New Job Anxiety

[RN_srs]

Well, Its been a long time coming... I have finally decided to make the switch. Hospital to clinic.

I currently work on a Medical Oncology unit in a larger community hospital, two 12 hour night shifts per week. I love my co-workers, I love being a nurse, but I do not love this job.

Just today I accepted a position at a clinic only 10 minutes away from my house as a Site RN. Quick job description: educates newly diagnosed diabetics (until appt with diabetic educator can be made), inserts IV's for solumedrol or fluids, access cenral lines/ports/dressing changes, inserts/exchanges chronic foleys, responds to all medical emergencies within the clinic, runs mock codes, triages the walk in clinic, follow up phone calls to patients... etc.

This job is M-F 8:30-5, no holidays & no weekends. I will be on the same schedule as my husband and I'm looking forward to having a "normal person" schedule. I love that my current schedule allows me to have 4-5 days off in a row, however, I feel like I am less productive d/t having so much time on my hands... does that make any sense?!?

Overall, I think this is a good move for me, I do not have children, but we are working on it. I am worried that working 5 days/week will not work for me when that time comes, I really prefer to not put my kid in daycare 5 days/week and part time for this position is not an option.

Losing my skills is honestly not even a concern of mine anymore, considering the skills required for this position. I consider myself very competent and I am interested in working in the ED one day... just not yet. I think this is a good change for now and gives me an opportunity to see another side to nursing.

There are way more pros than cons to this job, but tell me, why am I so nervous I'm making a bad decision???

Thanks!

[oceanblue52]

Bcause jumping off into a new specialty/job is generally anxiety provoking. New policies to learn, new coworkers, interpersonal dynamics...but overall sounds like a good move! I love working outpatient, the hours are pretty nice and so much healthier for you than working nights. Also sounds to me like you will be obtaining some valuable skills should you ever want to go back into a hospital. Better to change your environment than become burned out in one you don't like. Good luck with the new job and keep us posted!

[jen.lu]

Anytime you get out of your comfort zone, you will feel doubts, feel questionable, and feel scared. Embrace your decision and welcome this new job with open arms! I am on a medical-surgical floor now but came from an outpatient clinic and I loved it! I love the education aspect of that side of patient care as well as the preventative measures aspect.

Good luck with the new job! We are all cheering you on!

[buckeye nurse]

I can relate to your feelings. I am going from outpatient to inpatient and switching specialities. My anxiety level has been through the roof because I am wondering if I am doing the right thing for me and my career. I had to remind myself that no one can make positive changes in my life but me, so in order to change and do something I'm hoping I will love, I had to take a risk. I start my new job this week at an academic hospital so will keep positive thoughts in mind for you as you start your journey as well. Good luck!!

[cleback]

Congrats on the new position. It sounds wonderful and like you won't lose many skills. I share your concern that it's five days a week, though. I mean, that in and of itself is fine, but like you said, you know you don't want that schedule when you have young kids and you can't go part-time with this job. I don't want to get too personal, so I imagine you have additional thoughts on this that you just didn't share. I prefer business hours as well, but I will say it was nice to be able to work Pm shifts and weekends so my hustand could watch our son when we had limited daycare. I also enjoyed taking him to library events during the day, which couldn't have happened with more traditional hours. I just hope you have a plan in mind for when you start your family to keep you happy. Enjoy the clinic in the meantime, though--sounds wonderful!