Should I stay or go? 1st Year RN wanting to quit without another job in place.

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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?

Specializes in ED/Trauma/Field Case Manager.
You are making the right choice do not worry. If your job is making you physically ill, YOU MUST LEAVE! We are nurses, promoting health is one of our many job aspects. If you feel that bad you are no good to anyone including your family, which I can bet support you leaving. Something is terribly wrong with the facility if that kind of turn over is happening. Please don't think you are a bad or selfish person for quitting. I did this to myself back in 2011 when I quit nursing and I have never been the same since. God Bless You.

Thank you for your honesty and for the Blessing. I will continue to pray for guidance. I have prayed that He closes all doors He does not want me to go through and I found out today that I did not get the job I interviewed for. I will keep on, keeping on but will bail before tge cost on my health & family is too great.

Thanks again & God Bless!

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Specializes in Float Pool, acute care, management/leadership.

Life is too short to be anything but happy. I was in a similar predicament the past few weeks. I made the transition from med/surg to ICU and thought it was for me. I quickly realized the grass is not always greener and despite people telling me to stick it out, I kept thinking to myself, is that really sustainable in the long run? I agonized over leaving ICU or sticking it out and it dominated my every waking amount to the point that I was losing sleep and couldn't enjoy life outside of work. After several heart to heart conversations, I went into my management yesterday and told them ICU wasn't the right fit for me. They were gracious and understanding. Immediately afterwards, I felt somewhat relieved, but more stressed without the job security. It helped me to be faithfully transparent with management about my concerns and I kept in close contact with nurse recruitment. Today, I found out I have an interview tomorrow, so when there's a will, there's a way. Persevere if you can, but also recognize your limitations and be true to yourself! Good luck!

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Specializes in ED/Trauma/Field Case Manager.
Life is too short to be anything but happy. I was in a similar predicament the past few weeks. I made the transition from med/surg to ICU and thought it was for me. I quickly realized the grass is not always greener and despite people telling me to stick it out, I kept thinking to myself, is that really sustainable in the long run? I agonized over leaving ICU or sticking it out and it dominated my every waking amount to the point that I was losing sleep and couldn't enjoy life outside of work. After several heart to heart conversations, I went into my management yesterday and told them ICU wasn't the right fit for me. They were gracious and understanding. Immediately afterwards, I felt somewhat relieved, but more stressed without the job security. It helped me to be faithfully transparent with management about my concerns and I kept in close contact with nurse recruitment. Today, I found out I have an interview tomorrow, so when there's a will, there's a way. Persevere if you can, but also recognize your limitations and be true to yourself! Good luck!

I also feel like my debate (to stay or stick it out) has become an obsession that consumes most of my waking hours. Because I really don't know what to do. I am thrilled you have an interview lined up. Best wishes to you and I hope we both find our "home" in nursing (as a previous poster called it).

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Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.

Go on medical leave, and while on medical leave look for another job and interview around. That's what I did -- twice. Just go on medical leave.

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Specializes in ED/Trauma/Field Case Manager.
If I was able to quit and not need my salary, I sure would, as my job is making me sick too.But Im the main income, so I cant quit

See how your interview goes, then put in notice.

I know how it is when you can't stand working another minute at your job.

Best wishes.

So, I got the job, it will be PRN as I wanted AND I gave my notice at my current job. Although, I will also be staying on PRN. I will be working 2 days per week, alternating weeks between my current job and my new job. I thought it may be best to keep my foot in the door at my current employer, just in case and for learning/exposure. My current ED is a Trauma Level II, the new ED is not a trauma center.

Thank you and to all the others who wished me well. I just thought you all would like some closure.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in SICU/CVICU.
Go on medical leave, and while on medical leave look for another job and interview around. That's what I did -- twice. Just go on medical leave.

Do you have anything that resembles a personal code of ethics?

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

You gave it a solid, respectable year, GO

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Specializes in ED/Trauma/Field Case Manager.
You gave it a solid, respectable year, GO

I did end up leaving and getting a great job as a Filed Case Manager working from home and traveling to patients' appointments. Loving the new job, been at it for 9 months. It allows me to build rapport with my clients, providers and vendors. I absolutely love seeing my clients' progress and rehabilitate from their injuries/surgeries and such. Yes, at times I miss some of the clinical aspects I no longer do, but at least I was able to experience what, for so many decades, was my dream job - ER Nursing.

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