how long do I have to STAY in bedside nursing to LEAVE bedside nursing?

guyman123 · Jul 6, 2014

Probably about 3.50 years.

Raviepoo · Jul 6, 2014

A friend of mine worked in a hospital for 6 months and then went into adult day care. She is now a case manager for geriatrics living at home.

I would call her job a decent job. She loves it and it lets her spend time with her kids.

vanessaem, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2014

If you don't like bedside nursing, for the sake of yourself and your patients, I would suggest you leave it and go on to do something else in the field that you're more interested in. You should now be finding out about other types of nursing and planning your next move.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jul 6, 2014

Probably about 3.50 years.

And this is based on what?

you haven't even started your first job yet. :rolleyes:

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 8, 2014

It's discouraging to see that so many people feel as though direct care nursing is tantamount to serving a prison term. I agree with PP - if you really hate it please move on to something else ASAP. It's highly likely that the dissatisfaction is being felt by patients and they don't deserve this collateral damage on top of everything else.

Don't confuse 'length of time' in a position with development of expertise. Most people DO learn and become more proficient as a result of day-to-day experience... but unfortunately, as a long-time nurse educator, I can attest to the fact that some folks simply repeat year one over and over again. The best way to ensure that potential employers recognize and value your expertise is by obtaining a nationally recognized clinical certification.

PMFB-RN, RN · Jul 8, 2014

as a long-time nurse educator, I can attest to the fact that some folks simply repeat year one over and over again.

This!!!

As rapid response nurse I see this in some nurses. Some nurses are in their 10th or 20th year and still asking the same questions they did their first year.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 8, 2014

Also ... it depends on what you want your NEXT job to be ... and how brilliantly you have performed as a student in the past and in your current.

In short, you will be able to move on when you can show an employer that you have mastered the skills necessary for the job you want. So ... what job do you want? Do you have the skills needed? If so, then apply now. If not, focus on developing those skills and stop focusing on "watching the clock."