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I also changed to running shoes. I like Altras, especially the Torin, for work. I have wide feet so these work well for me. My doc suggested them years ago and I've never owned another brand of running shoe since.

Wilderness medicine is an actual discipline and an elective option now in many medical schools. Think...expedition medicine on high altitude or extended backcountry excursions. Wilderness medicine education is available for laypeople all the way through CME conferences, etc for physicians and other healthcare personnel. Camp nursing does not typically require the same skill set that a PICU requires. School nurses, Peds nurses, med/surg and others thrive in camp settings. My first job as an RN was at a camp. We served students with diabetes, CP, and so on. It requires time management, broad knowledge, and ability to work independently/remotely. OP: best of luck with your search. Have you looked into Wilderness EMT training?

Sorry you had this experience. And, sorry you felt you had to quit. If you find yourself in this situation in your next position, I'd encourage you to talk with you coworkers, managers, and educators. Your experience was normal. I lasted only 16 months in med-surg. I thought about quitting everyday. I gave it the golden year plus some but just didn't like it. It did, however, get easier and more comfortable. I moved to womens and children's health and liked that much better. I now am working part time employee health and feel it is a great fit for me with some in call hospital shifts to supplement my experience. You might consider clinic work or working for an insurance company as options people haven't mentioned. Also, you might try going with an agency for a while. You can try things out without the long term commitment. You might also think about trying to do some shadowing so that you really get a feel for the units/practice areas before committing. Good luck and keep us posted. You'll find your niche eventually.

Hi all. I'm working on transitioning to the ED after four years of varied RN experience in med-surg, NICU/peds float, and some ambulatory agency work on the side. I have been told differing opinions on whether or not to do my TNCC before applying. Some managers and nurses say do it, some say wait. What do you think? It might be helpful to know that I'm hoping to go to a new hospital closer to home rather than stay in my current long commute. I already have current ACLS, PALS, PEARS, NRP, & STABLE training and have shadowed several shifts and did a 2 month clinical in ED. I'm just not sure if I should spend the money on the course. Did anyone else do it before you worked in ER?

You'll have an easier time getting into an accelerated program with Bs than you will an ADN program. They'll look at essays and life experience more than other programs. At least that was true for me.

Take the short commute. I had that commute on nights for a bit and almost killed myself a couple times falling asleep on my way home. It isn't worth it for you and your family. It sucks to quit so soon but it is better than six months from now when you have no offer and have to look again.

Not what I said, but my patient's family. Mom was pumping breast milk in NICU. Dad reaches out, grabs both breasts, "here, honey, let me help you with that." He starts massaging both breasts and smirking about it. Then he jokes about how long they have to wait to have sex. Me: "I'm gonna leave on that note. See you in 15 minutes."

The MB and LD difference is very similar to the feeling in med surg and ER or ICU. Like those in med surg are less skilled or less valuable. NOT TRUE at all, just different. No shame in wanting to do different.

Love this thread! I'm going back to nights in a new job I start next week. I'm terrified to go back! Good to hear that people do actually love it.

Congrats on your job! I wondered what you decided on. Sorry you got so much crap in one of your recent posts. It's just what happens sometimes I guess.

I like to eat a hearty meal too. It's all about making time to cook for me. I sometimes choose the snooze button over morning cooking! When I do that, I try to always have boiled eggs on hand. I also keep a box of breakfast sausages in the freezer at work to pop in the microwave when I get there or on my break. I also love the egg muffins from nom nom paleo similar to the ones above. You can think about cooking bacon the day before too.

I love altras. They are "foot shaped" and have never hurt my feet. They don't have a lot of support though. It feels like I am wearing really cushy socks all day!

Congrats! I too am transitioning from maternity, peds, and NICU float to OB. My biggest tip from floating there occasionally to help is to be open to what people have to say. Get to know people, ask questions, and show that you are truly interested in learning. Good luck!!!

You sound like a great friend! I liked the book Fast Facts for the L&D Nurse. It is expensive for what it is though! What EFM cheat sheet did you get her? I'm looking for one.

You can also use small paper tape over the edge of the tegaderm and write on that.