I am a 1st year RN doing what I thought was my dream job. I'm in my 40s, went back to school to obtain my BSN to become an ED/ER Nurse - its been my dream since I was in high school. The only problem is that my job is physically making me sick (after 11 months into it). I understand ED nursing is stressful, but when the department I work for is so completely understaffed, no sufficient resources (Techs/NAs, seasoned nurses...), daily texts for RNs to come in for additional shifts and so completely busy that it is physically making me sick and not to mention miserable. I ended up with an ulcer on my vocal cords, which the ENT specifically attributed it to stress. I'm nauseous going into work and nauseous and stressed out every shift.
Seasoned nurses are leaving left and right, we had 6 nurses leave in December 2015 (just on nightshift), and another 5 in January 2016. Soon we will be staffed with RNs with only 2-3 years experience at max, and it scares me. Senior nurses have warned me to get out, because this is not the way an ED works (and these are travel nurses who have worked many different ED's. They state, "If you can work here, you can work any where!").
I had given myself until today 2/9/16, this is the day that I am to give my notice, making my resignation effective 3/13/16, but I have mixed emotions. Should I tough it out or should I alleviate the ridiculous amount of stress and sadness this job is causing me.
I have submitted resumes, within the last 2 weeks and have an interview schedule for next week. I want to give my notice even without a job secured for me to go to, because I cannot stand it any longer. Yes, I have a husband and children and although we would have to tighten the expense belt, we could manage without my salary. What are your words of wisdom on this topic?
