Need normality.. suggestions?

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I've been in acute care for 7 years now (I know it's short compared to many seasoned nurses out there), mainly in a very, very busy tele/neurology unit (and float everywhere, even to ICU). I think I'm now burnt out, has taken a toll on my health, and I just miss being able to feel human on my days off and not a zombie/spaced out from the lack of sleep (night shift). I think it's about that time to move away from bedside nursing, but I want something that I won't have to take home either-- something where once I'm done with the shift, I can leave work, and actually BE at home (mentally)...no weekends/holidays would be nice too... lol.. I was thinking of going into the ambulatory care setting/clinic jobs or clinical documentation specialist position, or anything outpatient with a normal schedule... Any recommendations? What do you do, what is your day like, and do you love it?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Don't feel apologetic. You deserve a break. PLEASE realize that your experience and knowledge is a huge asset for many different types of roles. You may need to seek some additional training or look at a certification (e.g., Case Management, Wound Care, etc) but that would be a small price to pay for serenity, right? Have you discussed your plans with your manager or HR? If not, I would suggest that you do so. There may be opportunities in your own facility.

Wishing you all the best on your career change.

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I worked ambulatory infusion/vascular access. We generally worked x4 10's and had a once a month weekend on-call for the daily infusions and such.

MUCH better workflow and load. There was a greater sense of teamwork and everyday had a sunset where we could not just see the time to the end of the shift but to the end of the scheduled patients for the day which was nice.

Started IVs and accessed central lines all day giving various infusions like blood, ABx, and chemo. Got to see some really interesting things at time and generally had fun.

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I loved PACU for that. Hardly ever saw the same patient twice, never had to stay for OT-- when the next shift comes in, hand them the clipboard and give report, and head out the door. Loved it. I've heard similar things about more restful areas, like endoscopy and preop admissions.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Pacu great ,

after 42 years, I am vacationing in physician office

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Thank you HouTx, your encouragement means a lot. I definitely don't mind additional training or getting certified for serenity! I have applied internally within our network and just waiting to get called. *crossing fingers*

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AliNajaCat thanks for replying! I'm also looking into an OP/ambulatory surgical center who will train me to be a pre/post op RN as that has also interested me... There's also an opening for an endoscopy RN in the outpatient clinic. Just gotta break out of my comfort zone!

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I work from home for an insurance company. I like it, I do utilization review and management.

You have much experience any many skills. You are qualified for many positions away from the bedside.

Start by searching the job boards to see how you match up to employers qualifications. Insurance companies are begging for experienced nurses.

Best of luck in your search. Let us know how it's going.

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AliNajaCat and sallyrnrrt, have you worked at outpatient surgery centers as pre/PACU RNs? I'm just starting to consider this move. I've got kids to support so it just scares me to leave this hospital's benefits for the unknown!

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Yep. Fun stuff.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

School nursing? No weekends or holidays and summers off.

You will probably have to take a pay cut though.

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