It feels great to finally slam the envelope on our manager’s desk, right?

After months of contemplating if it’s the right time to submit the ominous letter to our managers, some of us manage to gather the courage to knock on the office door and hand over the envelope with no regrets.

What leads to this?

Nurses often work long hours and handle a large number of patients, which can cause burnout and high levels of stress. We often feel that we are not working in a safe and supportive environment. There are more tasks given to us than we can handle. In addition, we are not adequately compensated for the work we do.

Many of us are unable to maintain a healthy work-life balance and feel unsupported in our job, so we decide to leave for a more positive environment.

The ‘shortage of staffing’ issue has been around for years. As ground staff, we deal with it daily.

But miraculously, there will always be more than enough nurses on audit day. To the auditors, the nurse to patient ratio may look rational.

WHY CAN’T WE SHOW THE AUDITORS THE REALITY? WHY DO WE NEED TO PUT ON A FAKE FRONT THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL?

Isn’t it the auditors’ job to ensure that hospitals are safe for everyone? If we hide the fact that we are drowning in work, how will they look out for our best interests?

Besides reprimanding nurses for drinking water in their working area, they could do more critical revisions.

With all the crap that nurses have to deal with, it is no surprise that many of them are willing to walk away from this profession.

We don’t see our managers helping us with our tasks at work, instead blaming us for a lack of ‘time management’ when they have not been able to fix their ‘staff management’ issue for decades.

Our social media is often flooded with pictures of people having extraordinary lives, beautiful houses, and always traveling. Sounds like a dream come true, right?

It is even more surprising to find the person in the pictures familiar.

“Hey, isn’t that my ex-colleague? I wonder what he is doing now?”

Automatically, we sent him a direct message to check what he had been up to. We needed to find out more about his lifestyle. Everything seemed so perfect.

 ‘I have a good life, good pay, and a good family’, he replied.

We became intrigued.

Their salary was way higher than what they used to earn here, which meant they were able to provide more for their family. Their work schedule was not as crazy and there was no need to stay back to complete unnecessary tasks. They were not burdened with work messages after shifts.

This made us all rethink how we have been living our lives: we have been so focused on work that we have neglected the things that matter most to us. After reflecting on our lives, we have gathered the courage to write that “golden letter” and hand in our resignation…

So what happens next?

Most of us choose to leave full-time nursing to pursue our dreams and what is valuable to us.

More Family Time

Nursing is a noble and challenging profession that requires a great deal of compassion, dedication, and hard work. However, the demanding nature of the job can often lead to long hours and limited time with family and loved ones.

For many of us, the choice to leave full-time nursing is difficult but necessary, driven by the desire to spend more time with our favourite people.

Our sacrifices take a toll on our personal lives, and the longing to be there for our families during important moments has become too great to ignore.

Leaving a job we are passionate about is never easy. Our love and connection with our family are worth it, but even when we leave behind the hospital walls our hearts will always be filled with the memories of the patients we have cared for and their impact on our lives.

More Income

For many nurses, the choice to leave their full-time job is not only emotional but financial. Despite our dedication and hard work, the low pay and lack of financial stability can lead to financial stress and a struggle to make ends meet.

The thought of being able to provide a better life for our families and give them the security they deserve is a powerful motivator.

More Flexibility

Nursing is a high-demand profession, usually leaving nurses overworked and exhausted. Having more flexibility in our schedules and control over our time is imperative for a better work-life balance.

As humans, we are eager to be present for our loved ones during milestone moments and to have the freedom to pursue our passions.

It is important to understand that our sacrifice is not only for ourselves but for the well-being of our families, as well as for our personal growth and fulfilment.

The flexibility we seek is to recharge and to continue making a difference in the world in our own unique way.

Reflecting on the life we have chosen as nurses brings a sense of pride, satisfaction, and purpose. Despite the challenges, we have the opportunity to impact the lives of our patients, their families, and our communities.

Our work brings comfort, hope, and healing to those in need, and it is a privilege to be a part of that journey.

However, it is also essential to acknowledge the personal sacrifices and challenges of being a nurse. Taking the time to reflect on our experiences, both positive and negative, allows us to find a better balance by reducing stress and burnout while still being practical and compassionate caregivers.

Let us not limit ourselves to the confines of the hospital, or we neglect the fact that we are also parents, spouses, and friends to others.

Do remember to focus on yourself, too.

By taking the time to focus on our own well-being, we can improve not only our mental and physical health but also our ability to provide top-notch care for our patients.

We cannot pour from an empty cup. By prioritising self-care, we recharge, build resilience, and become better equipped to handle the challenges that come with the job. It is a tribute to our strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to the care and well-being of others. So let us embrace the importance of focusing on ourselves, for our own good and for the good of those we serve.

At the end of the day, let us look back and say, “This is the life I chose!”

-Staffan Stewart

FaithBrewsMiracles