New job isn't challenging :(

[greengold]

Hello,

I am a second career RN who recently (October) moved to a different city to live closer to my fiancé and start a new life where he lives (since I am lucky enough to have a job that I can do anywhere). I have 22 months experience, all in the ER. I am now working at a level 4 trauma center ER that is absolutely beautiful but I find myself not being challenged each shift. I work nights and each night is slow. They have actually let people go home most shifts due to low census. The acuity of the patients we see is much lower than what I was used to. While I can't say that I enjoy my new job because I don't think there is much for me to learn here, I love the fact that I am only required to work weekdays... never required to work a weekend. I know that I will NEVER know all there is to know in nursing, but the people at the new place are not nearly as sick as they were in my first hospital. Considering I've only been there 2 months and a week or so, I know that I will not enjoy working there long term. The only other more acute job option in my new city is a level 1 trauma center/county hospital. I did not apply to this place in my initial job hunt and now I am curious about it. I am also starting school in January for a BSN to DNP program. I feel that I need to use this time to learn as much as I can... especially because I WANT to learn! How long should I stay at this new place? I know 2 months is way too soon to quit a job. Should I ask to shadow at the trauma center? Any advice is much appreciated!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Great job to have while in school. Stick with it.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Totally agree with PP. You'll be very grateful for an undemanding job if you have to work while in school. Your need to learn will be fulfilled via school. In the meantime, you could get involved in a quality improvement project or help with some inservices. I'm sure your manager would be very thankful for your contributions.

[caliotter3]

Better to have an undemanding job, than no job at all. Most people have mundane jobs that will never approach the opportunity for learning and 'excitement' that come with working on any hospital floor. And then there are those who are unemployed.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Excellent point. When you are deep into doing your graduate work and have to work on Thursday night but then they RIF you for low census, you can say one of two things:

1. "Dayem, I was soooo looking forward to a night of multiple traumas, pedi codes, no potty breaks, and staying late to clean up the code charting and restock the carts."

2. "Hot dayem, I can go home and finish up that bibliography, email my study group, and get ahead on that reading I was going to do all day Saturday."

The smart money is on door numbah 2. You can go to the hotshot place later, ask to shadow a manager once a month, just enough so they recognize your sweet face later when you want to work there. It's a long life. :)