Do you feel stuck in nursing?

sanakruz, ADN · Nov 21, 2002

I didnt feel so much stuck as martyred.

I decided to be responsible for my own happiness.

1) I wanted a job with union representation so I would no longer be at the capricious whim of some shitbird manager.

2) I would never again work for a for-profit facility

3) I wanted decent hours so I could spent quality time with those I love.

It happened through the power of positive thinking and my unwillingness to compromise my own values. I eveb have my own office!

Stargazer · Nov 21, 2002

I've never felt stuck. One of the reasons I chose nursing was because I knew there were so many different kinds of opportunities and practice settings within or around this profession. Working in a non-hospital setting has just opened my eyes to a large number of non-nursing jobs for which I am qualified as well.

A colleague of mine announced proudly this morning that she just passed her realtor licensing exam. Since I'm hoping to buy my own home within the next few years, it'll be nice to know someone in the business.

Genista, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2002

I think some do feel stuck. Many of my RN coworkers have families & mortgages, etc. They are used to a certain level of income. Though they may not love their job, it is somewhat comfortable after X number of years. You get to a point where you are good at what you do. And even though I hear people b*tching about work, I don't see anyone making plans to go to a better environment or another career they might like better. The thought of going into a new area, or changing careers is too much to think about for many.

I am so burned out myself, and can't imagine what miracle it would take to keep me at this for 20 + years. I like the "theory" of being a nurse, but the reality is I have no quality time for patients, the stress levels are high, there are rarely any real lunch breaks, and there is always overtime. Everytime you turn around, there's some new "standard" or duty added to my already overburdened list. In addition, I am more than a little tired of missing out on family gatherings and all the holidays.

I really thought at first that maybe it was just acute care hospitals that are burning nurses out, but after surfing the web, I think healthcare in general is the problem. I have considered other non traditional nursing roles, but I'm not entirely sure if I am willing to switch specialties forever until I find my supposed "niche." I'm pretty sick of the unrealistic expectations imposed on nurses.

For now, I just transferred to a less stressful floor & cut back my hours. It's a nice change, but I can't say it has "fixed" the old problems. I'm going back to college in January to learn a new profession. ;-) It may take a few years, but I'm willing to give it a whirl. I am jealous of friends who say they love their job. I do have my "moments" where I love what I do, but for the most part, I'd rather be called off & get to stay home! :rolleyes:

zudy · Nov 21, 2002

No, I don't feel stuck. As Yogi Berra said, " If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."

ptnurse · Nov 21, 2002

You know I am not really sure if I feel "stuck" On any given day at work with high really sick patients and short staff I would say a resounding YES! But I went to work the other day to do some data collection work, and I found that I just could not keep my mind on the paperwork or my hands off the patients. I found my self checking up on patients that I had taken care of and helping out with care. The nurses were not really having a bad day, I was making up excuses to help. So I guess that I am with Yogi too. If I had it to do all over again, I would do it all over again.

live4today, RN · Nov 21, 2002

Many working adults are "stuck" in their jobs, but it isn't their chosen profession/employment that has them stuck...it's their bills...bills...bills!

I've never felt "stuck" in any job I've had...be it nursing or some other type of employment. When I don't like a job, or if that job is "literally making me sick", I give it up because I'm worth far more than any job could pay.

If I found one job, I'll find another job...no sweat! I don't think people should become a "slave" to a profession or a job... not ever! Instead, they should seek to do that which brings a sense of overwhelming peace and contentment in their lives, then live within the confines of what that job pays.

I've lived a rather luxurious lifestyle in my life, and I've also experienced the total opposite, but I've never traded my soul or a spirit of peace for the stress that comes from feeling "stuck" in something that is no good for my health...emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually. :nurse:

ERN · Nov 21, 2002

Hi all

I agree with your thoughts about being stuck vs. martyrdom psychnurse.

I left a well respected position as a nurse manager of a very busy and dynamic ER 6 mos ago.

Oddly enough, I was called Mr. Shitbird by a few of the staff.

I simply had enough of all the trials and tribulations of nursing.

I have had a wonderful 6 mos of family, friends, and time to myself. Luckily, I am able to afford this indulgence, but I need personally to get back to work and do something meaningful. I can't bring myself to jump back into the fray. In that sense I do feel stuck.....stuck with the same gluey BS environment that I left 6 mos ago. I am researching travel nursing and looking into a staff position at a local trauma center. Perhaps if I get back to my roots and then travel I will feel more in control.

I agree psychnurse....compromising ones values is a sure way to a slow and painful death.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 22, 2002

nope. i make my situation liveable and it works for me.

just1rn · Nov 22, 2002

How is this for STUCK!!!! Our >>new

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 22, 2002

and what are you all doing about this, just1?

baseline · Nov 22, 2002

Yes.