Really undecided...I need help...Please!

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Specializes in critical care and LTC.

Ok a little back ground. I was an LPN worked in LTC (nursing home) went back for my RN. Out of school as an RN I went to a really big hospital in my area and took a FT day shift position on an ICU step down unit. I really did love my job, but I got pregnant and the 30-45 min drive was really exhausting after a 12hr shift. I did get some anxiety about the traumatic injuries I saw but I dont know if it was b/c I was pregnant and over emotional. I had to work so I went back to the LTC I have advanced very quickly and am now the ADON. I love my job and coworkers dearly where I am at and it is a really good position it is a job that I could stay at for a very long time maybe even retire from (not for a long time im in my 20s). I just feel like I will lose the skills I worked so hard to achieve. I by all means dont want pts coding on me but I love being able to help people like that I want to know that I made a difference and this person is alive b/c I played a part in that. My job now i do audits, scheduling, meetings nothing that feels like I make a difference. I could go into so many pros and cons about each job does any one have any other input to help me out? I thought about going PRN at a more local hospital but with being M-F I could only do the weekends and I have to have time for my family also.

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Specializes in critical care and LTC.

Well I was really hoping for a little insight.

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Specializes in HH, Psych, MR/DD, geriatric, agency.
I love my job and coworkers dearly where I am at and it is a really good position it is a job that I could stay at for a very long time maybe even retire from (not for a long time im in my 20s)..... with being M-F I could only do the weekends and I have to have time for my family also.

You answered your own question. :) Every nurse, no matter which road they take in this profession, will lose skills that are not needed/used. You're happy in your current job. You have time for your family. Enjoy it!! :)

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Nursing has become so specialized now in so many areas. If you enjoy doing what you are doing and it fits with family, hours etc. you are still a nurse but not in a clinical way. You can always rediscover your skills if and when you choose to return to a clinical area. You are young and the oppurtunities are endless. Listen to your gut and you will make the right choice. There are nurses making a difference who have never seen the bedside. Good luck;)

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Specializes in Home care, Infection Disease.

I myself has been a Case manager for a long time and even if at times I feel the need to be with patients, not just their files/charts, and even though sometimes I feel that I am also not using some clinical skills, I have never though that I am not making a difference. I tell myself that thanks to what I do, patients are receiving the best skilled service because I am the one arranging every detail of their care. Also educate them and the family about the condition, the progress, the outcome, etc.

I have a hubby and a 4 y.o and enjoy the fact that I work M-F 9-5, that gives me 5-9 with my girl and the weekends. I feel balanced with work and family, which gives me peace of mind.

Don't ever think you are not making a difference, there is many ways in which we do.

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Specializes in critical care and LTC.

Thanks for the input it helps. I think I might want to change though. I just feel if I do I will really regret it. I guess I will not know until I make that choice.

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Change and uncertainty is always hard. Follow your instincts and it will be the right thing. You will always have plus's and minus's but you need to do what is right for you and your family now. Later you may make another choice. But don't miss out on your time with a young child. Do with less if you have to. Never make choices about money. Live within your means and when your children get older and less needy you can have higher goals. You will never loose your skills. Things change on a daily basis. You can always take a nursing refresher when you want to make a change. You will always be a nurse but your kids will grow quickly so being a mom is the most important job. In a large teaching hospital there are multiple opportunities besides floor nursing. Nurses change directions many times through out their careers. This makes them more marketable. Then there are others that are content with working at the bedside. You have choices now and you will years from now. Good Luck

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