After 22 years in the same hospital, 15 on the same nursing unit, I've had it. Tomorrow morning I'm going to polish up my resume and apply to the 2 local nursing schools to be an instructor. I feel like a great weight has lifted now that I've made the decision. I almost left a year ago, but it didn't seem quite right. But midway through this evening's shift I realized, that's it.
I'm tired of every day has to be one crisis after another; prima donna nurses who are too good to sign-off orders, restart bad IVs, give immunizations, notify MDs about abnormal vs, or even answer their calls; MDs who don't do their job; family members who demand a private audience with the doc; placating angry patients who are starving, want to go home, or just plain don't like the rude hospitalist.
I'm tired of caring, of change only for the worse, weekends, holidays, coming in early, staying late, feeling guilty for calling in sick.
Good golly, I feel almost giddy. Anyone care to join me?
Sorry, ani, I don't mean to discourage you. I just don't have the stamina for the floor and I'm not cut out to be charge all the time. Time for a change and holidays with my family.
Don't worry, I am not discouraged, I just meant it is interesting how different it is to be going in so naive and full of hope and expectations, and to read about someone on the opposite end. I know I will get there eventually, as I did with my last job, I just hope it takes a looong time! I am entering a BSN to MSN program for this exact reason, so later on if I decide bedside or management is not for me I will have lots of other options. Congratulations on making such a brave decision, and best of luck in your endeavors.
Just be sure to teach your students ALL the facts of the profession, just like you shared with us, and not just paint a rosy picture. By reading this, and other forums, it seems that schools are really selling the education hard to keep enrolment up, but not being straight with students about what it's like in the real world. Including actually finding a job after graduation. All the best.
TipRizzo
35 Posts
Good luck!!!!!
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