I've been a med surg RN for nearly 40 yrs and have recently started a new position in an outpatient eye surgery center. While my former job was extremely stressful, I felt completely competent, was the "go to" person for everyone and the time flowed very quickly. The 12 hr shifts were become exhausting however and I'd been looking for a job with less stress that would carry me into retirement (in 3 years.)- no holidays, weekends and closed Fridays.
Day one was yesterday and I felt like a fish out of water- all paper charting, and although a fast pace I felt like time dragged because I'm not used to the work flow..... or Staff or facility. I'm just curious how long it's taken for such a role change to become comfortable- I'm an anxious person to begin with who dislikes change so this new job is causing some major dread and remorse for leaving my comfort zone.
For those people who've made a job change after a few decades - how long did it take to adapt and feel like "one of the team" and not the "new girl"?
I'm almost 10 mths in and very glad I made the change! I wonder how I survived 39 yrs of med surg..... Since I've become comfortable in pre and post op I've been training in lasers and corneal treatments- so there is some variety. The patients for the most part are pleasant and the hours are ideal- no call, no holidays. We actually have breaks and lunch time everyday! Change is always tough but after a few months, it feels like home.
That's so great to hear! Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for ??
Rn052015
12 Posts
That's so great to hear! Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for ??