Disgusted with nursing career

[Blue4me2]

So here I sit almost two years after my graduationfrom nursing school unhappy and stressed. Due to the economic state of our country I was only able to secure employment in psychiatric nursing. I am now experiencing the repercussions of this. I feel totally inadequate as a nurse, I can deescalate, practice active listening and communicate effectively but my total lack of ability performing an adequate physical assessment sickens me. I tried after my first year to gain employment on a medical unit and even had afew interviews but never received an employment offer. I have zero time between work and school (working on BSN) to review and practice my physical assessment skills. When we occasionally get a patient that is somewhat medically unstable I am often at a loss for even the most basic nursing interventions. I feel as thoughI spent eighteen thousand dollars on an education I am not even thoroughly utilizing. After some minor errors in nursing judgment that caused no harm whatsoever to my patients I either want to work a desk position or leave nursing altogether. I went into this profession not for the money but to truly makea difference in the lives of others and I feel I am not doing this. I am tired of the inadequate orientations and training. I am tired of nurse managers who only want to point out what you did wrong and overlook all the good you do. Iam tired of co-workers berating me and talking behind my back. I am tired of seeing nurses who should have left the profession years ago intentionally being verbally and physically cruel to patients who are alone, mentally ill and defenseless.

I have truly wanted to be a nurse for all of my life. I am now forty-one years old and I am a nurse like I always wanted to be; yet I am sad and heartbroken over the state of my short career and the nursing profession in general. I no longer want to be a nurse. I am no longer proud to be a nurse. I have wasted years of my life attending school to work in a profession that leaves me feeling poorly about myself and my abilities. In reality I should have seen this coming while in nursing school with the instructors who were always quick to point out your flaws and ignore your successes. I could be an outstanding nurse if giving the right training I might even gain an ounce of the self-esteem that I left behind somewhere in the first year of nursing school. I am at a loss as to what to do now. Most insurance companies want nurses who have acute care experience and they do not mean acute psychiatric care trust me. So where does one go with such a limited nursing background? Please do not suggest school. I am so sick ofschool and just the few classes I have taken towards my BSN have left me nauseated. I really do not want a BSN but feel that not getting one would limit my employment options even further. I do not want any further education especially in nursing. I am tired of wasting my money and time on a profession that is slowly losing sight of its historical foundations and ethics.

[emmy27]

I am tired of seeing nurses who should have left the profession years ago intentionally being verbally and physically cruel to patients who are alone mentally ill and defenseless. [/quote']

Whoa, what? I'm sorry you don't like your job but if you aren't advocating for your patients and reporting *witnessed abuse*, maybe nursing isn't the right career for you! That it bums you out should be a distant second to the reality of the fact that, again, your patients are being *verbally and physically abused* in front of you and you are legally and ethically obligated to address it. If you're so deep in the depressed and self-pitying hole that you don't see that... Lack of "training" may not be the problem here.

[megank5183]

It seems like you are depressed. Is there one thing you like about your current situation? The money, schedule flexibility, etc. Sometimes I really hate nursing, but if you talk to people in other professions they are not that happy either.....the grass is not always greener. I'm not quite sure what your asking....you seem to make excuses to shun every option that could make your situation better. You have something negative to say about every aspect of nursing....if you are that miserable, quit! If you can't do that for whatever reason, then I suggest you try to pick a positive aspect and focus on that. And maybe go see a therapist. I know when I'm feeling down, EVERYTHING seems awful. GL!

[JrRnNycole]

Sounds like you just need a change of scenery hon. I'd suggest you stick it out a little longer, the experience will look good on you resume when applying for your dream job. I don't think you hate "nursing" so much, but rather your current field. It happens, be thankful you even have the oppurtunity because most new grads would kill to be employed right now. Best of luck to you sweetheart, I hope you find a field you can be proud of nursing or otherwise.

[amygarside]

i think you're just burned out. try to take a vacation and relax for a while..

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

This might not be the advice you want to hear, but I'd suggest put in a year in pychriatric nursing and then try again to get the acute care job you seem to want.

