Very unhappy with Nursing after 5 years, burnt out. PLEASE HELP

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello, I'm just looking for some input. I'm planning on getting out if Med Surg Tele ASAP. I am 1000% burnt out. My question is.. what should I go for next? I have thought about ED, PACU, informatics, outpatient, ICU... A lot of the specialties interest me. The thing I have to avoid though is working so short staffed and being expected to complete so much physical and mental work done in one shift without any help/resources. My body just can't handle it anymore. And I'm 25.

Being a PICC nurse might be a great spot for you, or gi lab, ot cath lab? What are you thoughts on procedural nursing roles?

1 Votes
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Please seek some help from your EAP or other professional since you are "at the end of your rope."

Please consider that getting a BSN means 18-ish more months and no guarantee of improving your situation.

I am afraid that you may not be able to have it all - not working 9-5 and not lifting things. In addition to Banana's suggestions, PACU (you'll still be lifting somewhat), public health (not much lifting but maybe a lot of travel) or school nursing may be interesting to you.

2 Votes
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

What is your education level, ASN, BSN, MSN with you experience in wound care you might consider getting you Master's and do legal consulting - At least I think you can do that with a Master's

Hppy

3 Votes

Travel nursing can be especially draining in some ways. You aren't always fully considered a team member, and sometimes you get dumped on. You are also having to constantly learn new things instead of feeling comfortably experienced. Perhaps you could go back to a hospital job and work 3 12's on a stable, lower-stress floor in a hospital where they would pay for your BSN? 9-5's wouldn't be my cup of tea either. And I hear ya about the back trouble. I'm starting to have some too, and consider myself way to young for it!

What other jobs/areas have you considered working that you might like?

2 Votes

I haven't really thought of that, what are the hours like? Dont those jobs require a lot of standing?

1 Votes

Thanks for all your responses! I haven't thought about procedural roles, dont they require a lot of standing/hard on your feet?

I could look into public health.

I have my associates, want to go back for my bsn and maybe masters but I dont know what to specialize in.

And yes maybe I could go back to the hospital on a different unit.

I just feel so lost lately. I used to love being a nurse but I'm tired of taking care of sick people and body fluids, etc. Lol ? it's weird

0 Votes

You have a good background. Think outside of the box.

You have enough experience to get out of the hospital setting. Insurance companies are begging for you.

Good luck.

2 Votes

What about postpartum? Of course there are exceptions, but for the most part, the patients are healthy, excited/happy, and perform the vast majority of self care. Your background in Med Surg/Tele means you'd be a great asset to a PP team when things go wrong on occasion and with any gyn surg patients. For the most part, it's easy morning assessments, pain meds, breastfeeding assistance, and being an encouraging presence. You may have multiple discharges and admissions in the day, but those are easy because everyone is being admitted for same reason and discharged with same instructions, making it easy to do them quickly and get in a good rhythm. It's the cushiest hospital role I ever held, by far. Caring for 6 patients was very manageable. You could probably orient pretty quickly, and it may be uplifting to work with the other end of the lifespan after your stint in hospice.

0 Votes
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