Looking for some advice, what would you recommend, etc. I'll try to make this as short and to the point as possible.
I've been a nurse for 3 years now, RN, BSN, all employed in SICU. We get pulled to all floors with the exception of OB, if needed; mostly hours are in Neuro ICU, Surgical ICU, Medical ICU and PCU. I've had the opportunity to be a part of many amazing moments. I love the gtts, and discharging a post-op complex open heart patient after caring for them from immediate end surgery weeks prior...and then came the but. Although I like being a part of this level of care, I don't love it anymore. It gave me tough skin and so much knowledge that I will forever be thankful for. I also have some amazing, supportive coworkers. However, there are some huge negatives. I need your help with the grass isn't always greener disease I'm fighting.
The one place we don't float to and the only other unit we don't have at my hospital are where I've always wanted to be. Nice. I got into nursing due to my grandmother and a passion for oncology (I worked as an aide there for 2 years). Nursing school showed me the Neonatal ICU and I fell in love. I shadowed in OB and my heart strings were tugged. I had my son and I just knew....I want to be with him, and when I can't, I better be where my passion is because that is the only thing worth leaving him for hours at a time for.
I researched and exhausted myself with what now's. I found that I would fit so well in mother\baby. Problem: no units within a 40 mile radius. Closest is so hard to get into and an hour drive on the freeway. Can't relocate due to husband's job. Note: I now work casual, once a week around his schedule. So,
Do I suck it up at the job I only tolerate, that is becoming so toxic, I loathe going to? Should I apply to my OB unit that has a few openings, both part time and casual, to get closer to my dream? (This will be a 50 min drive bc it's at our other location; my hospital is 10 min away with no openings). I live in a harsh climate, and worry about winters. Or...there is an opening at a nearby health clinic in breastfeeding. Doesn't pay much, but I can work towards my IBCLC; another career I've always wanted and would look great on future resume. The NICU nearby only has openings twice a year, at most.
Biggest complication is that I do not want to work full time for a few years. Had a long discussion with my husband, and we agreed this is what's best with what we are working with. I can manage full time for orientation, but not longer.
IF I read your post correctly you would work only one day a week - can't see where having to drive an hour each way 1 day a week and able to work in the area you would be happier in is an issue. Apply and see what happens. Better to at least try then always wonder "what if"
The position I was leaning toward is actually a part time, two day a week night shift. I currently work one day a week, casual day shift. A huge dilemma is that my husband enjoys picking up overtime, even with his crazy hours. He makes double what I make during these days, so it's crazy for him not to. However, I worry about that added stress on his body and finding a sitter to come in early morning hours\overnight if we both work. Daycares here are not open when we would need and hiring a babysitter would eat 1\2 if not more of my paycheck. So much money! We just have to figure something out and cross our fingers that it will work. Thank you for your comment!
First, I was an NICU nurse and absolutely loved it and if I could do it again in a different environment I would. At least you know where your passion is, many people do not. I'm a firm believer in leaving a position or place if you are not happy. A person will begin to resent everything about their job and lose sight of why you became a nurse in the first place. Keep applying and get your dream job!
Thank you emajean! You're very right in saying that one can become resentful. I had a pretty decent day the last shift I worked, because I actually seemed to be appreciated. I will miss my coworkers when I leave, but I do need to follow my dreams. I applied for an educational role to work with the community in hopes this can lead me down the right path. I also will be volunteering in the area of my passion if I pass the interview. I'm very excited for these opportunities. I still am employed at my original position, because it's always hard to leave, but I feel confident in cutting ties when my chosen path becomes clear. Thank you for the confidence boost :)
Lucky724
256 Posts
IF I read your post correctly you would work only one day a week - can't see where having to drive an hour each way 1 day a week and able to work in the area you would be happier in is an issue. Apply and see what happens. Better to at least try then always wonder "what if"