Would you go to work tommorow?

[royr]

I would like to post a hypothetical question. As an RN with an established career, or a nursing student with 1 year or less to finish nursing school - would you go back to work or school tommorow if over the weekend you discovered that you sudenly don't need to any more? For instance, what if you discovered that you were critically ill yourself, had no chance of survival but probably have a few good months left before you become a patient yourself. Or what if you won the lottery, inherited money or had another situation positive business situation like a law suit payout that made you suddenly feel that you did not need the wages anymore to support your family? Would you continue nursing? Would you tell your spouse if you were ill, or keep on with business as usual until you could not physically do the job or persue your studies any further? How would you feel about not continuing to care for your patients? Would you make a video tape explaining everything - and place it in a bank box with you will and insurance policy? Or would that be a bad way of dealing with the family survivor issues of spouse, children and freinds? Remember - just a hypothetical question - all thoughts are welcome.

[TazziRN, RN]

Yes, I would go back to work. I love my job too much to give it up entirely. I would probably cut back, but I wouldn't quit.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

If i were ill,, nope wouldnt go back. Would enjoy what i had left and make the most of it with family. If i had a windfall of cash and never would have to worry about anything again? I probly wouldnt go back in right away, Id take a short leave of abscense, give it a little time to sink in, enjoy a little extended vacation with my family and probly go back when things settled down a little. I feel like if you have been a worker it does no good to just stop if you get in a position of not needing to. Everyone needs something to keep their mind/body/soul busy and useful.

[luvmy2angels]

I agree, if I were ill I would not go back, however, even if I won the lottery I would still continue to work. When I got married my husband made enough money that i quit working. I stayed home for about 4 years, but the nursing bug bit me again and I just had to go back. I work part time so I can still manage my family, I have no desire to work full time. I think i have managed to find a nice "medium" when it comes to working and being a mom and wife.

[anniev]

some days yes some days NO

[firstyearstudent]

As a student, it would depend on the circumstances. It I won or inherited a lot of money, I'd stay in school. I'd still like to have a career as a nurse, regardless. That said, it might influence the turn my career would take. For instance, I might go to graduate school ASAP for public health as opposed to bedside nursing.

However, if I found out I was going to die soon, I'd quit school. I'd rather spend my time saying goodbye to family and friends than preparing for a career I wouldn't have.

[NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN]

I agree, if I were ill I would not go back, however, even if I won the lottery I would still continue to work.

I would do the same.

[LydiaNN]

I wouldn't go back under either circumstance. If I won the lottery, I would eventually go in and help them get things situated for my replacement, but it would be at my convenience, not their's. If I decided I was ready for a break after a couple hours, you can be very sure I'd go ahead and take it. I do think I'd do some volunteer work if I were to suddenly become wealthy, but again, it would be what and when I chose. Ahhh, wouldn't that be the life, she says, from her desk where she went in to work ON MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

[NrsJena]

Several possible scenerios-several answers. If I won the lottery, yes I would return. I don't work for the money after all (obvious by the lack thereof) If I had only a short time to live, or someone in my immediate family did: I would not. I would want to spend as much time with my loved ones as possible.

[Midwest4me]

In either circumstance, I'd give 2-4 weeks' notice so I could train my replacement. I would miss my pts but frankly am emotionally/physically ready to retire so it'd be a relief to not work anymore! Yes, I'd tell my husband if I was that ill as we'd have to do some financial planning/training (since I manage the bills). No, I would nto make a video explaining things--such info is best done in person.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

If I hit the Lottery, I'd probably continue in some capacity part-time, in a free clinic where I'd be able to donate my hours. Or maybe I'd create a free clinic. Or something altruistic, because I'm not the type to just sit around and rest on my laurels.

I would have to think about doing something besides bedside nursing, because if I had money, I'd suddenly become a major target for the lawsuit-happy patient.

If I became ill, I'd HAVE to work because I'd need the insurance. I'm also needed to pay the bills, because I'm the primary breadwinner. A disability or illness would devastate our family.

So even though I have a good career and nice job with benes, I still cannot afford to get sick and I still cannot afford to think about cutting my hours or retiring for another 15-20 years.

[clee1]

No, I wouldn't go back to work/school. If I were dying, all my remaining time/energy would be devoted to my family; seeing that they would have what they needed after my passing.

If I hit the lottery, I'd call the NM to tell him/her that I was giving immediate notice, and that I'd work out whatever shift schedule was currently in effect; w/o being available for call-ins, etc. Being a Type A personality, I'd have to do something; maybe start a medical missions organization or volunteer in a free clinic - I'd not be able to just lay around on a beach somewhere for the rest of my days.