the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" isn't so reassuring right now

[RN 1020]

A few years ago, I met a new nurse (ADN) who had been working at the Health Department for nearly a year. It was her first job out of nursing school. We talked about her job, and from that point on, I was completely sold on becoming a public health nurse. I have very strong beliefs on the value of outreach, teaching, and prevention, and I have a 16 year employment history working with at-risk individuals and families (I worked in a homeless shelter). After that chance encounter, I entered nursing school with public health nursing being my only goal. I have never, ever desired to work in a hospital setting. While I was in nursing school, our local health dept (and every one within a 2 hour drive) began requiring a BSN for employment. I will enter a RN-to-BSN bridge program, but I need to earn a paycheck in the meantime (I am the sole support of my child and myself).

So I have been working for the last 6 months on a med/surg floor and life has become very ugly. I don't have the personality or physical stamina for this type of environment, and that will never change (I'm in my mid-40s). I am not an adrenaline junkie. I have no desire to save lives. I do not function well when I am rushed, hungry, super-stressed, and on my feet continuously for 13 hours with no breaks. And this frantic pace has had serious consequences on my health. I am worn and weary, having nightmares about work, and just ended up in the ER with cardiac symptoms that may be stress-related. I have never had anxiety issues before, and my MD thinks it's the job, not me, and doesn't believe therapy of any kind will help unless I find a new job (and not one that will give me more of the same grief). I am willing to take a substantial paycut to get my life and health back in balance. I have 6 months nursing experience, and there aren't any standard alternative nursing options available (school nursing, dr office/clinic, etc). I'm too new for home health. So what is left? Given the alternative, I am more than willing to be bored and underpaid while I work toward my goal of becoming a PHN. I can work in a flu shot clinic for 3 months, but I a need year-round income.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Not sure. Retail, waiting tables?

[elprup, BSN, RN]

I hear you and agree with you about not being right fit for medsurg/hospital. I refuse to sell my soul for it either..plus it kills my spirit and wellbeing. I do not know why or how other nurses do it. Maybe check all education depts near you, find clinics and ask if they need help while you are in school, indian reservations ihs.gov. Google medical in your area and see what pops up, or check yellow pages for non profit assistance places who may love having you for a decrease in pay! Good luck, and I agree with you.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I'm sure you know that not having a BSN and with less than a year of experience it will be harder for you to get a job in the outpatient setting. Perhaps you'll find another are of hospital nursing more suitable for you until you get your BSN and can pursue public health. Look into outpatient surgery, peri-operative areas (specifically pre-op where you will be admitting patients, starting IVs, administering pre-op meds, ensuring the chart is complete, and sending patients to surgery. Endoscopy or similar departments that do outpatient procedures might work for you too. Walk-in clinics and doctor's offices could be a good fit for you as well.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Sometimes places say they require a BSN but they don't actually require it when they can't find BSN-ers to take the jobs they have available. If you haven't actually talked to people who work where you'd like to work, that's a good thing to do before assuming what's written or rumored is gospel...

[caliotter3]

Six months of med surg experience should get you in the door of most home health agencies if you tell them you are looking for extended care work. One stable patient per shift with routine care. You will find less stress in this kind of environment, especially if you get a night shift position. Recommend you consider this option.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community.

Ashley has great suggestions for you as does Whispera. It is unfortunate that you feel this way about nursing at the bedside. I have heard of new grads doing home health....but you are a road warrior driving place to place. Nursing is a hard job with brutal emotional and physical expectations. I wish more people would do a little more investigating before leaping into nursing.

I wish you the best....:hug:

[RN 1020]

Thank you all for the thoughtful replies and suggestions! I accepted a part-time position as a psych nurse and will be leaving my current employer in 2 weeks. I know mental health nursing is a tough gig, but it should still be less taxing than what I've been doing. It is a union hospital, and there is a guaranteed 5:1 nurse to adult patient ratio (4:1 kids). I also found out today that 2 other nurses on my floor just put in their notice. It really is THAT bad on the floor I was on. I love being a nurse, and I love my patients, but I am older and have reasonable limits to what can be expected of me. 13-14 hours rushing around without a break is too much to ask of anyone, and an accepted 9:1 ratio is simply unsafe. I hope this change of specialties won't affect my ability to secure a PHN position once I get my BSN. I am disappointed that I couldn't survive long enough to get that magical year of acute care experience, but my health is much too important to risk. My PCP is behind me 100% in my decision. Who knows? Maybe this will lead into an outpatient mental health position in the future. :)