Or make the best out of where you are now. Mental health nursing is "real" nursing, too. If you've never worked on a medical unit, how do you even know you'd like it better? I've worked on a med/surg floor, and it's not some magical world that produces superhuman nurses. It's just a job. Nursing really, really needs to quit with this belief that the only place that produces competent, well-rounded nurses is the hospital.

If you really can't stand your current job, try thinking outside the box. I know you said youve been applying around, but have you tried "non-traditional" nursing jobs? Jails, dialysis clinics, rehab facilities and nursing homes all hire RNs. Maybe you'll find something that's a better fit.

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

hi BLue!! i too am a career changer, and just now have one year of experience. I completely understand your dilemma in terms of not being able to secure a med-surge type position in a hospital setting. I have not been able to obtain a job in hospital either, (not for lack of trying) and I have my Bachelors. Its just a rough time for new grads now. I work in psych, but the difference is I love it.. My suggestion to you would be keep applying to LTC/SNF. You will get the other medical piece that most new grads seek... I started in LTC and continue working LTC per diem just to keep the other skills. You sound really really sad--- please dont give up.. something will open up for you, it just may take a little time. If your unhappy with school right, take a break-really, its not worth your mental. well being. In terms of only receiving poor feedback when we make errors, yes I can attest to that myself- and it does make one feel terrible.. And the chatter - yup understand that bit too. However I will not let others dictate my self worth but childish talking behinds ones back. Im 41 years old, and entirely too old for those type of shenanigans. On the flip side, I have met excellent nurses who are simply great people.. Gravitate towards those who like to teach/assist/help without making you feel like a dope.. Please IM if you want to chat!! i completely understand how you feel.. :)

[labradorloverrn344]

I would just keep applying to positions. Work on your sales pitch when you get interviewed. Network with anyone you know that has a job at the hospital your applying to. Try searching LinkedIn for recruiters and nurse managers. You also could try taking several copies of your resume and dressing professionally and showing up ready to talk to management on the off chance you can make a connection. Get creative and think big to get what you want. Join professional organizations in your area and try to network that way. Attend job fairs and talk to recruiters with a strategy. I'm not sure if you are able to move but you may want to consider that or a long commute to get that year or so of med surg. Once you complete your BSN that will also help so you may just want to hold out until then also.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

"I am tired of wasting my money and time on a profession that is slowly losing sight of its historical foundations and ethics."

I am baffled by your last sentence. I understand that you are frustrated in your current situation and currently can't see yourself benefiting from further education. You haven't been successful in finding the type of nursing position that you feel would help you advance your career.

But how does that translate into the entire nursing profession "losing sight of its historical foundations and ethics"?

[plumbtrician]

I'm 38, halfway through nursing school, was a paramedic for a year, my two cents:

Nursing isn't for everyone, that is part of which makes this such an awesome career. Patient care is a privilege. Figure out how to change your attitude and situation FAST or just QUIT.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I'm 38, halfway through nursing school, was a paramedic for a year, my two cents:

Nursing isn't for everyone, that is part of which makes this such an awesome career. Patient care is a privilege. Figure out how to change your attitude and situation FAST or just QUIT.

I'll just save this one so you can burn it, if and when you complete college and or get a nursing job. Just say'in. You're sounding a little too angelic (bad karma for ya there).

[MiGab]

I am sorry you feel this way. I have heard a lot of people have similar sentiments. Nursing wasn't what they thought it would be. You posted a very similar post almost a year ago. You titled it "I'm done with nursing". Do you feel the same way you did last year or worse?

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

I'm 38, halfway through nursing school, was a paramedic for a year, my two cents:

Nursing isn't for everyone, that is part of which makes this such an awesome career. Patient care is a privilege. Figure out how to change your attitude and situation FAST or just QUIT.

My experience? The new grads who begin their career with the belief that nursing is a privilege or a calling are the ones who burn out the quickest.

As long as the OP has a safe and competent practice, his motivations are irrelevant.