When you graduated nursing school, you may have envisioned working at the bedside for thirty or forty years before hanging up your nursing shoes. But, lately, you're not sure you want to finish 2018 at the bedside, let alone a few more decades. If you're feeling this way, it's important you know that you're not alone.
The RN Work Project, a national study of new nurses, reports that 17.9% of new nurses left the profession within 1 year of starting their first job and 60% left within 8 years of starting their first position. Nurses with more tenure leave because of staffing issues, schedules, and overall job dissatisfaction. So, how do you know if it's really time to leave or if you're just in a career slump?
Recognizing it's Time
If you're wondering if bedside nursing is where you should be, you're probably going through a lot of emotions. You may feel like your stuck or even regret entering the nursing profession all-together. Don't beat yourself up. A degree in nursing is more flexible today than ever before. So, before you worry that you've made the mistake of a lifetime, let's explore a few signs it's time for you think outside the box of a traditional nursing career.
You Get Little or No Joy out of Caregiving
Caring for others is hard. Whether it's the long shifts, schedule, or stress levels that come with a lifelong nursing career - it can make the job a bit more demanding than what you want. So, if you find yourself dreading going into work and this feeling lasts for weeks, or even months, it's probably a good indicator that you need to start considering something new.
Your Passions and Gifts Aren't Being Used at the Bedside
Many nurses start realizing that being at the bedside doesn't give you much ability to use other skills, such as writing, marketing, or organization. Yes, you certainly do write, market, and organize as a nurse, but if you find yourself dreaming about utilizing these skills or others on a daily basis, it may be time to look for new opportunities.
Using your passions doesn't always mean you need to walk about from your license. It just means you need to consider a niche of nursing that lets you use both your nursing knowledge and our passion.
You're ready to throw in the towel on nursing all together
Many nurses find themselves in this situation. But, don't act hastily. A degree in nursing doesn't mean you have to work at the bedside. You have options - especially in a healthcare market that is continually looking for new and creative ways to deliver care cost-effectively.
You can look into non-traditional nursing positions that let you use your knowledge, without being at the bedside, such as case manager, health coach, or utilization review - just to name a few.
What's Next for You
Before you take any other steps, you need a plan. Follow these tips to move in the right direction:
Write It Out
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Another way to think about this is to jot down all the things you like about nursing and those tasks you despise. This will help provide some clarity for your next role. Next, make a list of your passions and start analyzing the two lists side by side. Do a little research on non-traditional roles that incorporate the tasks you like and your passions.
Stay Positive
It can be easy to slip into a pattern of beating yourself up over this change. But, what will that accomplish? You're right - nothing! So, don't worry about the past. Many people make career changes after a few years - or a few decades.
Try Changing Your Mindset
If the thought of jumping ship worries you or comes with financial consequences you can't face, try changing your mindset. You might also want to look for a new employer to see if your issues are more with the unit than with your bedside career.
Take Your Time
As my grandma used to say, "Don't jump out of the frying pan and into the skillet!" Give yourself plenty of time to make sure you're making the change for the right reason. The last thing you want to do is enter another role that isn't right for you.
Have you recently left the bedside? Are you happier now or do you miss it? Let us know why you left the bedside and how your new role is working out for you.
