New path

Wow. That's huge- 32 years! Yes I am on the same path- been a director for surgical services for 5 yrs, I am ready to leave periop and do something else. (And basically get a life outside of work.) I am thinking maybe SICU or MICU, but may consider other areas. I need a new challenge, but also want to feel like I have accomplished something. What made you finally throw in the towel??

It was a mix of things. 32 hrs is enough of one thing and the hoops just got bigger and bigger. I need more freedom and less stress. Nurse at a ski resort. Yeah, that's it. :). Seriously, need to work by the end of the yr. Just gotta find out where.

I like to think that what I do is a little less stressful in ICU. I fill in for charge and work staff nurse 3 12 hr shifts per week. I might pull an occasional extra shift for desperate shifts. I like to leave my job there once I leave. The more I do charge, the less it feels like I am doing that. Changing modes is good, very good. Do it now before burnout,....

I'm on a new path too, sort of.. My current employer (HHA) is shutting the doors this friday. I'm going to give it a go and start my own. Best of luck to you!

Nurse at a ski resort sounds fun. But sounds like temporary work? In administration, I feel the same way as the director of surg svs. I am being told to bring in the volume, decrease turnover time btwn cases, but with the same amt of staff. I just want to do my job and go home at the end of the day. I am thinking about the ICU, do my 12hr shifts and go home. After doing that for several years, I might just take some travel assignments.

The only problem I am faced with should I go this route, is all the open ICU positions at my facility are nights. I don't know if I can do nights again! Kudo those posters who have the courage to change up their specialty, It takes a lot of courage when all you have known is one specialty- to break away from routine and learn something new. That is one of the beauties of nursing.