Ready for Change

Recently I have been going "full steam ahead" with my job search for a new job (I started looking over a month ago but have been actively applying for about a week or two now). I am completely over med-surg- yes most of my colleagues are great but I dread going to work just about every shift, am tired of the high patient load, annoying family members, and having to document for a couple of hours after running around all day. Things are even worst now with the mass exodus of nurses from my unit lately who left for other areas because they themselves have probably had enough or wanted change. I certainly feel bad for wanting to leave as my timing is pretty bad but I am not happy and I am starting to doubt whether I made the right decision to leave my previous career (OK I know long-term I made the right choice but I really have to remind myself sometimes). At this time I am still working the two jobs but I would ultimately like to obtain full-time employment in a non med-surg position and retain my per-diem job.

Starting over, again

One thing that I hate about starting a new job is starting over again, which means "new nurse" anxiety, decreased seniority, figuring out new people, etc. Sure a part of me is excited about the prospect of doing something "new" but it also nerve racking too. Also since I have a family, adjusting to a new job means my entire family has to adjust as well, since my decisions with work always affects my husband and children. 

What if I don't like it?

Seriously what if I get another job and dislike it as much as my current job or maybe more? Do I start job hopping all over the place. I am all about being happy but it isn't practical (nor is it advisable) to change jobs so often. If I get another job I didn't care for I would have to stick it out since I have to consider my retirement as well.

4 to 5 day work week

Most outpatient/non-med surg jobs (besides the ER) are 4 or 5 day work weeks; with a per-diem job, it will probably be 5 or 6 days some weeks. While I can tolerate a 4-day work week (that is what I was essentially doing when I started my second job) I really would like to avoid 5 days if at all possible. I love having at least one day off during the week to take care of business and having a "9 to 5" means not participating in anything my kids have during the week. Also since I am still the primary homemaker, having more days off gives me more time to actually be a homemaker as I refuse to do these things after working so many hours in a day.

May stick with 3 twelves

My ideal would be 3 twelves in a non- med/surg position that is day shift (yes it is taxing on the body but I am off 4 days a week) . Are these available? I haven't seen them really but would really like something like that I think. We will see in the next coming months.