Need Advice :/ My next move.

[Sacul86]

I LOVE the operating room. I am very passionate about my work and what I do. I am CNOR, BSN, and AORN member and treat every patient like a family member. I recently switched jobs to work at a hospital closer to my new home. I am torn b/c this new hospital is a Level III and (coming from a Level II hospital) i feel like I'm not working to my full potential. Another problem I have is the staff: their sterile technique is emmbarassing (I am constantly telling people to close doors...Pathetic!) and many other things annoy me there too (and i have only been here for 6 months).

The reason why I am torn is because maybe 15 min from my place is a well known Level I hospital.... Should I switch jobs yet again? My current job pays well and offers a pension plan (yes pension plan!!!) and the work is eeeeaaaassssyyyyy. I am planning on getting my masters next month and i feel i would play a GREAT administrative role in such a small hospital.....

So i feel like i am not explaining this very well, but i feel like i am not working to my full potential; I wanna go to work and walk out feeling proud of what i accomplished. I cant feel that way doing locals and lipomas all day...

My other problem is, what if the work at the Level I place is too much for me? (since I have never worked at a Level I before) and I get burn out? Would I be able to apply and do well at an administrative role at a bigger hospital? I cant quit a job and expect them to hire me back when i get my masters.... Will I be better off without a pension plan :/ all these questions go thru my mind and I am torn on what to do. My current job doesnt offer 12's...so working full time at one and per diem at the other would not work. Mind you im worried about all this and I am only in my late 20's.....

Just looking for some advice from people that understand my job :) sorry for the rant and thank you ALL for your advice

Keep up the good work everybody!!!

[ORoxyO]

I would go for the Level I place. Don't waste your potential. You are young and energetic and can learn a great deal there. If you are bored already you probably won't make it very long where you are and end up leaving anyway. Leave this job on good terms and see if you can stay per diem assuming your other hospital has you working 10s or 12s. that way you still have your foot in the door for later on.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Hmmm...my vote is to stay put until you finish your Masters. Stay for another 6 months. You never know what kind of doors will open for you, and you don't want to have to explain why you left a position after only 6 months.

As for the level 1 trauma center-I love working at a level 1. I have worked at both L2 and L3, and nothing holds a candle to L1. It is fast paced and since I love surgical trauma, it suits me.

You sound like you enjoy a fast paced work day. Be patient, and apply for L1 once you complete a year at your current hospital.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

It sounds like you are ambitious and energetic. Good for you! First question, is the job possibility at the Level 1 just a possibility or have you been offered a position? If you have already been offered a job, I say go for it! Second...if the Level 1 position is in the maybe I will apply and see what happens stage, ask yourself if you can realistically take on a new job with all the stress that entails plus handle your Masters work at the same time? That sounds like a more than full load to carry. If you honestly think that is within your abilities then again...go for it! If you decide that may be too much too handle then stay where you are since the admittedly easier workload will allow you to focus more on schooling until you degree is complete. Once you have that Masters in hand, there may be better opportunities for you either where you are or the Level 1 you are interested in.

[kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP]

I'll just throw this out there, very few level 1 centers will give someone a shot at an administrative position if the ink is barely dry on their degree. If they do, it's the job no one wants, and that's a set-up for failure. Level 1 centers should operate as well oiled machines, and that's within reason. It may not be the best place to start your new career in administration, anyway. While most people go from lower acuity to higher acuity, I think it's in your best interest to stay where you are until you finish your degree, and try for a spot there. Now, if you want to continue as an OR nurse, try for a OR nurse manager spot at the level 1, then work your way up the ladder to wearing "slacks and button downs", lol. Congrats on your degree and good luck!