwise I am staying right where I am on the boo boo bus!

I am very thankful I can be more picky about nursing jobs now because I have a job where I am happy and will not take a nursing job where I feel I will not be happy!

Good luck!

Annie

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I didn't outright leave nursing, but I did leave the bedside earlier this month to get farther away from patients and their controlling families. I want to take a break from hands-on patient care indefinitely.

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I know plenty that have left the bedside due to the unrealistic demands that are placed upon them. Most stayed in "nursing" just other positions (insurance, teaching, outpt office, informatics, etc). One does not need to leave Nursing due to burnout - simply try something else. If you do leave nursing, do something you LOVE - a PP is doing EMS perhaps open your own business? Whatever makes you happy AND can pay your bills.

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Specializes in Peds, Oncology.

I left bedside 2.5 years ago. I enjoy what I do now, but I am starting to look at bedside positions again, just different ones... NICU, OR, ICU's, OB... No idea if I'll apply. I have a great schedule now and that's hard to give up.

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I did, for 10 years to be a SAHM. I didn't intend for it to be 10 years but that's what it morphed into and I was ready.

10 years later my life was different, I was different, and I re-entered with a much different outlook and work ethic after gaining 10 years rich in life experience.

It was a rough start the first 6 months relearning and working 40 hrs/week on top of being a mom but I found my speed and a passion I didn't have before.

I recently left patient care, not burned out, but at the top of my game and some of the best years of my life, very much inspired to keep growing and have a different kind of impact on a larger group of people.

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Specializes in Pharmaceutical Research, Operating Room.

I left the OR in September for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Much less stress, much more money, much better schedule, much better quality of life.

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I never left nursing completely; I really get a lot out of nursing.

I just am hesitant to go back full-time. I have been per diem, picking out my own schedule ever since my son was born.

One or two shifts a week are doable and my husband has good benefits and a good salary.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I left bedside nursing 2 years ago with no intention of returning. Nursing is my second career and I knew what I wanted before I graduated. The burnout and physical exhaustion at the bedside is not worth it, IMO.

I'm an educator and I'm working on policy development as well.

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