Greetings.
As an RN for 43 years, I am so proud and grateful for my work as a nurse. After my first 3 years I was either going into Critical Care or begin an administrative role. After much thought, I felt I would make a greater impact by shaping the environment patients receive care and for those providing that care. As such I had the opportunity to lead many teams in diverse settings. My last position was CEO of a level 1 trauma center for adults and pediatrics. I learned that I traded my bedside skills for leadership skills of which went hand in hand over my incredible career.
Initially I really missed my patients. I also had a hard time giving up my “expertise” ie ACLS and being comfortable in emergencies. I have absolutely no regrets, but still 12 years later, I miss the 1:1 interactions with my patients and making an individual impact on them- meeting their needs. However, I love what I do (quality and peer review) so it’s all good
I regret not doing it as a side job to keep my skills updated. I'm trying to get back now for family reasons and it's so hard getting a job.
All the reason we need to do better in clinical nursing, the profession hasn't learned yet.
If I had to do it again or suggest to nurses behind me, don't completely leave clinical setting, keep it as PRN.
I enjoyed bedside nursing in the beginning of my career but decided to move on for my Masters in Education which I also enjoyed. Retired after 35 yrs of nursing. I do miss both except I’m glad to be out since healthcare has changed drastically since government,pharmaceutical and COVID has taken control.
Mine is a yes, but only because of specific goals I was aiming to achieve and the cost behind trying to get back to the bedside. Bedside nursing is great to keep your skills updated. If I could go back, I would have just always stayed PRN and done other things like I have currently.
I do both IT for the EMR and part-time nursing. I am currently completing a RN refresher course because they won’t hire me being out of bedside for so long (>10 yrs). The pay can be better depending on where you are and what type of role you are seeking. I prefer outpatient nursing, but I also love healthcare technology and you can’t be both during business hours. So, if you know what you want, do what feels right. I didn’t at the time and wasn’t really feeling good about that decision and live in regret, but ultimately I will still get to go back PRN. Also, I can either decide to work full-time or contract for IT too. I love nursing for it’s versatility. I have done hospice, outpatient, corrections, clinical informatics, and management. Outpatient was my favorite by far. Good luck on your decision.
No not at all. I was tired of pushing meds and thought more about what I could do with preventative education and talking and spending more quality time with patients. I worked in a prison, Hospice, detox and psych which I never thought I would do and love it the most. For me I love outpatient work. Meeting with patients where they renin their homes and community, I was able to lead groups I loved and teach them about their health and do meditation and and Tai Chi with them. I love giving them experiences they never would have had.
I don't regret leaving the bedside at all. And I actually hope that more nurses get to experience work outside of the hospital setting. I went from Critical Care to Infusion nursing to Oncology and now an OB/GYN clinic. It was important to me to still have hands-on experience vs 100% phone triage. All of these roles have given me that opportunity to stay face-to-face with patients and I really love it. It has been such a blessing for my family and for my work-life balance. I truly don't think I could ever go back to the hospital setting and hours. No regrets here! Hope you find what is best for you! :)
NO! Have not regretted any of my jobs. Loved the office setting. Could really get to know patients on a more personal level. 10 years of ICU followed by 25 years of office. Only left office because solo practitioner passed away and office closed. Wrapped up last 10years doing Wellness/Pt. Education
Nope
I miss bedside nursing but I do not regret leaving. The acuity of the patients are higher and patient/nurse ratios are higher. Not safe for staff or patients.
HELL NO!!!!
Not at all. I was really please with my roles as Supervisor, Manager and Director. I liked dealing with people.
No, I was a Home Health Nurse and loved it
I had the incredible experience in training in the Military, at some stage I had to leave bedside nursing due to deployments. But caught up again in Saudi Heama/ Oncology department. As a nursing supervisor, another world opened for me. I don't regret walking the road experienced. Just miss the close contact and chats..
Not at all. I hated bedside nursing when I was a bedside nurse. I would never go back to the bedside nursing.
I do not regret leaving bedside nursing. I got a job, the i same hospital in administration.
I do not regret leaving my bedside role. I have gained so much knowledge from my Clinical Informatics role and have grown professionally.
No. Being away from the bedside allows more time to really hear what people are saying to you. Which allows a different interaction where patients begin to take more self ownership.
I have over 30 years in various nursing capacities.
Not even a little bit. Love my management position.
