Every nurse thinks about quitting their nursing job from time to time when they are having a horrendous day at work. Wanting to run for your life when you’re facing a stressful situation is normal, but it brings up a question posed to me by one of my readers. Super LPN wants to know when is it time to quit your nursing job. She writes:

I am thinking hard about quitting my present job, am attached to my resident patients, and some of my aides, and the Monday through Friday shift. But I have no unit supervisor. The whole operation is very “manage by crisis” oriented. I often work 10-12 hours a day, and I only want 8 hours a day. I have a life outside of work, and it has suffered badly. I am so sick that I cannot handle doctors over the telephone, and I forget things. I am staying home from work today. I have even lost my voice. I am afraid for my license. I was promised a very good nurse as my unit supervisor, but she was in a car wreck on her first day of work and we haven’t seen her yet. I am still all alone. I am responsible for narcotics that other nurses give, and I’m not a supervisor! Morale is very low, mine included, I have no control, and all the responsibility for people’s lives. I’m about over it. But, I get along fine with the DON. Any suggestions?

Dear Super LPN:

You are asking a very important question that every nurse faces during his or her nursing career. The nursing field is filled with nursing jobs like the one you are describing to me. I can’t tell anyone what to do, but I’m going to give you some things to think about to help you make your final decision about quitting your nursing job.

Can I Afford to Quit My Job?

I totally understand why you want to quit your job. You are working under tremendous pressure, and I’m sure that the stress that you are under is impacting your health. If you decide to quit your job, ask yourself if you can afford to be without a job while you are looking for a new one. If you need a steady income—and who doesn’t—don’t quit your job until you have a new job waiting for you when you walk out the door. Start looking for a new job now if you’re thinking about quitting your old job. You might get a better job offer somewhere else.

Can I Afford Not to Quit My Job?

I am really concerned about how your unit is being managed. Good facilities strive to provide excellent patient care. They will do anything to prevent a crisis from occurring on their units. It sounds like your unit is just one incident report away from a major lawsuit. Can you really afford to stay in a situation where you can lose your license? I understand how the people we work with become our extended family. Just remember that you can still visit your former patients and hang out with your friends when you leave your old job for a new one. Don’t let guilt and fear of the unknown hold you back. Personally, I’ve never kept a job that has made me miserable. Life is too short and I refuse to lose my sanity, or my nursing license, over a job.

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