11 years at the same spot...

[JamiRN]

I am taking a vacation (six weeks) because I have so much vacation time built up I need to use it or lose it...I have been working in long term care since the day I graduated (BSN). Same place. I have been a floor nurse, charge nurse, admission nurse, MDS coordinator...you name it. I keep thinking it is time to see if the grass is greener somewhere else...but everything I have checked out is a pay cut. Not only that, most places want experience... I feel like a new grad again when I put together that resume. Should I go or should I stay...

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

I think change can be a good thing. I has worked ICU/ER for almost 20 years when I got my BSN. During my community health class I got a taste of nursing people who were not dying! I did home health for 5 years and loved it. I am now doing ER again because I wanted to travel, but I really enjoyed doing home health, if I ever settle down again would like to return to it.

You may have to do a little work to get back into acute care but you can do it. Maybe you could find an agency that works with a smaller community hospital that will let you work and pick up some shifts. If you can actually get to talk face to face to a manager, someone will probably let you "break into" acute care or another branch of nursing. Just persevere. As far as the money goes, you will have to be the judge of that, but sometimes a little variety is worth it.