Struggling to find right fit, need help

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I have been a nurse for over 8 years with multiple jobs; bounced between 2 facilities doing med-surg for over 5 years combined, clinic nursing, than did OR residency at very tough facility, left that secondary to toxic work environment. Now im doing Value Analysis with great schedule but struggling with not being clinical. I think I really would have enjoyed the OR in a different environment with nicer people. I really dont want to return to med-surg where my comfort is but just tough job. Thought I was ready to move away from bedside and patient care, didnt expect to miss it. Im older and dont know that I want to undergo another residency. I need to find something to settle into and establish myself. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Have others struggled with finding their right fit?

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I think I really would have enjoyed the OR in a different environment with nicer people.

I have worked in the OR over a year (following a year of med surg), and I agree with you about the statement above. I'm tired of some people in the OR who abuse work/co-workers. In addition, it's a shame that the management does not care about it. I even feel embarrassed to work in such a low ethical place.

I have learned that majority of nursing is physically and mentally taxing. I don't think I wanna in a situation like getting stuck for next thirty years. I became part time for work a couple months ago and getting ready to leave nursing all together in three years.

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I tried hospital nursing and it was too stressful for my taste. I worked in a skilled facility. The Long term care unit was just a long med pass. I now work as a pediatric private duty nurse 3 days per week and teach LPNs in the clinical setting the other two days. I like the mix. Private duty nursing doesn't pay as much as a facility but I took the pay cut for a better quality of life. I still have clinical skills but I don't have the stress of running around like a crazy person who doesn't even have time to eat or use the bathroom like a facility nurse.

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Its hard to offer advice when I, myself am unsure of where I should go.. but if you have the inkling to try OR, then try OR.. the beauty of being a nurse if you have the freedom to move around and find where you fit.. best of luck

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I'm in a similar boat too. Been on the floor too long and now I get crabby over little things. Have you thought of working in urgent care or ED?

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Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health.

Public Health is a great field.

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

I would ask your supervisor if you could job shadow in (and name the places you are interested in) for several hours. It maybe an eye opener and assist you with your decision. A good supervisor will help you.

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Specializes in med/surg now psychiatric staff RN.

Yes, Similar situation, but I feel that they are pushing for me to become paranoid to lead to unstable, dismissable. I work in a hospital that is "ad will" This staff to your face makes you feel like everything is going to be alright and that you will be fine. I was just put through a mandatory UDS and placed on Administrative/Paid leave. Just to give you my background. 2.5 years Med/Surg at GIMC I did well and loved all the people. I did not enjoy the climate New Mexico. Left for Fargo 3 months training for OR Circulating Nurse, failed, then worked the Med/Surg floor there, unable to keep up to a 6 pt at night load with NO support from the staff. Moved again x2, finally landing back in New Mexico different city/hospital where I am now. This facility may have huge needs. I started in Med/Surg where it became obvious it was not working out. I then transferred to Psychiatry. They are not as supportive of the staff as I obviously need them to be. I am 58 and have the remainder of the year until my 2 years is up. I need to make this work for the next year until I find a new position in my home state of Ohio where I am currently searching for a better match. I hope someone can respond to this to help me out.

M.Ries BSN RN

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Specializes in Education.

It's been a bit since the start of this post. Not sure what the OP did. But speaking from experience, having worked in many OR's the atmosphere is almost always the same. Surgeon Centered and not patient centered.  Many surgeons have very big ego's, not all, but enough to make it difficult. Constant struggle to be a patient advocate. Been looking to get something outside of the OR but having done OR for 14 years I am not getting very many call backs. 

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