Ask any random person what they see as one of the most fulfilling careers and nursing is bound to be on that list. And as a nurse you’re in the ideal seat from which to view the benefits-flexible scheduling, deep and meaningful work, seeing the difference you make in your patients’ lives. However it isn’t always positive and throughout your nursing career you will likely crave a change. Here we offer 4 signs you are ready to change your nursing career direction.
4 Signs You Need a Nursing Career Change
Sometimes the need for a nursing career change is glaringly obvious and other times it creeps up on you until one day you feel like you just can’t do it anymore. In general there isn’t just one incident that makes you want to move on from your current employment but rather a series of little things that add up.
1. You Feel Weary and Burnt Out
Does it take all the encouraging self talk, everything in your power to go to work each shift? Do you feel exhausted, depleted and like you have nothing left to give? You, my friend, may be suffering from burnout. This is a common occurrence among many healthcare professionals. Sometimes called compassion fatigue, many people can’t really identify this type of burnout until they’re in the throes of it. Here are some common signs of compassion fatigue/burnout:
- Mood swings
- Feelings of detachment
- Addiction and compulsive behavior
- Depression and anxiety
- No desire to be productive
- Insomnia
- Physical exhaustion
2. You Dread Going to Work
If you hate the idea of going to work you definitely need a nursing career change. Your feelings of dread can come from a variety of factors; disdain for coworkers, unfriendly atmosphere, no room for advancement. Whatever the reason, life is too short to keep going to a job you don’t like.
3. Craving a Change
Some people are in touch enough to know when they crave a change. For some the change stems from your current job feeling stale. Maybe you want to shake things up a bit, challenge yourself and find a way to grow and continue learning in your career. That’s a great time to make a nursing career change.
4. You Find Yourself Worrying About the Safety of Your Patients or Yourself
The American Nursing Association, in their belief that a healthy working environment should be a place of physical, mental and social well being, created a Nurse’s Bill of Rights. This document outlines the basic rights of nurses in the workplace. Bullying should never be tolerated and may even impact patient care.
If you are being bullied or simply denied your rights to physical, emotional and social wellbeing in the workplace it is a big red flag that you are ready immediately for a nursing career change.
In a similar vein do you feel the patients’ safety is suspect in your healthcare workplace setting? Have you taken steps to alert administration or is there a reason you feel afraid to do so? No one would ever be in a position where they must choose between their career and the safety and care of their patients. It’s time to move on.
Make the Change
If you are ready for a nursing career change contact BOS Medical Staffing today and start on a more satisfying career path.
