New ED position.

[mish_RN]

First of all, Happy Holidays and thanks for taking the time to read/reply to my post. I currently work in a Level 2 Trauma ED for 15 months now. I was on a MedSurg/Oncology floor for 1 year prior to my transfer to the ED. Keep in mind, I moved my family to start my career after I graduated. So I'm back home for the holidays and recently got offered a job in a Level 4 ED. More pay, back at home with my family, less PT to nurse ratio, and the job is at the hospital I originally applied at, but was told to come back after I "get the experience." So anyways, I accepted the position, but now I feel guilty. Why? I love working with my ER crew now. I guess my question is, is this normal and how do you guys adjust after switching jobs? Thanks in advance!

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

The thing that you have to ask yourself is, where will I be truly happy? Will you be happiest at the Level II Trauma ED that you have built great relationships with your coworkers, but also where you had to move your family and create a new life. Or would you be happier back home where you are surround by family members and the original ER that you wanted to work in. Only you can make that choice.

[SBSN]

I recently applied in a level 4 in a rural area and was pleasantly surprised at the things they got on a daily basis. I previously worked in a level 1 in a metro area. The way they explained it to me was pretty much the only difference was the beds within the facility. Obviously a level 4 can't keep most traumas, but they still receive their fair share. I assumed that the level 4 was "minor" care only, but I was obviously wrong.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Congratulations on the new job! Yes, if you have made friends and bonded with your co-workers it is perfectly normal to feel like you don't want to abandon them or the place you have put "blood, sweat, and tears" into. So, the question is what are the positives and negatives? What are you long term family goals and long term career goals?

It sounds to me like you have long term family goals to be back in your hometown, and this move will make that happen. As for your career goals, you have not mentioned what they are, nor have you identified any conflict between them and working in a rural ER. I know several folks who have left our facility to get experience in an ER/ICU at a level 1 facility because they felt that was needed for career goals. Most commonly, folks who want to become CRNAs. However, you already have a year in a level 1 trauma center ER, so that experience will help you with your new job in a rural ER. Just be prepared for anything on any shift. Instead of being in the xxx rooms, you will be in the anything-and-everything rooms. Yea, we have our cardiac rooms, but sometimes they see the MVA, or the belly pain, or the 4yo with a foreign object in their..... You get the idea.

So, don't let your current co-workers hold you back from what is best for your family...

Good Luck!

[mish_RN]

Thanks guys. The level 2 is in a smaller city and is a community hospital, so I know the move to this bigger city will have more opportunities for me. I plan to go back to school and hopefully save money for a house, thus moving back in with the family. I guess I'm just nervous about the new job. I know I will miss the traumas and have to be the newbie again. I have great coworkers and management too. However, I'm starting to believe this move is the best for me and the family.