Any Regrets?

tiezto · Nov 22, 2007

No real regrets on choosing nursing (a 2nd career and 7th decided major in college), but I am questioning my following of the traditional idea of "getting your med-surg first." I've only been working as an RN for 5 mo's on an insanely busy surgical unit at a D.C. area hospital, but I'm thinking about moving to emergency care d/t the horrid amount of paperwork I do. All the moments that I feel rewarded in nursing make up for the "Murse Chastizing," difficult Pt's & MD's. I know I'm brand-spanking new, but it appears that attitude is everything in this field. Stay positive and you burnout, well, not quite as quickly.

fancee free · Nov 22, 2007

Had I known that nursing can be so cruel, I would have never, ever gone into nursing in the first place. However because I found this out too late, I have to look at the positive aspects. Yeah, some days I make a difference in peoples lives. There are many opportunities in nursing but you have to wait for them to come by, it's not that these great opportunities are available instantaneously, and often they are not what they're cracked up to be. Plus, it pays the bills.

Don't get me wrong, I entered nursing thinking I would make a difference in peoples lives, I was excited and eager. But the cruelty I experienced and witnessed towards nurses has really turned me off from the profession.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 22, 2007

If I had a choice, I probably would have gone into something else. I LOVE nursing, but it is the politics and insensitivity I hate most, and I do not see it changing. I developed plantar fasciitis, am tired (both mentally and physically), and irritable because of the crap I see that really doesn't have to happen.

What sustains me is that I work with some really nice nurses that make up for the horrors. But, I have a computer picture of my ADN that I shoot bullets through the pic with my mouse to relieve stress.

angel337, MSN, RN · Nov 22, 2007

nope. would not be where i am today without my nursing degree. i make 40-50k more now than i did before. definitely worth it. i think the key is to not be stagnant, continue to learn and challenge yourself. change specialties. don't stay at one hospital that has made you unhappy for years. and most importantly don't be afraid to take chances.