So, I have been thinking about a new career path. Not that I don't love what I do, but I need a change. You see I was a ICU nurse prior to taking a Nurse Practitioner job in Family Practice. I thought this is what I wanted to do. I enjoyed the people I worked with, I am practically my own boss, nice location, Great pay. But, I don't see myself doing this for 40 more years.
I am a ICU nurse at heart. I used to live and breathe trauma, codes, drips, ventilators, you name it, I've probably done it in some way or another. I think this is where my heart is at and am torn at what to do.
There is a Surgical NP position at the Hospital I used to work at available. I have asked my former Supervising Physician to write me a letter of recommendation which was the most awesome letter I have ever received! Even though I have put this all in place I still fear going back to the ICU even though thats where I want to be. I fear the loss of my skills for the last 2 years, being the person making the decisions when death is at the patients door...Scary right?!!!
I have also looked into a position at the Local Urgent Care. I think both would be suitable options for me.
Im torn as I have made great repore with some patients and I know they would be upset to see me go since there has been so much change in the last 2 years of my employment with the company I work for. But at the same time I feel I cannot compromise my happiness for these patients, for money, for anything.
I really have to think long and hard on this one...I will make my decision by the end of the month...
A Blog about Training for my Third Ironman, dabbling into other sports and eating Paleo. I am a Full Time Nurse Practitioner at a highly Successful Family Practice, Mother of a toddler and tween, a wife and everything in between. Follow my journey to see the craziness and dedication it takes to be an Ironman Triathlete!!!
wow Kristen, that is a tough decision. i made a similar decision 3 years ago (different profession though) and it was a very spontaneous decision but i knew in my heart that it was the right thing for me and i haven't looked back since. It was one of the best decisions (a hard one but a very fast one) i've ever made in my life up to this point. Sounds to me that you know what you want and you know where that is at. Good luck with your decision.
ReplyDeleteI would go with your heart and follow what YOU want to do! Yes, your patients will miss you, but you have to do what makes you happy!
ReplyDeleteGo with your heart! It will never fail you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you will be good at whatever you do. You have done this job before, I think you will get your skills back :)
ReplyDeleteI will agree with everyone else, this is a hard decision. But you must go with your gut and decide what is best for you. Be happy with the decision and everything else will fall in place! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLife changing decisions are never easy but you have to do what is right for you and what your heart tells you is right.
ReplyDeleteYour current patients will be sad to lose you but think about those patients that you save and their feelings for you.
Good luck with making that decision....you will be great at whatever you choose.