ColleenS401

Thank you for your response! So glad that I'm not the only one! Your advice was wonderful. You're right, we are so priveledge to share these wonderful, and at times not wonderful, experiences with our patients. And that's what drew me into this field. It was a little therapeutic to write that yesterday and got me thinking more into my future. The thoughts of going back to school really excites me. I think I'm just ready for the next challenge. Still have to think about it more and research programs, but I'm feeling better! Thank you! Best of luck with your program! I love the midwives I work with.

Hello- My first post so please bear with me. I apologize for my rambling! I am currently an L&D nurse but I quickly feel myself becoming burnt out. At times, I dread going into work. I'm tired of the 12+ hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and hospital/floor politics. However, once I'm there I am able to bond with my patients and really enjoy the delivery. I just feel lost and ready for something else. I'm looking for advice/words of encouragement from those who have been in my shoes. I really do like my job and my hospital. I just feel like lately my heart hasn't been 100% in it. I've been toying with the idea of going back and becoming a women's health NP. I still do really love women's health. I think I would really enjoy being back in school and enjoy the challenge. I love the idea of office hours M-F, the autonomy, and calling the shots. My hesitation is a lot of my coworkers my age (mid to late 20s) are going back to school for NP/MSN degrees so I don't want to go back just because I feel that it's the next step/jump on the bandwagon. Part of me wants to walk away from floor nursing all together. I've always known it wouldn't be my forever career path, I just didn't think I'd feel ready to walk away so soon (I've been a nurse for a little over 5 years). I feel guilty feeling this way/posting this because L&D has always been my dream and I've only done it for a short time (3+ years) compared to some of my coworkers (I work with many who have 20-30+ years under their belts). Plus the majority of these threads are new L&D nurses/looking to get into L&D and they seem so excited. I used to feel that way too, now I just feel tired. Anyone here left L&D to pursue an advanced degree and/or leave to get a new job? What helped you to make your choice? What are your pros/cons of your new position? Thanks!

Thanks for all the ideas!! I've definitely thought about a birth center; however, the hours are still unpredictable. Which is my main reason for looking into opportunities outside of the hospital (I love patient care. Just hate working nights, weekends, and holidays). Like you said, OB/GYN office hours are wonderful but pay is bad I'll keep researching and brainstorming. No decision needs to be made right now. Thanks for you input!

Hello! I am a L&D nurse looking for information on OB/GYN nursing opportunities outside of the hospital. I'm not quite ready to leave the bedside; however, I know that I will not want to do bedside for forever and am interested in my options outside of the hospital. I have my BSN and am not completely opposed to going back for my MSN (I just don't know what I would want to do with it). At this time, I am not interested in becoming an NP. I have heard of OB/GYN case managers. Could anyone elaborate on that position? Any and all information you guys have on out-of-hospital positions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Would you be able to expand upon your position? What exactly do you do? What does an average day look like for you? I'm currently a L&D nurse and I love my job; however, I do not see myself as a bedside nurse for forever. I am interested in OB RN opportunities outside of the hospital. Thanks!