Stay comfortable or take opportunities for growth?

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I'm looking for some advice. I'm currently employed at a MICU/SICU/NSICU mixed 20 bed unit. I love my mix of patients, but my working environment has been struggling. I can't say I'm completely unsatisfied, but I'm not as happy as I used to be. I started here and now have 3.5 years of bedside experience and 1.5 years of charge nurse experience. I'm more than halfway up the seniority list of coworkers, we have an extremely high turnover rate ( mainly due to further schooling or going to travel nursing ). With this seniority I work only day shifts. I miss having more elders to learn from and am feeling stagnant with my learning. There are two other hospitals in the area that are both larger than my current. Have I got that much to lose to switch hospitals or am I making a huge mistake by exploring? I feel torn.

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I'm looking for some advice. I'm currently employed at a MICU/SICU/NSICU mixed 20 bed unit. I love my mix of patients, but my working environment has been struggling. I can't say I'm completely unsatisfied, but I'm not as happy as I used to be. I started here and now have 3.5 years of bedside experience and 1.5 years of charge nurse experience. I'm more than halfway up the seniority list of coworkers, we have an extremely high turnover rate ( mainly due to further schooling or going to travel nursing ). With this seniority I work only day shifts. I miss having more elders to learn from and am feeling stagnant with my learning. There are two other hospitals in the area that are both larger than my current. Have I got that much to lose to switch hospitals or am I making a huge mistake by exploring? I feel torn.

You don't sound very happy. Put some applications out there and see what offers you get. If you love being stuck in a rut, apply for some PRN positions so you can test the waters before deciding to jump.

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The happiness is fading slowly. I've contacted one hospital's nurse recruiter and she's pushing me towards a recently created, "highly competitive pay," ICU float position. Without too many details on the phone she directed me towards following up with an interview with the manager. I know an interview won't hurt, and I think I'll see if I can get a shadow day. I struggle with making big decisions as it is, and this would be my biggest move since nursing school.

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Some nurses are happiest changing jobs every few years. I think for myself I will be happiest staying put and just keeping abreast on the latest research (there is tons) and seeking knowledge from providers, etc. I just say this that is it entirely possible to keep learning within a position. It's just a different type of learning that's very self directed. Only you can say what will make you happiest though.

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What kind of growth do you feel like you'd obtain from a new position? I agree that a per diem position may be good to test the waters. Float pool always seems to get the tougher assignments. Good luck and keep us posted on your decision

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