Thinking about quitting

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2015

Are you able to relocate? The other day I looked up a level II trauma center in North Dakota (for another AN thread) that had dozens of RN positions posted, not requiring a BSN. In fact I don't remember if they even said "BSN preferred." Many said "hospital experience preferred, but not required." Their job postings included ED, ICU, and L&D which are typically coveted spots.

Now about the SNF. It might seem like you're losing skills because nursing school is so med-surg focused, but nursing is not a set of manual tasks. You ARE using skills--they just happen to be different than the ones school focused on. You're using the nursing process all the time. So you're not sticking 16G IVs in people or giving blood transfusions. Those kinds of things can ALWAYS be brushed up on later. Likewise, assessments are different. Of course you don't have time to do full head-to-toes on people every single day; nor is it appropriate...the residents are in their home. But you will know quickly if something is off with a resident which will prompt you to do a more thorough assessment and evaluate the situation. On a personal note, my grandpa lived his last years in a SNF. He had pneumonia many times, and I credit his geriatric nurses with saving his life. My older kids got to make more memories with him, he got to enjoy them, got to come home for Sunday dinner, and when he did finally pass it was NOT a painful death from pneumonia. Geriatric nurses are heroes in my book!

iPink, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2015

Windsurfer made some valid points...

I switched careers, but before I made the leap I did my research. That included looking into the ADN vs BSN route and what made sense for me in the long run. I also knew going into nursing new grads were struggling to get a job. I also spoke directly to different nurses in different stages of their career to get their opinions. It took me months before I officially signed up for my first prerequisite class.

Only you know the real reason for leaving a 22 year senior career for nursing. You can either work on your BSN to become more marketable or if possible look elsewhere outside of where you currently live to find a more desirable job. Sometimes we just have to take the job we necessarily don't like for a better opportunity to come our way.

Good luck.

Sent via iPink's phone using allnurses

amzyRN · Feb 5, 2015

You might have to leave your state for experience in another part of the country. Try the mid west. If you absolutely cannot leave and go where the jobs exist, then maybe you should find a different path. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but it's about supply and demand. If you don't have experience in a hospital, in some states it's almost impossible to get a job unless you have a connection. I left my home state, got experience and don't have the same degree of difficulty with finding work. It's still competitive but not impossible. And you also mentioned the ADN being less desired and I think that is also correct in competitive states like arizona. BSNs are usually preferred in some hospitals.

Stripes311 · Feb 5, 2015

Hi snider1970,

You put in a lot of work to complete the ADN course and pass the NCLEX and you are continuing to work hard to complete your BSN.

I understand your disappointment and frustration, working in a LTC setting is very difficult- the patient load is heavy. You may want to step back and take some time out to make a thorough list and evaluate each of your concerns and what you can do about them.

You mentioned being concerned about losing skills- you are using a lot more skills than you are giving yourself credit for! 20-30 patients a shift is A LOT! You are honing time management skills that will make your transition to the hospital setting a lot easier.

I want to offer a few suggestions too that may help you feel more in control of your situation:

-You mentioned some patients are on antibiotics. You can make sure to stay on top of the IV assessments, if they are peripheral you can let fellow nurses you want to change it when they are due to be changed. If they are central lines- you can do the dressing changes on the appropriate day.

-Depending on your facility's policy, if applicable offer to change out foley catheters when necessary.

-You can review heart rhythms online and work on getting your ACLS down the road. It is empowering and will be necessary on many inpatient units.

The first year in nursing is extremely stressful and full of emotional ups and downs. You are honing your assessment, time management and communication skills with patients and fellow staff members. It's not easy. I remember crying on my way to work many days wondering what I was doing, I thought about quitting my job daily! You can get through this and you will get stronger, it just takes time. Perhaps doors will open up and you will be able to transition into the acute care setting sooner, but in the meantime try to find joy outside of work and do things that bring you happiness.

Best of luck in your journey!

