What non-hospital jobs can I get into?

[nurseannonymous]

I’ve graduated nursing school for RN last April and I have only worked casual/or part time. The other problem is I haven’t thought about what I wanted to do as a nurse. The jobs that I did work or currently work now I feel are ways for me to figure out what I want to do.

My first job was in July 2018, when I worked at a Dental clinic. Although the shifts were okay (9-5, no nights, off weekends, off holidays) it was not an area I was interested in. I didn’t feel in the mood to come to work and give it my all. I actually hated it there but I did learn some things like presurgery/post surgery, recovery room, IV, health teaching.

My second job I currently work at is a nursing home. I have been there now for about 7 months as a part timer. My main role is a charge nurse. During this time, I felt bored because most of the work I do is paper work, following up on test results, calling the doctor, processing orders, etc. I wanted a change. I wanted to practice some hands on skills. Most of which was done by the RPNs.

Thats where my third job came in. I resigned from the Dental clinic this May because I recently got a new part time with Trillium Health Partners. They’ve opened a new Reactivation site next to Humber River Hospital. Supposedly a rehab centre for those who will be transitioned out into the community... During our orientation, we got the impression that our patients are independent, ambulate with assistance, have no debilitating status... However, 2 weeks in. And I already feel stressed, exhausted and unhappy. I did not know what I was getting myself into. These patients are the total opposite and require total care. A lot of them are bedridden as well. We also don’t have support staff and can be understaff on some days, which increases the patient-to-nurse ratio and the demands to meet total care higher. For a lot of the staff and I, we don’t get proper breaks... or even at all. I’ve always thought a hospital job would be nice but.. Its not for me.

Now I am in a position having a hard time feeling genuinely happy about nursing. I don’t want to completely leave and give up my career. I’ve went through 4 solid years of hardcore studying and paying for this expensive program! Leaving is not an option. I definitely feel there is something out there more fitting for me that I would actually be able to commit and work for a couple of years. As a new grad, I just don’t know my options. Anyone feel the same as I do?also, any advice?

[Davey Do]

Sometimes, nurseanonymous, we have to kiss a lot of Warhols before we find our Rembrandt.

You're gaining knowledge and experience and that's important. In over 35 years of nursing, I've worked at 10 different places in about 16 different positions. I stayed two places for as little as two months and others for as long as 5, 7, and 16 years.

Please allow my work experience to speak for my belief: Try on different jobs and stay at those places that suit you.

Good luck!

Oh- BTW- to answer your title, I worked outside of hospitals for about 10 years at two different (each) LTC facilities, home health agencies, and community mental health clinics