Thinking of Quitting? 5 Questions Nurses Need to Consider First

Difficult patients, demanding doctors, and the relentless pace of the job make "I quit" a tempting sentence. Before you write the resignation letter, answer these five questions honestly.

1. Why did I become a nurse in the first place?

Long hours and short staffing wear you down physically, emotionally, and mentally, and it is easy to lose your sense of purpose along the way. Sit down and remember what pulled you into nursing. That answer often tells you whether you want to leave the job or just need to recover from it.

One five-year ward nurse put it this way: "I took up nursing because I wanted to learn how to take care of people and make them feel well. Working abroad was never on my list. That was enough reason not to give in to peer pressure when almost all of my colleagues resigned to work overseas."

2. If I quit, what happens next?

Have a plan before you hand in your notice. If another job is waiting, map out the transition and how you will handle the conflicts that come with any move. If nothing is lined up yet, weigh that carefully, because unemployment is rarely what you want. Decide whether you are looking for another hospital or a role outside nursing entirely.

3. Am I forgetting to take care of myself?

Neglecting yourself is one of the main drivers of burnout. If you have not given yourself real time to decompress in a while, the resentment you feel at work may be exhaustion talking.

A male nurse admitted: "I was about to call it quits when my supervisor gave me three free days. I went out of town and had the best time after six years in the surgical ward. She was right. I just needed a break."

4. Why do I actually want to quit?

In an overwhelming environment, the real reason is easy to lose. Name it. If the problem is a colleague or a physician, talk it out with them directly. If you are stretched thin, ask for a few days off. Small issues left to fester will follow you to the next job.

5. Am I willing to start over?

Leaving means new people, a new routine, and a new environment. If you are ready to build from scratch, that readiness is a sign quitting may be the right call.

As one OR nurse said: "A new environment is hard but doable. The first few weeks are uneasy while you learn the place and the role, then it passes. If the grass really is greener, do not let the fear of starting over stop you."