You may think I'm CRAZY!!!!!!!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

One year ago I was plucked out of the ER by administration to start a new documentaion project. It focuses on physician documentation for Medicare/Medicaid cases. It's considered a hand-selected Administrative position--Mon-Fri.; no weekends, holidays or call time. I was flattered and had a hard time telling the #2 man "no" even though I have been an ER nurse for 17 years and love it.

Now it's one year later and I STILL miss patient care. I feel I'm wasting my gift and making more $$$ for the hospital, while they give out 3% raises and recently laid off nearly 100 people. (Yes, some nurses) Everyone says "give it time" "I used to feel that way too". Everyone can't wait to find a Mon-Fri. job, but hear me when I say I hate that too. As a mom of 3, I'm not missing sports events but feel like I have soooooo much less time for my kids, husband, housework or myself. I miss my three 12 hour shifts. Then your weekends are spent running your butt off to get ready for the next work week. I feel like the little mouse on the wheel! heehee

How long do I give this? Are the tradeoffs worth it? The job I do is important, but I'm not sure it's what God had in mind for me.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:o :rolleyes: :kiss

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Well, you've been doing it for a year and you sound like you don't like it...that's been enough time to adjust.

Do you like anything at all about what you're doing right now?

I would say it sounds like you already know the answer to your question!

Good luck! :)

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I don't totally dislike what I'm doing. In the beginning the relationship with the MD's was so different for me, they were defensive and I was used to having such non-confrontational relationships with them as a respected ER nurse. But you know how they can be if they feel your trying to MAKE them do something! But the work gets a bit dry.

Part of my dilemma is my hubby is a cop on 3-midnights and we have kids: 15, 13 and 2. I would have to return to eves or nocs to return to ER. Also they are paying me very well and that has made me the major breadwinner of the family. I almost feel trapped by it all.

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I agree, it sounds like you know what you need to do.

I'm not a nurse yet, but I work 9-5 M-F and believe me, I'm looking forward to nurses' schedules. It's no fun trying to go to the grocery store, Wal-mart, hardware store, pet store, etc when EVERYONE else in your city is there, too. Oh, and sitting in traffic twice a day 5 days a week is not my cup of tea.

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Put in your notice and go back to the ER.

If you are not having a good time in your job then there isn't much reason to even show up in the morning.

-Russell

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Listen to Rusty.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

What do you think you should do? Make the proverbial "list' noting the pros and cons. For example would the admin allow you to work flex time? 9-5 on Mon. 10-6 on Tues etc......perhaps 10 hours one day and 6 hours another.

Who keeps the children between 3p when he goes to work and 6 when you get home?

Good luck. I too was the bigger income spouse and it was very hard feeling painted in a corner like that. It will work out for the best.

God bless.

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Oh SuperCen, I don't envy you at all. I'm start clinicals this fall and I work a Full-Time 8:30-5:00 job M-F. Everyone says, you make decent money and don't work very hard, why would you ever want to go into nursing? Working weird shifts, busting your butt, etc.

All I can say is that what I am doing now isn't making me happy, in fact it's making me miserable. I can't wait to start school and become a nurse.

It really isn't how the job sounds, that you work M-F, get paid big bucks, it's how it makes you feel that counts, and there is no point staying some where will you will not be happy. Except in my case where I have to stay here to get through school, but trust me! if I had other options I would take them in a heart beat!

So, you should do what makes you happy.

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You certainly do not sound happy to me. Follow your heart, your family survived on less money before, it can do it again. Good luck.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

You know what is right. And you have already 8 posts confirming this. Follow your heart and forget what others may think. You know what to do.

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Remember..." If Momma ain`t happy, then nobody`s happy " And it sure sounds that you`re not happy. Life is way too short to be in a job that is not meeting your needs.

Are you where you could try registry for a bit....? Pick your hours, pick your days.....cured my burn out, and that sure sounds like the road you`re on....

Good luck....Get happy.......

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