ValGirlRN

I get it, and I can relate. I also was an LVN and was very disappointed that I ended up there.... but the problem for me is that I'd wanted to be a nurse since I was 5 years old! I was also attacked (but not harmed) by a home health patient that was doing drugs.... I went back for my RN anyway because being a nurse is all I know. I can't imagine doing anything else. But how did I have such conflicting feelings?! I actually got some counseling and went back to school .... over all best decision I've made. Eventually I fell into an RN case management role and it's much better and I wouldn't change a thing. You can do this- but only if you determine you want to! Our attitude is a choice regardless of the circumstances. That has become my mantra. Everyday is not sunshine and rainbows, but I choose to be happy. Beat wishes and I promise you aren't alone.

I just spent two years at an ambulatory surgery center and yes it is much better, when referring to maybe the hours worked and no call or weekends. However, there were some challenges... the doctors still treat you like a punching bag. (Not all, but most). There is no second team or shift- so if your center allows late add ons- sometimes you still work 10-15 hours with little breaks. I hate to say but the hunt for equipment is constant. I am still prn there. Cause I love the coworkers and the work itself... but I've moved on to something else that works better for my family. Good luck!

That's terrible! I've been there done that.... I've learned over time that it was worth changing jobs a few times to find a manager that will back her nurses. I literally almost left nursing over how We were being treated... all of us in that unit were so miserable. I can say now that I am glad I didn't leave, and it just takes time to find the right place.... bottom line is your patient got what they needed. And I don't know what kind of idiot would ever say that gray color, AMS, with a symptomatic arrhythmia is stable. Good gravy. I highly recommend taking ACLS if you haven't already... it helped me to gain confidence in my decision making skills. Shame on your unit for not educating and supporting the nurses to call rapid response first- it better than letting the patient deteriorate because the doctor isn't calling back. Enjoy your glass of wine, and then dust yourself off- remember why you became a nurse! Hugs!

You literally posted my exact question! I actually got a PRN job in a surgery center, and still work two days a week ER. First, I must say I LOVE it, and I've only been there a few weeks and have so much to learn... and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed...but I'm still in ER nurse mode and the transition is slow because I'm still working ER...and yes, I'm 100% afraid that I will pull an ER nurse move and mess up something sterile. I'm quite certain I've found my niche finally after 6 years of flapping around waiting for that ah-hah moment in my nursing career... good luck!

Thanks! I think the interview went very well - I should find out soon! I will follow your advice! THANKS!

I have wanted to work ONC since before nursing school - I knew though that as a new grad it wasn't something that I should do, and I wanted to get a solid knowledge base of nursing and disease processes first. That being said, I've now been a nurse for 5 years - I have worked MS/Tele and now ER for the last 4 years. I am finally ready to take a leap and try and break into ONC nursing - I am however very burned out on ER and the hospital in general. MD Anderson Cancer Center has an outpatient position open in our community and I've been watching their careers website for months waiting for an opening... well I applied and got the call for an interview right away - I am SUPER excited! I'm certain if this job is for me that all will go as it should. ... I guess I said all of that just to ask what I should I be expecting making this type of jump from ER to outpatient Chemo - has anyone made this particular transition and what was it like? I know giving up night shifts will be easy and leaving the hospital will be easy for me - but as far as ONC goes - I'm just wondering if I'll be feeling like a new grad again? Are there any resources or books you could recommend that will help me not be a complete novice? I really want this job - and interview tips since I don't have ONC experience? Thanks in advance!