Opinions on leaving hospital nursing for private practice?

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Hi everyone... I really could use some advice from anyone who has been through something similar! I am currently 14 weeks pregnant and this pregnancy was super difficult for us to achieve. I needed IVF and experienced lots is miscarriages etc. to get here. Anyway, my history has pulled me towards the direction of women's health. I want to help others who have been/ are going through similar situations. That being said, I am a new nurse (graduated dec 2014) and have been working in a busy ICU since March. I have been on my own technically since September but was doing everything on my own prior to that during orientation as well. I am working nights now and absolutely hate it. If I'm not working I'm sleeping and that is literally all I do. I have no quality of life and dread going to work! My staff is great and the hospital is great but nights are killing me and day shift isn't any better. They micro manage on days, and the staff isn't as friendly/helpful. Well I recently applied for a private practice position at an new OBGYN office. I am going to call back to get details on the position today but am nervous to make this change. I'm nervous I'm kneecapping myself professionally and won't be able to get back into hospital nursing if I choose to. But this is also such a great chance to get into women's health where I really want to be! Any nurses regret leaving the bedside and going into private practice?? Would love some experiences/advice!

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I'm in a similar situation (with regard to getting pregnant). Switching jobs right now is probably not the best idea. Definitely talk to your HR department about maternity leave and what benefits you might qualify for if you stick around. If you're having a difficult time and are considered high risk because of your history, your MD might be able to get you off work fairly early. I'm glad I stuck around and went that route instead of trying to find a new job. And like my doctor honestly said, "No one wants to hire someone who's four months pregnant." They know you won't be feeling well. They know you'll be leaving soon. They know you might not come back.

Good luck and congratulations!

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

In answer to your question---no regrets. Oh, I miss certain aspects about the neonatal unit, but I love what I currently do, and would do it again.

Best to you and your baby. May all go well & parenthood be all that you & your husband have dreamed it will be. Take care of yourself, and if that means switching jobs, and the OB wouldn't be opposed to hiring you at 14 weeks pregnant, go for it & enjoy your work, instead of hating it.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

A few questions:

Where do you see yourself/your career going, or where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years? Or have you really not thought that far ahead?

I left inpatient nursing for clinic (also OB/Gyn) 2 1/2 years ago, and I had similar concerns at the time. But I have to say, I haven't regretted it for a second. Particularly if you want a career in women's health, working in a clinic setting is an incredibly valuable experience.

Good luck with your pregnancy!

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Thank you all for the input!! Pangea reunited, thank you as well, but honestly if they won't hire me because I'm pregnant which is definitely a real fear of mine, then I wouldn't want to work for them anyway. I have a lot I could bring to their practice and that's what my employment should be based on, not to mention that's illegal!

@klone wow you really were in a similar spot!! I see myself going back for my NP definitely on women's health with possibly getting into infertility. I'm so glad you posted thank you! I'm guessing you work 5 days a week? How do you like that versus 3 12's??

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You do what's best for you. I hate to be the one to say this, but IF some complication should occur during your pregnancy, could you still work in that setting everyday?

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Specializes in Dialysis.
but honestly if they won't hire me because I'm pregnant which is definitely a real fear of mine, then I wouldn't want to work for them anyway. I have a lot I could bring to their practice and that's what my employment should be based on, not to mention that's illegal

You have to prove that's why they wouldn't hire you, which they would never outright tell you. Wait until interviewed and offered a job, then make a decision

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