Should I go back?

[cjblu]

Hi all -- I posted to this a few times during my first 6months as a new grad on a tele unit. I ended up leaving my position as staff nurse after 9 months. I just got to the point where the anxiety was overwhelming.

Looking back, I feel that I made a very hasty decision. I wish I would have given it more time to feel comfortable. I have been working in a clinic setting since, and every day wonder what it would have been like if I had stayed. I feel like I am also missing out on lots of career possibilities for the future since I only have about 9 months of direct patient care experience.

So...my question....Through a friend, I know that the unit will hire me back for another chance. They thought I was a good nurse, but just needed more time to be comfortable.

Should I go for it? Maybe try the night shift where things aren't so crazy? I am just going round and round in my head, and thought I would throw this question out there to all of you... Thanks.

[nursechick182, BSN, RN]

I know how you feel. I became very frustrated with nursing due to stress and there were also major changes happening at my hospital, so I happily left, thinking I would never go back. Now I am in over my head in a totally different career, and after my father-in-law passed away last month, it made me realize that what I am really good at is nursing. I will tell you that it took me about 2 years to fully feel able and competent working in the nicu. So, maybe you just needed more time. Everyone is different. You could always go back and speak up for yourself and ask for some more time with orientation. You managers should want to help you be the best you can be, so it's nothing to feel bad about. Nights are great, however it does make you feel horrible, but I think it's doable at least on a short term basis. I did nights for five years and did start to notice a decline in my health. But shift change opportunities do come up, so that's nice. You have to do whatever makes you happy.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I wouldn't hurt to talk with them. Find out what type of orientation your would get ... see how you feel when you walked back on the unit ... etc. If it feels "right" when you go back, then maybe you should give it a try. But if being back in that environment for your interview makes you feel anxious, then maybe it's best that you not go back.

Another possibility is to try a different inpatient unit ... one that is similar, but that wouldn't come with any emotional baggage.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Write a journal of all the reasons why you left. Know that the unit is not going to change to accommodate you and your anxiety. It's going to be the sameo sameo. How can you personally change to make it better for yourself, if you can.

Often though people who do stick it out, riding out the bad times, find that in the long run it was worth it. I know that's true with me and here I am 15 years later at the same facility.

Good luck in whatever you decide.