Need help on changing jobs.

[ONCRN84]

A little background...

I've been working as an RN for a little over a year now and I love it. I'm on nights and it's just not working for me anymore. I know a lot of people can handle nights just fine for a long period of time, but I'm miserable. I'm way too young to feel this old! My body aches, my mind is foggy, and I'm exhausted! My mom has fibromyalgia and was discussing my syptoms with her doctor and he really suggested I find a different shift because i'm showing early fibro signs. My poor new husband never sees me and when he does I'm cranky. Anyway, I've been thinking about looking for a new job. I can't go to days at my current job because there's no openings, so unless I want to wait around hoping that maybe someday someone will leave days, I need to go elsewhere.

I mentioned something to my manager about this and it was (not so nicely) brought up to me that "by accepting a job here, you're expected to stay here for 2 years before taking off. I don't train people to have them leave. Just something to think about it." Now, I totally see where she's coming from, but I also need to take care of myself and my relationships with people I'm close to! I've been "just hanging on" for months now, being miserable in my current position, and something needs to change!

Now, for the advice part... Do I stay where I'm at and just "tough it out" or do I go for something else? The "something else" I'm thinking about is Public Health Nursing at a clinic I spent a lot of time in for clinicals during school.

PS: I NEVER signed anything agreeing to stay for 2 years.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

You have no commitment to stay---look for another job, give the proper two week notice and thank your boss for all the great training they provided. Tell them you loved working for them but unfortunately night shift was just taking a bigger toll on you than you thought it would. Tell them if a day shift job ever comes available you would love to be considered for it, then offer to stay on PRN.

Leave on good terms as you never know when you may need them again.

Of course they dont want you to leave, but your not married to them. Do what is best for you and your family.

Best of luck!!

[RN1982]

If you feel the best thing for you to do is to leave then DO it. Don't let them pressure you into staying somewhere that makes you completely miserable.

[anijah]

you definitely need to leave. Your health comes first and jobs are always available. I would leave on good terms. I look at it this way. All they are concerned with is that shift being filled, leave on good terms and find u another job.