bits78

I worked in the ER for over 8 years. It is impossible not to get burned out working in a department such as this. What I did find is that when I had your attitude I was definitely burned out and changed to another position. I love my position now and it isn't even one that I thought I would ever want to do. I know now that when I felt that same way as you it meant burn out but I didn't know that then. I urge you to look at doing something else because you not going to be as effective as you could be. Don't rush into another job but sit back and look at your options and even try to contact these departments to see if you can shadow. There are school nurses, IT nurses, unit, floor, surgery, navigators and don't forget many insurance companies are hiring nurses- there is so many different places to go. I never thought I would leave the ER- I loved it, I love the adrenaline rush- even now- but if I can't be compassionate to my patients then I am doing them a disservice and it was time to change.

Spacey, I am working as a Women's Health Navigator. My hours are set 8:30-5 M-F. I do some off hours- health fairs, talks, and special functions. I do check my email at home but usually don't check my phone when I am at home. I have in some instances given my cell number out to patients but it has been dependent on what was needed at the time. I usually write up my patient encounters on a form with name, number, dob, address, and date and then write a narrative. I then keep stats in an excel spreadsheet. I also run a free women's program so I visit these members when they are admitted and again keep an excel spreadsheet on these visits also. I have been doing this since Jan 2010 and have really grown our program. I am also looking at ways to improve our care in our Breast Center, OB/Gyn, dexascans, pelvic floor therapy and so much more. I attend health fairs- this is best way to promote myself, We do monthly free talks- have the doctors or other experts come and talk to women. We also do night outs from a High Tea, Wine tasting and a night where we have a nice dinner and a speaker come and talk. We look at the whole woman and even do a "Fancy Nancy Tea Party" for girls ages 4-8 to attend with special woman in their lives. I work towards educating my women and helping them navigate through the system with whatever there needs are. This job is so new that it is always evolving. We started out with just me and now we have an administrative assistant that is really an awesome addition to this position.

Hello Dea- I actually just started in my role as a women's health navigator in Jan of this year. It has been quite an experience- I have learned so much from this role.