Thinking of changing directions in nursing

Hi Everyone.

I have been an RN for the past 11 years and have been at my present job (long term care) for 3 years now. Lately, the job isn't fun or exciting anymore and I don't feel challenged. Little of my nursing career has been spent working in a hospital. Rather, more like a "hospital setting" which, as many of you know is very far removed from true "med-surg nursing". Now, I greatly desire to move into a hospital position - specifically, critical care/open heart - that is where my heart (no pun intended) now desires to work. Here's my dilemma - as an 11th year RN with no formal hospital critical care experience, how do I get my foot in the door. How do I get an employer to look at me? I'm afraid my 11 years of mostly long term care/nursing home employment will hinder my ability to successfully enter the critical care realm of nursing.

I have been told by several nurse manager, nursing supervisors and CNE's that I have excellent assessment and clinical skills. Because of this I have also been told that I am wasting my talents and education in a nursing home. That I should be working in critical care, ER or a trauma unit. But I'm concerned that a hospital wouldn't give me chance, based on the setings I've worked in.

I realize that if I was accepted into a critical care unit (ie, OHU, TOHU, CVICU, etc) I would be challenged like never before - but that is what I want now.

A relative told me recently that "if you enjoy leaving work more than you enjoy going to work it's time for you to make a change". That's how I feel now - there is very little about my present job that I enjoy.

After writing this I realize that the answer is right in front of me - that I need to make a change. I'd like to get some input from the group here regarding my plan of action. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Jim