BaltRN

Isn't it a shame that so many new nurses feel this exact same way? I left the hospital after 2 years and it was the best thing I've ever done. I've been in public health for the past 8 years and I still enjoy going to work. Try looking for jobs at your local health department or state health department. The work is interesting, autonomous, relevant, and the nurses couldn't be nicer. Pay is lower, but benefits and hours can't be beat. Don't let working in a hospital make you question your decision to become a nurse. And DON'T let it take over your personal life and health. There are other options. I think everyone in nursing school goes to school to work in a hospital environment, but there is more to nursing than that :) Good luck.

It seems like a lot of ED nurses become FNE's or SANEs- Is a public health background an appropriate starting point for becoming certified? I work in women's health clinics, STD clinics, Refugee clinics, etc. currently. My acute care background is in Pediatrics. Quite a few of my patients over the years in public health have been victims of sexual assault- prompting my interest in this field. Does anyone have a background not in emergency nursing or even currently not working in a hospital setting? Thanks!