Published
I've been a nurse for 4 years. I began my career on a rehab/skilled unit in 2012. I worked on that unit for 1 year. After that I went to a different, bigger hospital further from home on a step-down unit. I only worked there for 5 months before going back to the previous hospital I worked for taking a float/pool position. It was a big jump in pay but I never felt I was competent enough for the position. I had a lot of anxiety related to the job. I was scheduled for 24 hours per week but got cancelled a lot. Pay was inconsistent. I called in a lot r/t anxiety. I got pregnant during the first few months of that job and that gave me an even better reason to call in. I went back to work at 6 weeks postpartum. Continued anxiety r/the work. I eventually had to find a new job before I was terminated due to call ins. I then worked at a clinic for 10 months. My mom was diagnosed with cancer and I missed work to be with her at appointments and in the hospital. They fired me without any warning. I then took a part time job doing L&D, PP, and nursery. I've been there for just over 3 months. I'm contemplating leaving this position. I have an interview for a full-time desk job doing over the phone insurance preauthorizations and such. Hours are Monday - Friday, 11a - 8p. No holidays or weekends. Hourly wage is the same as what I make now. I also have an interview next week for a job with an agency thag strictly works for a specific Healthcare company. I would only be working for one company (Norton Healthcare) but it would be at their various facilities on various med/surg tele and step down units. I think it's PRN and I think the pay would be really good. I'm torn about leaving my current job and if I do, which position I would take. I don't really want to work full time but maybe it would be good for me. I'm in school online getting my BSN also. I just want some thoughts and advice from fellow nurses. Thank you.
The full time desk job would be your answer to the anxiety. Be prepared to explain your frequency in changing jobs.
But it won't be especially flexible if she needs to take her Mom to cancer treatments, take her child to the pediatrician, etc.
Stay where you're at, learn the job inside and out and become competent. It sounds as if you have yet to stay in one place long enough to become competent.
I'd take the desk job as you seem to have a lot of anxiety re bedside nursing. I wouldn't take the pool/agency job even if the pay is higher because you've already been there, done that and know it doesn't work for you for a variety of reasons anxiety and lack of security, cancellations, etc. I'm sure you could do your online BSN part time if need be and the desk job would probably be a better fit plus its giving you a different experience to add to your resume.
Feeling overwhelmed in a new type of nursing is normal. Once you gain experience and learn the work, the feeling fades. It sounds like you have not given yourself that chance. Feeling competent in a position is something you earn.Unless you have a real reason to leave a potentially rewarding and in-demand nursing job, stay there. Gaining confidence is a buffer to anxiety.
Agreed. I am prone to anxiety and depression. My first 3 months at my first RN job I thought I was going to be fired for incompetency. 6 months in, I felt better, coworkers complimented me and wanted me to be working with them. 1.5 years in, I felt more attuned to my work flow and more comfortable with leading others.
Wrench Party
823 Posts
I think you need to address your anxiety and park your butt in one position for a few years and log some time on your resume. You can always re-apply for those other positions in the future.