Mid life crisis....HELP! :)

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Hi everyone, I just wanted to pick your brains. I know nurses are some of the most helpful and caring people on this planet and I am at a loss. I am 50 years old, in good health and have been and ER nurse my entire career. I presently work in a satallite ER in Ohio and love it. I have my BSN so that wouldn't be an issue. My children are grown and out of the house and my dream of living somewhere where there is NO WINTER seems within reach. I have toyed with perhaps moving to Ireland, St. Thomas....etc. but just think that may be too much since I am by myself. I have checked in to travel nursing but that just seems like it is better suited to someone younger who is willing to work night shift and even split shifts. I even looked at working on a cruise ship but am afraid the buffets would affect my cardiac health too negatively. Ha!I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice as to where they would suggest that would be a good fit for me. I honestly, no longer have the desire to work in a busy, busy, trauma center but can't imagine not doing ER. Do any of you out there have a job that perhaps I haven't thought of that may allow me to travel to a warmer location? Where would you suggest....California, South Carolina, North Carolina? Any particular neighborhoods you would suggest (I would rent for now)? Any satallite ER's that you know of that are hiring? Would travel agencies help find me a permanent position and are they useful re: a relocation allowance, etc.? I would really appreciate any advice at all..... If I can figure out a direction to go, I can reach this goal and enjoy this next chapter in my life. Thanks in advance everyone.

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Specializes in NP. Former flight, CCU, ED RN and paramedic..

If you don't want to work in a busy ER, do your research on the facilities before you accept the contract. When you interview with the director, ask about patient ratios, etc. You can research how many patients per year the facility sees, then divide by 365 to get daily visits, then see how many beds they have for a rough estimate of how busy they are. Ask about techs, ancillary help, hall bed useage, etc. Avoid retirement areas like Sun City, AZ, etc. Those places have some hard acuity because it's all elderly sick folks. I try to work in places with a younger population.

Red flag:

"We have 30 ER beds, but can expand to 50". Which translates to 20 hall beds that totally suck to work in.

Won't know if you don't try, so go do it. I just finished an assignment in a 25 bed hospital, 4 bed ER. I averaged 3-5 patients per 12 hour shift! Totally mellow, great money, nice people, gravy job. I loved it. Had another high paying gig in Washington, mellow ER, nice place. Plenty of stinker ones too.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

If you decide to go to the USVI, there is an urgent care/ED on St John called the Myra Keating Health Center. They only hire ER nurses. This is probably the most coveted position down in the USVI. You would be perfect for that position. RTG staffs the islands and they have a good reputation.

You might also ask them to submit you to Kaui to the critical access hospital there. They seem to prefer ER nurses to ICU nurses as well.

Guam has positions for travel nurses if you really want to be adventurous.

Does this sound like what you're looking for?

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

I've met a lot of 50 something year old travelers with similar stories to yours. Why not try a smaller hospital in a small town in California along the coast?

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Specializes in Psych.

Urgent care jobs in Las Vegas and surrounding communities are hiring a lot right now. Cush job for an experience ED nurse and daylight hours. There are also plenty of VA clinic jobs (check USA jobs ). And small community hospital ERs in southern Nevada. I have friends in all these categories and they all love their jobs. You've got tons of options.

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Thanks ICURNMaggie...this gives me something specific to inquire about. I will call get in touch with RTG that you mentioned. Great advice. Thanks for your time!

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Thanks for your advice Trackhead....I appreciate it! Do you mind if I ask you where this last assignment you had was or any other ones you loved were? Any suggestions for the best travel company? Thanks so much again.

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