Not necessarily jumping ship

Published

Do not get me wrong there are days that I love my job, however, they are becoming few and far between. I was considering advancing my nursing degree but am now thinking of the possibility of changing directions, maybe Ultrasonography, MRI tech, etc. Is it wrong to have other interests or will it make me well rounded? My intent is to have another profession so that I may be able to work part-time as an RN and that way not feel burned out and ready to leave the profession permanentally. Any opinions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Why would it EVER be wrong to admit you're not happy with your current situation and then set about DOING something about it? Why would it EVER be wrong to have other interests and career options? Why would you ever want to put all your eggs in one basket?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Agreed!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have been a nurse 2 years, and the only thing I know for sure is that if I can afford to keep doing it, Part-time nursing for me is the only way to go. I have so much better control over my life, I can still enjoy and relax on the weekends w/ my hubby and pursue other interests. If I do have to work more, I can work someplace that is non-nursing, like a book shop or even watching kids.

I realized that life is too short to be unhappy. I do like alot of parts of being a nurse, don't get me wrong - but I need limits set, because they will expect you to give up your life, and its getting more and more demanding of nurses everyday! Anyway, I can always add more hours if I need to. I just wish the pay were a little more enticing. All the stress, for such little pay! Its a wonder anyone stays fulltime in nursing anymore! On the downside I have had to give up some extras too, but its well worth it to me!

Do what feels good to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.
Originally posted by babs_rn

Why would it EVER be wrong to admit you're not happy with your current situation and then set about DOING something about it? Why would it EVER be wrong to have other interests and career options? Why would you ever want to put all your eggs in one basket?

How right you are ! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

"My intent is to have another profession so that I may be able to work part-time as an RN and that way not feel burned out and ready to leave the profession permanentally. "

Sounds like a plan.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, Critical Care.

I know the feeling. I love critical care nursing. But they are burning us all out with their bloody dang "staffing ratios." I had to staff the unit this morning with 4 nurses, 1 charge nurse (no assignment) and I was allowed to keep a secretary -- because I had 10 patients. I purposely took two Telemetry overflow patients so that we could have a secretary for the day. So 10 patients: 4 staff nurses. They were throwing me daggers! Trust me, it is not how **I** want to staff the unit but I got in trouble for putting 5 staff nurses for 10 ICU patients (none up for transfer!) on Monday!

I really hate that. I hate it. I hate it. I love critical care nursing. I hate the staffing ratios. Management is talking "productivity, productivity!" No one is talking "patient care!"

A second career with a flex job in an ICU....sounds great.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

babs_rn says it well.

Good luck in whatever you do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sure you are jumping ship. . . . and why the obvious guilt and anxiety? It's OK. If you don't like it and have other options or plans, so what?!?!?!

We have only one short life to live, why live it miserably if you have other options.

It is OK to jump ship. Good luck with it!!!!!!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

do not be afraid to make a change if you feel you must. it's ok to follow your heart and instincts and do what feels the best for you at any given time. you CAN go back, when it comes to nursing. Remember that and take care. I wish you the best, whatever you decide is going to work for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do what is best for YOU and don't let anybody guilt you out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion