Should I stay or step out of my comfort zone?

[gratefultobeanurse16]

(Sorry in advance for long post)

I’ve been trying to find out if I should step out of my comfort zone and leave my current unit or stay.

I currently work on an ortho/general surgical med/surg floor for 2 years. 

I love the variety of surgical patients and the acuity of the patients. Some of our patients are on PCA pumps, tpn/lipids, chest tubes, jp drains etc.  I love the early mobilization of patients, providing education, utilizing a variety of skills such from IV starts to NGT insertion.

It is is a fast paced surgical floor with frequent admission and discharges. Some days I may  have a team of 5 patients, discharge 3 patients, and can get 3 new admissions back to back which makes it extremely difficult to know fully what’s going on with my patients. Depending on staffing, it’s typically 1:5, 1:6. When fully staff it's 1:4, which is rare!

While I love my job, I am tired of being pulled in so many directions every shift to the point I feel that I do not do enough for my patients.  I find myself stressed and constantly thinking about work on my days off.  I love my job and patients but honestly I do not want to work like this for another 6 months to a year.

My manager is super supportive and I get along with staff pretty well. However, another reason I want to leave is because there are many times where the assignments are just not divided fairly. Sometimes 1 nurse is stuck with a heavy patient assignment while others are just sitting at the desk listening to music and gossiping. Sometimes the charge nurse allows the unit secretary to create the nurse’s assignments, which completely blows my mind.  

I've recently applied to a few ICU positions and have 3 interviews in ICU coming up (SICU, MSICU, and NEUROICU)

 A part of me is scared of change especially  because I have rapport with much of the staff, MD’s, and I've learned so much about the flow of the unit itself. 

 However, a part of me wants to step out of my comfort zone and explore a new area. 

I guess this is more of a vent than a question but my question is 1) should I stay or should I go?  2) Have you experienced a similar circumstance? 3) If so, what was your decision and were you glad /regret you made the change?

Thanks in advance ?

[gratefultobeanurse16, BSN, RN]

17 hours ago, Been there,done that said:

A classic case of the devil you know VS. the devil you don"t. Change is hard, change is scary.

 Every time I changed, it was for the better. I quit  a job I was in for 5 years... because the new manager was unbearable. I knew the hospital like the back of my hand. I was respected by everyone else.  Moved on to many changes and many better places

 The first change is the hardest. 

 Best wishes.

I should have titled this "A classic case of the devil you know VS. the devil you don't" because that is exactly how I feel! I wish the first change wasn't so hard but then again I realize it is sometimes necessary! Thank you! ?