Where do I go from here?

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Hello to my fellow nurses. I am looking to get some insight on my career. I have been a nurse for almost 10 years now, in pediatrics, specializing in peri-operative care (Preop, PACU, Operating Room). I feel I am at a point in my career where I need more for myself (I'm thinking long term) and do not want to be "bedside" forever. My issue is, I do not know what step to take. I have thought about going back to school for my MSN, I even applied to a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program which I was accepted into -- but I have postponed my start date because I am not sure it is for me and I do not feel comfortable starting. Never have I liked the role of an NP, I felt I am forcing myself to like it so I can feel like I am advancing my career in any way possible. Then, I considered Nursing Education MSN, but I do not feel like I have the right background to be able to teach students. I have never worked on a floor, or critical care for that matter and I feel it would hinder me to get a job or the confidence to educate. 

Where I currently work is a great and flexible position, but I feel I am not 100% happy with where my career stands right now. Time is flying by (I'm 32?), I just need more... and I do not know what to do. 

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Does education interest you? If so, academic is not the only route! My background is solely OR, and I work in staff development with an MSN/ED. I knew that the NP route was not for me, but I do love to teach and when I was in the staff role loved to precept. This was a perfect path for me.

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I love to precept, too! What does a staff development position entail? ? I thought about other routes besides academic, but I don't know what else is out there for MSN/ED!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I actually just very recently switched roles. In my current role, I will be responsible for onboarding and orientation of only new to the OR RNs. This includes teaching an 8 week classroom course several times a year and facilitating the clinical orientation following that. Also helping plan ongoing education and competency.

In my previous role, I was responsible for all OR, pre/post/PACU, endoscopy, and unlicensed personnel such as OR aides and anesthesia techs, both onboarding/orientation, annual competency, and continuing education. So my new role is more focused and less people to be responsible for.

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you have great experience, I'm glad you found something that fit for you and a new challenging role!! thank you for your input 

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On 1/19/2022 at 1:41 PM, yudenisr said:

Hi Yude, I have never made this transition, but recently created a list of really helpful career alternatives that might help. Check it out here https://www.findmyprofession.com/career-advice/alternative-jobs-for-nurses/ I hope that helps at least for brainstorming. 

 

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Specializes in Education.

I have 15 years of OR experience. I just graduated with my MSN ED. I have four interviews. 2 are educators for a hospital, one in the OR , another in ambulatory office. one is for a medical device clinical manger, and another for a manager of a dermatology dept. The MSN can open up a lot of opportunities for you. 

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

No offense is meant by this, but I see so many posts from people who aren't "100% happy" in their position or the service they work within. Also see a lot of nurses hankering after their 'dream' job. And the folks who want to 'advance' their positions up the ladder of their career.

 There's never any PERFECT job, facility, or work, so I doubt there are too many who can claim they are 100% satisfied. Some jobs have a built-in ceiling where there is no chance for advancement. It doesn't make them less necessary.

There are many jobs on the so-called 'lower' tier of personnel required to run a facility or service. If everyone wants to advance, where does that leave the supporting services? I guess I'm saying that ALL personnel are important regardless of their title, degree, position. Like, if you do not have a degree, that doesn't mean you don't contribute something important.

I remember when the changes favored were the ones that wanted all personnel to be all-RNs-all-the-time. Nuh-uh, not a good idea. One RN with 6 hats on, covering a lot of the tasks and chores usually taken care of by others, just means more responsibilities have a chance of falling through the cracks. 

I don't think everyone is suited for juggling numerous, important, crucially timely responsibilities on 12 hour shifts.  Someone said once, 'if everyone is supposed to become a college graduate, who will take care of the plumbing, building, repairs, cleaning, ordering and organizing supplies, etc.?" Those positions are not lavishly paid, but without them the rest of us will be helpless.

So, by all means, go for it, if you want to continue your education and rise as far as you want/can within your career/company/facility. Just don't expect it to solve all your concerns. 

Just my 2 cents.

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Specializes in Education.

I've been a nurse for over 20 years. I was an LPN then and RN. I've put my time in the "trenches". Nothing wrong with being a bedside nurse, we have all contributed. There comes a time when some might be ready for a change and a MSN can be an avenue for that. If that's what someone wants to do then we should all support each other.

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