Wish to work in outpatient settings

[musaRN]

I have worked at bedside for over 2 years (2 years as NA 10 months as an RN). Sad to say but I am getting tired of working in the hospital . The floors I worked for (med-surg/tele and intrmediate ICU) where always high turnover, short staffed with high acuity patients. When I was done with nursing school everyone told me I got to gain hospital/bedside experience before I even consider applying for outpatient or non bedside positions. At this point my stomach feels heavy every time I get up to go to work. I am thinking to start applying for non bedside positions but I am not sure if I would have a chance of getting a job. I guess I would like to get some advice regarding this. Also if you have any suggestions which areas I could apply I would appreciate it.

Thanks

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

thread moved for best response

[naptimeRN]

Just apply. Look daily at Job Search websites and if something peaks your interest, simply apply. It can't hurt! I had only 1.5 years of acute care experience and started applying to outpatient jobs. I heard back (asked me to come in for an interview) from 5 out of 7 outpatient jobs I applied for. Never hurts to try. I like outpatient better than the floors for the most part (nothing is ever perfect), but work per diem at the hospital to keep up acute skills.

Apply to jobs that interest you and include a nice cover letter too. I used monster.com and indeed.com for my searches. Just really think about your decision. I have made some bad decisions in the past when it comes to trying to get out of a bad situation and got into a worse one when thinking the grass would be greener. But, if you are truly unhappy with where you are at, apply. And if you get an interview and an offer, really think about it. Don't be afraid of change. But be sure you follow your gut instincts.