Thinking of leaving the profession...

RE: Thinking of leaving the profession...

Nichola231 — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 14:19:41 GMT

I worked in a busy 1st opinion and referral practice for years then moved to a small, 1st opinion practice. I left because there wasn't much career progression and the hours were starting to wear me down.

I was concerned that I would get bored. However, I find myself more involved than ever before. Our team is small so there is plenty to keep me busy and more opportunities to take on minor surgeries. I'm now a Head Nurse and got feel like I got my mojo back.

I appreciate that 1st opinion is not for everyone but I wouldn't rule it out.

RE: Thinking of leaving the profession...

VetNurse Anon a/c — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 20:23:42 GMT

I know that feeling. I've been qualified two and half years and leaving nursing for good next year to go back to university and retrain in a entirely different profession so have the opportunity to transfer my degree and skill set and use it in a different profession where my skills and knowledge will be valued.

So my reasons for leaving are lack of progression and unable to utilise my skills. Also my current practice the clients have very little respect for nurses and won't even speak to a nurse so very little public recognition and respect from clients left me feeling frustrated.

I did go to referral practice as a locum as thought I may get to learn more and apply my skills but was bullied so now I am scared to leave my first opinion practice to see if I can find some kind of job satisfaction in a referral practice as feel due to past experience that I am not good enough and just feel there is very little support.

I definitely would not advice going back to first opinion as I've gone from one first opinion to the next and some would not even allow me to place iv catheters and the one I am in now I do more reception than nursing!

It's so difficult as so many experienced, passionate and once dedicated nurses are leaving!

I don't know what to suggest as leaving myself but as the other comment suggested write a list which is what I did which caused me to realise that what I want in terms of recognition, progression, utilisation of skills ext I was not going to get in nursing.

I wish you all the best of luck which ever you choose X

RE: Thinking of leaving the profession...

Rachel Woodcock — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 20:13:24 GMT

[quote user="Sal the 1st"]

how about sitting down and making some lists of those things you want from a job and those things you dont want, then use them as a checklist to see if a job that you are looking at ticks the boxes or misses the mark, it should give you a reasonable idea of what is right for you

[/quote]

I have used this approach in the past when deciding on life changing decisions and it really helps to write it down and work it all out. How about reducing your hours if possible? Or try locuming? Seeing different practices may make you realise what you do and don't like about being an RVN

RE: Thinking of leaving the profession...

Sal the 1st — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 12:22:46 GMT