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Discussion

Need some advice from allnurses!

Hi everyone!!

I'm in a bit of a dilemma and was hoping maybe some of you could offer some advice.

I previously was working straight nights on a transitional care unit where patients are waiting for placement in LTC. It was a pretty relaxed and non stressful job aside from a lot of staff drama and a bit of a poisoned workplace. Anyway I decided to apply else where and was given a job on an extremely acute pulmonary unit. I have been working on the new unit for almost 3 months now. I find it EXTREMELY stressful and am neat tears many times throughout my shift and even when I get home. I find its nearly impossible to keep up with all the demands and give good patient care and in turn leave work feeling completely incompetent. I can't relax for days even when I get home and even have to take medication now to get to sleep. Then to top it all off I have a really bad knee and all the running around on the new unit really has caused it to start acting up and sometimes I am limping out of there and in so much pain. However on this new unit the staff are fantastic and it is really great experience.

Anyway my hospital allows you to have a 3 month trial period, during which time you can choose to go back to your old position if you feel the new one isn't a good fit. I have a couple weeks left to decide if I want to go back and I'm really torn about what to do.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

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    • Author

    Oh and I should add, the reason I'm having trouble making a decision is I worry going back to transitional care will kind of block me in a corner career wise. And also a lot of transition units in my area have been closing due to budget cuts..

    The new unit would be invaluable experience. But I could never see myself being able to handle stress like that long term so would that experience even lead to anything Id like...

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    I suggest utilizing the brain sheets here on AN-organization is key to getting used to the learning curve. You also state you have a supportive team; NEVER hesitate to ask for help or let someone know you feel as though you are drowning. Remember to reflect on how you would handle a situation better; utilize a plan of action, and implement it on your next shift; until then, LEAVE WORK at WORK.

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    No shame in admitting it isn't a good fit and returning.

    If your unit is closed AHS has to find you another job. Bump, baby bump.

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    How much does career advancement matter to you? Seriously. Why not find something you enjoy, can handle, and pays decently? Like your old spot. ;)

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    • Author

    Thank you so much for the support ladies. I think you are right, just kinda needed to hear someone else say it. What's the sense of stressing myself like this when I don't even have goals of going to something more acute like emerg or ICU eventually.

    And you are right Fiona, there is always bumping. Thanks for the reminder :)

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    What often seems like a good idea at the time sometimes ends up being a really bad idea. Take advantage of the transfer opportunity. There's always bumping as the pp said should it get to a point where the unit closes.

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    Do what makes you happiest. No sense in being stressed to the max and in pain daily.

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    • Author
    What often seems like a good idea at the time sometimes ends up being a really bad idea. Take advantage of the transfer opportunity. There's always bumping as the pp said should it get to a point where the unit closes.

    Yeah I don't know what made me think it would be a good idea in the first place. I guess I was attracted by the nice schedule that came with the 12 hours shifts. My old unit I worked 8 hour nights.

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    Tell us more about the Pulmonary unit . What is the nurse patient ratio?

    What types of pulmonary patients , any on a vent?

    What ancillary assistance is available.. a CNA/ Respiratory therapy?

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