SNF/Rehab - I hate my job!

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Beth,

I am an associates prepared RN. I have had my license for 8 months and have been working as an RN for 7 months. I HATE my job. It is making me regret my decision to become a nurse. I am at a SNF/Rehab that is chronically short staffed the patient to nurse ratio is dangerous. I want to get into a hospital setting or wound care. I started my RN to BSN program this semester. What is my best option? Thank you!

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Dear HATES SNF/Rehab,

Good move on starting your BSN program! I would focus on that as it is your vehicle for qualifying for more career opportunities.

If the hospitals in your area are hiring BSNs only, or BSNs over ADNs, it will take knowing someone to get your foot in the door. Networking is still one of the most common ways to land a job.

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (WOCN) nurse is highly specialized and the field is growing. Among other duties, wound care nurses provide consultation to providers, who rely on them to recommend treatment.

For more information about WOC nurses, read Wound/Ostomy/Continence Nursing, an article in the WOCN specialty forum on allnurses.

Eligibility for WOCN-accredited training programs is a BSN. Following the training and experience, you can then obtain your board certification.

Good luck. Keep your eye on the goal. Your job right now, and for as long as you have to keep it, is temporary. There are bright things in your future.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I had worked in SNFs and subacute rehab LTC facilities for six years and can attest that working at some of these places felt like hell on earth. The stress, anxiety, and demanding patients caused me to feel a sense of dread.

However, earning my BSN degree has opened the doors to more attractive opportunities. I recently received a job offer as a case management RN with a partial work-at-home schedule and, if the background check is satisfactory, I'll start this new position next month.

My advice is to come up with a goal and work diligently toward it. Good luck!

[Bat Lady]

If you possibly can, stick it out at your job for one year. That one year always looks good on the resume. Start looking for a less stressful job because that will help you while you're earning that BSN. And another thing......I'm sure you're getting some good wound care experience in the SNF/Rehab center; at least everyone I know who worked in one of those dealt with wound care. That will look good on the resume if you want to get into wound care! Good luck to you, and study hard! You'll make it!

[RomilPatel]

I was working at a SNF/LTC till early this Nov. I agree that it is very challenging and difficult job. The amount of stress was so much plus we did not have computer charting which made things worse. I worked there for 1.5 years (part of it was part-time). I will suggest that you see it out for few more months. And then apply somewhere else. By the way, I literally ran out of that place on my last day :)

[fbrandt18]

Yes, try to get a solid year under your belt and all of the wound care you can. A BSN will open doors for you. I got mine while working night shift in an ICU - was hard but worth it. I am now a monitor for a research company and love it!

[DEE S.]

Consider Psych nursing or specialty units like icu where the ratio is more manageble but the patients are more ill. I love my job as a psych nurse it is not as physically demanding and we get more help with techs because we have to constantly keep our eyes and ears open. Any psych nurse you meet will tell you they would not go back to bed side nursing in most cases. Being a psych nurse is the best think if you want to help people cope and understand themselves.