ED RN to Cardiac Recovery Unit or PACU
I have been an ED nurse for nine years and am an ED nurse through and through. I have dedicated my career to ED, worked at remote ski clinics, and studied on my days off to prepare for flight nursing. However, I recently made a move to a different state for a better lifestyle. I am working per diem ED as it allows freedom to travel and take time off. BUT, the emergency departments in the town I am living in (I am working two) have totally burnt me out. The medicine is below subpar, the staff is unhappy, and the culture is toxic. Unfortunately, the closest flight jobs are over two hours away and I love where I live, so driving that far for work feels like a stretch.
I am leaning towards taking a breather from the ED which feels soul crushing but also the healthiest thing (I have been struggling with extreme pre-shift anxiety). I have an interview with the Cardiac Recovery Unit. I applied because I thoroughly love taking care of cardiac patients but the more I learn about the unit, the more apprehensive I am. I like using critical thinking and bedside skills (such as IVs, titratable drips, RSI, etc). I am worried I will not experience these skills in the CRU. I am also worried about call and going full time as I have been per diem since 2021 and I like my freedom. However, I am reaching a point in my ED career where I dread every shift and leave each shift more and more depleted.
Any thoughts on CRU? Will I lose my future in flight nursing if I take a breather and do CRU for a year or two? Should I wait for a PACU position to get more variety? I am burnt out and confused. I know everybody has different experiences but any insight would be greatly appreciated.