Less Stressful Unit?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello everyone-

I have been an ICU RN for some years and previously to do I was a paramedic. Currently I am doing my FNP and along my job, school and trying to spend time with my family it seems like the stress is getting the best out of me. It seems that it might be time for me to look for a less stressful/hectic unit with more down time.

I thought about doing PI/QI, Infection Prevention or even education, but that is an 8-5 M-F and I might want to keep my 3 12s or even 2 12s.

From your experience, which unit or department fits more of what I am currently looking for?

Thanks in advance,

Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Can you go down to part time or contingent and stay where you are?

Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.

Honestly, I don't know how to answer this question. Every specialty of nursing is stressful in its own way it really depends on your stress tolerance and how you deal with the stress. I also think it depends on how much you like your specialty area, for instance my head would probably explode if I worked in the ER because I don't find the specialty appealing. Sometimes being unhappy with your job makes it 10 x more stressful than what it actually is.

Sorry, I know that's not much help, good luck to you though!

Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

I would do a trial. ..do at least 2 to 3 pay periods of ONLY 2 =12 hour shifts in your current unit....use your paid tine off or your Continuing ED TIME

.You need to get a realistic idea of what your stress level is and if it is reduced.Learning a whole new job also will be stressful so it is a good idea to see if just reducing your hours will give you the relief you seek. I know when I just take 1 to 2 days of PTO it makes a huge difference!

Specializes in Public Health, Maternal Child Health.

well almost any unit is less stressful than ICU! lol. what about something like post partum?

well almost any unit is less stressful than ICU! lol. what about something like post partum?

That's not true. My floor and stepdown jobs were way, way more stressful than my ICU jobs.

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