Move Jobs or Stick it out?

What should I do?

Hello Everyone,

I am an aspiring CRNA looking to apply again this cycle. I applied last cycle, interviewed, and did not get an acceptance. As I am approaching this next application cycle, I am struggling with what I should do about getting another job. I am just over the toxic culture at my current job. I know that exists everywhere in some capacity, but I really just dread going to work with the people I currently work with.

I have 5 years of ICU experience at a level 1 trauma center, on the rapid/code team, charge nurse, commitees, and all that jazz so I don’t believe my experience is the cause of me not getting in. The director of Critcial Care Medicine has written my LOR, and I have a good relationship with my manger, but I’m over my co-workers and it’s making bedside burnout much worse.

Do you all think it would look bad if I got another job in another ICU if lesser acuity right before applying to school? My current facility of the only level 1 trauma center in the area so any move would be a “downgrade” in acuity even though I believe every facility and experience would have valuable lesson to learn.

I want to work somewhere else, but don’t want to look like I am going to a place with less acuity because I can’t handle the “sickest” patients, when in reality it’s because of my co-workers.

Thank you for your time, and I appreciate any guidance.