When is it time to move on?

[baygrl11]

I love my job. I really do. I was a supervisor and decided to go back to direct patient care, on the floor.

I feel like I am very good at my job. I am always on time and I rarely miss work. I am reliable and I think I have good critical thinking skills. I am very comfortable being on the floor. We all know that nursing (pretty much no matter what "specialty") is stressful. Although I like my job and feel like I am good at it, I have become very irritable and bitter at my coworkers, my supervisors, and upper management. I find myself finding other nurses' mistakes and finishing tasks (mostly paperwork) that they should've completed. Instead of taking initiative and dealing with changes in condition etc they wait for me to do new orders.

I am very vocal about the problems I've been experiencing, but instead of getting help I feel as though I am being labeled a "*****" which I am far from it! No matter who I complain to, nothing changes. My supervisors understand, but I receive no support from them. They always act like they have better things to do...and maybe they do!

I feel like I am frustrated and irritable at the staff for this and sooo many more things. I am not getting any help from anyone. I am literally carrying this facility on my shoulders with NO support, NO help. My phone rings at all hours of the day, including my days off, and it is always work related. I feel like it isn't rocket science and they need to figure things out without relying on me so much.

I like my job a lot and I like my position at work. I also like my schedule very much.

HOWEVER I don't expect things to get better. I am pretty sure I won't get a very good pay raise at my upcoming review.

So.....when is it time for me to move on? I am well aware that the grass is not always greener, but I am thinking this current situation is unhealthy for me. Any advice or words of encouragement will be appreciated :)

[MSdeltaPN2012]

I too am having the same problem. It's never about what you as a nurse do right but always what you do wrong to some. There will always be slackers in any facility and any speciality of nursing. I for one, take my job seriously and those slackers make your job extremely hard. At times, it gets to the point to where I question my ability (is this profession right for me). I used to love going to work at this place. Now, I get a headache before I even walk through the door. Nursing is a tough job already in LTC but even tougher without help. Hope things get better for you.

[baygrl11]

Thanks for the reply and for the "I understand." I too used to love going in to work, and now I take two motrins before the start of my shift!!!

Despite all that, let's be happy we have jobs we're good at. I'll try to think positive thoughts. I hope things get better for you too!

[heathert_kc]

I can certainly relate. I have great co-workers for the most part, but management which has always been questionable has had some recent changes and it is so frustrating. New DON was never a floor nurse, no real in service or meeting of the minds in months. Things are changed on a whim and communication is horrible... Telling one nurse on one shift doesn't mean we now all know, responsibilities are simply shifted from those who aren't doing them, or not doing it properly, to those who are competent. Concerns aren't taken seriously. The ADON they hired is related to several staff members (though that breaks company policy) and she has zero experience in management and is unprofessional at best. I am dreading the job I have been at for more than 4 years I have to have insurance for my children), but am afraid of the demon I don't know (any possible new job). I feel stuck, though I know I'm not the only one second guessing my future here.