I am glad you have identified the issue. Leaving the floor is not inherently abandoning an assignment, just as taking a break isn't. The issue is hand-off. Coverage should be planned in advance....
There is something for everyone in Nursing. Have you thought about being an educator? YOu have a wide variety of experience to share. Or how about home health? Or maybe get into the regulatory...
Not a fan of this post. I have been a nurse a very long time with about 20 years in the ICU environment. When you think about just how sick someone has to be just to be admitted into the hospital...