VANurse2010 · Feb 5, 2015

I am a new grad ADN actively seeking my BSN who is thinking about throwing in the towel. I had plans to acquire my MSN but now don't see a reason. I even took a pay cut and gave up 22 years seniority in another career for nursing. I live in Arizona and have found that with an ADN you are not desirable as a nurse. I have put out over 200 applications and the only thing I could land was my worst nightmare...a SNF.
In this facility I am basically a higher educated med passer who can hang the occasional IV. There is no time to assess patients because you have 20-30 of them and reports are a joke. I am losing my skills with each passing day.
In the last week I've had two interviews for a PCU position with Banner and another one set for today for med-surg but they put a halt to everything and cancelled since I do not have a BSN. Eventhough I am working on it they still refused me because of their magnet status.
So here is the dilemma. I am a new grad working in a place for "experience" where I am losing my skills and cannot get into a new grad program because I do not have a BSN. So by the time I graduate with my BSN in 1.5 years and have lost my skills I do not qualify for the new grad program because I will have had my license for over a year.
Because of this it will take me who knows how many years to acquire two years experience in critical care before I can pursue an MSN in the field I was working towards.
I am currently 45 years old and do not have time for these kinds of delays because of oncoming retirement and the cost of the education.
I feel defeated and betrayed plus I'm starting to dispise the nursing profession. I just don't know if it's worth it. I got into this profession to help people but I do not see anybody getting any real help from my current prospective. Help.

You're a new grad. You have no skills to lose. At a minimum, you should be learning time management and a lot about medications in a SNF. There's usually plenty of wound care to do in them also. Also, for your non-skilled patients, you shouldn't need to assess them qshift. That's not why they're there.

Rod, Male Nurse · Feb 5, 2015

If you are near Phoenix have you tried chandler regional or mercy Gilbert? They aren't too far to drive and have plenty of ADN nurses. Owned by dignity health. Great ratios and they run the place as good as I've seen anywhere

CCRNforlife · Feb 5, 2015

Get your BSN and go into critical care. I graduated with my BSN last April and landed a CVICU position last June. What you want is out there and possible. Be persisitent. don't give up.

snider1970 · Feb 5, 2015

Thank you for all your input. I have a better perspective from some of the responses.

snider1970 · Feb 5, 2015

windsurfer8,

I feel betrayed by the industry not anyone in particular and I stated that I left a better paying job to show that I was not in nursing for the money. The only thing I expected to happen what I was told by other nurses and teachers while in my nursing program but then being in the military you know how it feels to be fed a line of crap. I too did my research as to where I wanted to work and what the policies were for hiring but a lot of these changes came recently with the oncoming reforms in healthcare.

As far as having next to no money while going to nursing school that is your own fault. I worked 60 hours a week as local tractor trailer driver while I attended classes. I caught valley fever and had my lung collapse twice, had three liters of fluid drained off my left pleura twice and still never missed a class. I got the job done. So like me, you'll get no sympathy.

While we are speaking of sympathy, I was not asking for any. I am writing to see if there others who are or have dealt with the same situations and asking for help to figure out what could be a viable solution. Thanks for the positive input BTW, you made it clear that empathy is not one of your nursing strong suits.

snider1970 · Feb 5, 2015

It took me 32 years to get out of the Midwest. I will never go back. LOL! Unfortunately relocating is not an option because we just bought a house a year ago and it is in the middle of reconstruction.

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 5, 2015

Do you live north or south Phoenix? Because honestly, I would recommend expanding your search and commuting, if only to get that golden year. Other people have done it. I came very close to accepting a position at St. Joe's and commuting from Prescott Valley.

Smaller communities that are well outside Phoenix and have community college RN programs are used to hiring primarily ADN nurses, because they are predominantly from the community, where there aren't any pre-licensure BSN programs. At Yavapai Regional, at least 5 years ago, 80% of their nurses were ADN prepared.

Bezoars · Feb 5, 2015

Windsurfer is such a ray of sunshine.

:roflmao: