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As nurses, we enter the profession with a deep sense of purpose and dedication to caring for others. For many, that fades with time. The demands of our roles mount, and we start to lose ourselves. We see our friends in other professions rising higher and higher and getting paid more and more.
We need to recognize the distinction between simply surviving and thriving in our nursing careers. There’s no shame in understanding when it’s time to leave the bedside for a better role. And understanding the difference between thriving and surviving will help you know when it’s time to leave .
In this blog post, we'll explore the difference between merely getting by and truly flourishing in a nursing job. We'll delve into the signs that indicate it may be time to move on from a position and seek opportunities that allow us to thrive professionally and personally.
Surviving vs. Thriving in Nursing
It’s easy to lose focus in nursing. We’ve been on the floor so long, we barely know what a healthy workplace environment is. It’s not normal to be shamed for calling out? Or having just enough time to eat and then heading right back to the floor?
And when this happens too often for too long, we can start to feel like we’re
drowning. Or at least that we’re at a standstill. It’s easy to think that bedside roles are the only options for nurses. But we have options.
If you’re just surviving through your day, you're just dealing with the daily challenges without being satisfied. You’re dodging issues left and right and dealing with the stress of that. You may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or burnt out. You may have little time or energy for self-care or personal growth. To sum it up: it sucks.
When you’re thriving, you’re happy. You feel like you belong, and like you’re fulfilled in your career. You’re not running around every single shift and trying to put out fires left and right. You feel like you have a purpose at your job, and you feel happy there.
There’s a difference in how you feel, too. You just feel good when you’re thriving. You feel energized, motivated, and engaged. Your work has a sense of meaning. You feel satisfied with your contributions to patient care and the healthcare team.You actually want to go into work.
Signs It's Time to Leave
You should know the warning signs of when to move on from your current role. Just because you’re stuck and survive doesn’t mean you have to stay there. You can use your license away from the bedside.
Persistent Burnout
If you find yourself feeling emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and mentally depleted, move on. No amount of self-care or meditation can save a sinking ship. Burnout is a sign that the demands of your current nursing job are unsustainable.
Lack of Growth Opportunities
If you feel like there’s no upward growth for you, it’s time to explore your other options. No one loves feeling stagnant in their new role. Everyone should have ample opportunities to progress through professional development, advancement, or learning new skills. If your job doesn’t have that, it may not be a good fit for you.
Toxic Work Environment
A toxic workplace is the absolute worst. You have to work to pay your bills,
but work is making you depressed and burned out. So what do you do? Get the heck out of there!
Your work may be toxic if you’re facing negativity, lack of support, bullying, or harassment. And it can have a detrimental impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Leave for greener pastures, friends.
Values Misalignment
Sometimes what you believe in isn’t what your facility promotes. If you find that your values, beliefs, or ethical principles are not aligned with those of your organization or colleagues, it can create moral distress. Find a workplace that shares your values, so every shift isn’t a moral dilemma.
Persistent Stress and Anxiety
Chronic stress, anxiety, or feelings of dread about going to work can cause burnout. Burnout rates in nursing are incredibly high. This occupational health hazard can have a huge impact on your life outside of work. Always prioritize your well-being. Change jobs if your level of stress is so high it effects your day-to-day life. Life is too short to be unhappy.
Making the Decision to Move On
Deciding to leave a nursing job is a big decision that requires careful reflection. Really take a look at your job and your mental health. What’s causing your unhappiness? Is it recent? Do the risks outweigh the benefits of leaving? Is it the facility, the speciality, or nursing all together?
Consider exploring alternative nursing roles, specialties, or settings that align more closely with your interests and professional aspirations. Make a list of your short term and long term goals. What type of job will help you meet them?
Above all, trust your instincts and prioritize your well-being and happiness. Remember that leaving a nursing job is not a failure but a courageous step towards creating a career and life that aligns with your happiness. By recognizing when it's time to move on, you can continue to thrive in your nursing career and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Summary
Thriving in nursing isn't just about surviving the challenges; it's about finding joy, purpose, and fulfillment in our work. Knowing when it's time to leave a nursing job prioritizes our well-being and professional satisfaction. By recognizing the signs of dissatisfaction, we can continue to thrive personally and professionally in our nursing careers. Trust yourself, embrace change, and never settle for simply surviving when you have the potential to thrive.
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