"Downward Mobility"?

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I just returned to LTC floor nursing after several years in different managerial capacities, and would like to hear from other nurses who have taken this 'backwards' step in their careers.

I've done the resident care manager thing and the director of nursing thing, worked 60-hour weeks, dealt with surveyors, been driven crazy by staff turnover and incompetence, and had to be on call 24/7/365 for the past three years. Finally, a couple of months ago I realized I'd had enough of it and decided, at the age of 49.95, to chuck it all for the relative peace and quiet of a charge nurse position.

Now, my overweight, aging body is not used to standing and walking for 8 or more hours a day, and in my first three shifts I've gotten physically thrashed.........but mentally and emotionally, I've never felt better! On my first day of work, the State walked in the door, and for the first time in YEARS I didn't have to stress about it---this time, I don't have to worry about whether my staff is doing their work correctly, sit through exit interviews, or help draw up (and then carry out) the plan of correction. I don't have to worry about whether the MDS, RAPs, and in-room care plans all match perfectly. All I have to do is perform MY job the right way, and since I know all the rules, that's not difficult.

Yes, I'm aware that some would consider this a comedown. And I'm sure that within a year or two I'll wind up either back in management or in some other capacity that's easier on the old joints. But doggone it, I get paid for every single minute I'm working, I get far more time off, I don't have to come in at 0400 to deal with a staffing crisis, and my time off is my own. I don't have to sleep with one ear tuned to the cell phone. I'm free to enjoy my off days without worrying about work or doing projects at home that I don't have time to get to while in the office because the phone is ringing, some family member is complaining, staff members are feuding, etc., etc.

I figure my body will get used to the pounding after a few weeks; it's sure kicking my butt now, but even as heavy as I am, I usually get back into some kind of shape fairly quickly. But it's a good kind of tired......I sleep like a rock and wake up refreshed, if sore. The mental stress, however, is completely gone---I don't feel like there's a dark cloud hanging over me anymore, and there's almost a serenity in knowing that no matter what happens during a shift, it WILL be over at some point and I'll get to go home and not worry about it till the next time.

Anyone else give up the 'prestige' of a management job for the floor? Inquiring minds want to know!

[Katnip, RN]

I was in management until last week. I'd been offered an ADON position. No way. It was driving me crazy, on call 24/7 like you said. Being responsible for people who didn't change. You can repeat, over and over what needs to be done in charting. They can parrot it back, but then they don't do it. TJC is due any day. And they still don't care.

I started looking to go back to the bedside when, as luck would have it, our infection control/risk management position opened up. It's a small place, so both jobs are rolled into one. I started a few days ago. My boss is great. If there's going to be a late meeting, I can come in late. Rarely will I have to work overtime and only if there's a major crisis. I still get holidays and weekends off unless I want to come in. I am responsible for me, and my job, and don't have to worry about people not wanting to toe the line.

Management? You can keep it.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

That's for sure!!

I worked too hard and too long to earn my nursing license. If I do something stupid and screw it up for myself, that's one thing; I'd have hated to lose my livelihood because some staff members couldn't have cared less whether they were flipping burgers or taking care of frail elderly human beings for their eight-fifty an hour.

[oramar]

Well, God bless you. Sounds like you were doing an excellent job. I hope this and anything else you might try turns out well for you.