Need Tough Love Advice

[hawkeyefan]

I am writing in hopes that there are some seasoned veterans out there than can give me some tough love advice about what direction to take my nursing career.

Here is a little bit about my nursing background:

Started out with my LPN and did long term care as well as clinic work in endocrinology and OB/GYN. Graduated with my RN in 2013 and remained in OB/GYN clinic until recently due to poor clinic pay. I started on a Med/Surg floor at a smaller hospital as a staff nurse in May.

My dilemma is that I will complete my 90 day probationary period this week at my current staff nurse position and to be honest I know it is not for me. I dread going to work everyday and feel stressed my entire shift almost every single day. I unfortunately work 8hr evening shifts which means I have to be at work quite often to get my full time pay.

I have been speaking with an HR staff member at a local telemedicine clinic about assisting with virtual assessments. Hours would be more regular and no weekends or holidays. I am currently working on my BSN and hope to graduate next year.

Bottom line:

Would I be killing my career by leaving the hospital setting? Please be honest....I can take it!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I agree that life is short and I personally enjoy what I do, however all options remained open to me until I figured out what it was I wanted.

Life is short, but so is 9 months. Quitting at 3 mos and reducing your options (when you haven't yet nailed down what you want to do, other than getting out of what you're currently doing) is like quitting school before your last 2 semesters.

On the other hand, if you know what you want long term and either are or can be qualified, then go for it.

I agree with this. Hang in there for at least one year off orientation. You may find (as I did) that you actually LIKE your job once you become competent at it. You haven't been there long enough to be competent.