Would like input

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Hi All!

Well....I am less than two weeks away from having completed my first year on a very busy Telemetry floor. Anyone who reads my previous posts will know that it has been a very difficult year. I started off with a really bad orientation and have struggled with the job since then. On the positive side, I received a good appraisal in June, I definitely feel much more able to perform the essential job skills, my time management has improved hugely, I get good feedback from my patients, and I like and respect of many of my co-workers and feel liked/respected by them.

BUT... bottom line is, the floor I work on is a pressure cooker for us RNs. Turnover rate is very high and support from management is nil. Yesterday was another grueling day of missed communication, (pt having NSTEMI and no one told me he was my pt till 0735 cause he had arrived on the floor after 0700. I ended up rushing him to Cath Lab by 0810.) Two very angry families throwing fits because they "didn't want their family member in this hospital to begin with yadayada", phone ringing nonstop , rude docs, pager going off nonstop, weak, lazy charge nurses, nasty night nurse. As I said to my husband "Maybe it's time to end this abusive relationship." I have been putting out multiple job apps and am willing to consider just about anything now. I know there are different schools of thought amongst this community about leaving a job without a new one lined up. But I'm really at the end of my rope here...I do not see myself ever being happy in this job.I continue to dread going in each day. Yesterday, I ran into an acquaintance who had worked on my floor a few years ago...she's an NP for a private practice. She said "I hated working here. I don't miss it. It's too busy and insane and nurses can't give decent care."

So....I'm throwing it out there....is it too crazy to submit my resignation today?

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I feel for you- seriously :heartbeat But that sounds pretty standard for a busy medical floor....there are always days when it just feels like it's not worth it- and maybe it's not ....There are always cranky or lazy nurses- but are the bad days outweighing the good ones? What are your options (and will they have a greater chance of being worse? All jobs are pressure cookers in their own way- if it's not acuity, it's volume.

But, if it's effecting you outside of work- maybe it's time to go. But, leave with 2 weeks notice (or whatever is required). As much as you can't see going back- you don't want to be in a situation someday where you really NEED any job.

Good luck :)

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

There was a time when you didn't feel this way. What has changed? Your perception and outlook. I would find a way to cope while you look for a new job. I left a job I hated and stayed longer than I thought I could because I had to at the time. I just had to rearrange my mental attitude which is not easy to do. You can't fix bad management. Just focus on why you're there, the paycheck. Move on as soon as you can but don't put yourself in a bind. Quitting without proper notice could hurt you getting the next job. Good luck.

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Something else that used to help me was to remember I could quit at any time- I didn't have to stay- I kept an emotional "out", to help me hang on ;)

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I forgot to add that I would definitely give two weeks notice!!!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Can you survive 6-9 months without your income after working your notice? It is taking people that long to find another job. Additionally, already being employed makes your application more desirable.

As a rule of thumb, never quit until you have something else offered unless you are in a position to go quite a long time without your income. Always act on the worst case scenario.

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I have to agree with the advice of getting another job before you quit this one- sitting here pretty much unemployed- I left a job from hell thinking "I am a nurse we are supposed to have a nursing shortage right?" Well, I gave notice but it wasn't enough (in contract it required a month instead of two weeks so be sure to check your facility's policies) and with no other job lined up for the future.

I am now working per diem and applying applying applying everywhere. The economy is not so hot right now, and while there are tons of ads for nurses, there are also several other unemployed nurses and new grad nurses hitting the market everyday.

Another issue- I have had several apps that ask WHY are you not currently employed? Thank goodness for the per diem so I can use that one; this question has washed out some of my unemployed friends.

I would advise be aggressive and job seek right now but don't hurt yourself by jumping off and not having somewhere to bounce.

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Specializes in MR/DD.

I could not imagine quitting a job without having another one lined up first.

1. I could not survive without the income.

2. I would not want a gap on my resume.

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Yeah eyeball, it really is down to what your situation is. If you guys can make it for a while without your salary and if you just are at the total end of your rope, and I really feel you are, then if you can get out just do it. Do it as gracefully as possible then. I've kept up with your posts. It just makes me so sad that nursing can be this way. I bet you are, actually one of their very best nurses, but, of course not a soul cares about that kind of thing these days.

Do what is best for you, and keep your pride while doing it.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I've worked since I was a teen and continued to work while going to school part-time. I quit a job without another lined up when I was a word processor for an insurance company, basically your standard pink collar ghetto robot job. Data entry was even worse, they counted your keystrokes and how dare your fingers not be flying the whole time. Better not take too many bathroom breaks, it was an unreal experience at what so many office workers go through, although looking back I've gone thru much worse as a nurse! Who knew it could get worse!

Anyway, I made the decision to quit and my family was quite upset how dare I quit without another job lined up. Luckily I interviewed for and was given a wonderful job as a clerk at a hospital. My boss was the best! Nice pay raise, wonderful working conditions. Probably my best and favorite job and was a stepping stone toward becoming a nurse.

Today I wouldn't dare quit a job without another one lined up, not just the economy, but all the responsibility of bills, mortgage, student loans, health insurance,etc! Back then I was young and free and didn't have alot of financial worries or responsibilities.

Sometimes I wish I could go back in time to when life was so simple and carefree.

Are there any jobs in nursing that are not high stress, rush, rush, rush? Are there any jobs where you can actually relax, take a break, enjoy lunch and not be stressed out! I ask other coworkers all the time, esp travelers and agency, and I haven't heard of any such job out there. Who knows, probably someone that lucky would keep it to themselves and thank God they found a safe oasis in the desert!

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Specializes in Home Health.

As a professional I would give 2 weeks notice, but I would be tempted to call in sick a few times. We are in a state that does not have right to work laws, we can be fired for no reason whatsoever and do not have to be given notice, so I think it should work both ways - I can leave with notice on the same day!

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start looking.

when you get an offer, tell them you have to give two weeks' (or whatever) notice, then do it.

until then, if you need the money, hang in.

if you don't need the money, enjoy being in the job market, taking some mental health time, or whatever you and dh can afford you to do.

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