getting out of nursing?

karbyr · Mar 4, 2003

I'm seriously considering leaving also, am in home health, work for a company that is just awful to its employees..........loved nursing for the first ten years...........but has changed so much and am not getting any younger........the last nine have really disillusioned me, don't like the paranoid angry person i am becoming..............

Genista, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2003

Horsecrazy-

Congratulations on your decision to go back to school. So, what are you studying? :)

It took me some real soul-searching to make that move myself. I had a real passion for nursing the first few years, but soon enough I became bitter and burned out. I changed specialties about 6 months ago, and it helped a bit, but it was no fix. I make great money, love my hours, love my coworkers, but only one thing... I just don't want to work as a nurse anymore! LOL!

I just started back at college this January (multi-subject teaching credential). I'm also still working as a staff RN part time. It's a blast to be back in school!

My hubby said, "Try it, if it doesn't work out, you can always go back to nursing. Or not."

Good point, huh? Your experience as a nurse will only enhance whatever new field you pursue. Follow your heart & Happy trails!

New CCU RN · Mar 4, 2003

I am a May grad and already ready to LEAVE!!!! The current status of hospital nursing is just plain awful. While I love the health care field and how much i have learned, it's just not something I imagine myself doing for the rest of my life. (my back I don't think can take it either)

My plans are to get my masters and become a CRNA. While it still is in the nursing profession, the pay is better, conditions better, and seems to come with at least a bit more respect and autonomy.

eddy · Mar 4, 2003

I thought the same things. I was burnt out, sick of getting beat by administration's heavy hands, sick of the lousy pay, sick of the mandatory OT, mandatory holidays, REALLY sick of the politics and the "kiss butt right to the top" disease that was so rampant.

I went in to agency work several years ago, and now I LOVE work again. Just a thought.

jingy · Mar 4, 2003

I left nursing and went on to get a masters in library science. I now work as a reference librarian in a large public library. For a few years before that I was a medical librarian in a pharmaceutical firm. Although working with the public can at times be very difficult, I think I made the right decision. The pay is good and the benefits are great.

MandyInMS · Mar 4, 2003

I guess just about every nurse I've talked with has thought of quitting at one time or another.The stress just seems so overwhelming sometimes.I've been nursing for > 12 years now.Finally figured out what works for me.Working a reduced schedule of 60 hours q 2 weeks vs 84.I have time for work and MUCH needed money as well as family and homelife. Checks and balances :)

IRISHBREAD · Mar 4, 2003

it's a decision i have to make soon. i've been in nursing for a long long time and this is the hardest it has been. my body can't take it any more but i love caring for children. don't know what to do except to cut the number of hours to lessen the stress and strain.

got kids in college -- promised to help with tutitions.

Dr. Kate, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2003

I went back to school for a MLS because I was working as a 3-11 supervisor and was bored out of my mind. I love library and information science but really don't care for being a librarian. That came as a surprise to me. So, being a real glutton for punishment, I went on and got my PhD in LIS. My advisor likened the doctoral education experience to going through depth analysis. She was right. I learned a great deal about myself, what I wanted, and what I would and would not tolerate to get what I wanted. It's hard to believe but the politics of academia are worse than those of the hospital. So when all is said and done, I got my PhD primarily for my personal satisfaction.

Along the way I fell into my dream job that combined nursing and LIS. Unfortunately, the parent company decided to dissolve the business. I went back to bedside nursing, went through two hospital closures within 15 months of the business being closed. By that time I just wanted to work somewhere that was going to be in business for more than 6 weeks. Experience and education led me to the position I now have with a hospital coordinating our new grad programs and online learning programs. Like any librarian worth their salt I can teach almost anyone to use a computer.

If an opportunity similar to the one that led to my dream job came along, I'd leave the hospital again, and never look back. But until then I stay because it works for me and I'm good at what I do, and do good in what I do. For me, that's what makes nursing or any profession the right one.

l.rae · Mar 5, 2003

you know, l just have to get out of bedside nursing...it really hit me today when l took my grandma to the dr....at 86 w/ spinal degen and pain.......then l think how cruel the nursing profession can be to the body, mind and spirit...when you are young, the challange makes it worth while, and the patients make it worthwhile, but....is it really worth breaking yourself with so little return?...sucky retirement, medicore pay....and we won't even discuss the respect issue......then there is the physical labor and stress....Greenspan's already talking about upping the retirement age.....l refuse to do this till l am 70....l don't think l could if l wanted to......l am not killing myself for a profession that gives so little back and takes your very spirit if you give it willingly....

sbic56, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2003

l refuse to do this till l am 70

Boy, do I hear you there, l.rae! I have seen many nurses who have stayed in the profession too long and it gets very sad. There are definite exceptions, but those who can keep up are in the minority. I think most of us should be ready to call it quits by age 60, tops.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 5, 2003

I'm sitting here trying not to cry from the pain in my back and leg. It's awful, but I know exactly how you all feel. The way I "left" was the worse possible scenario. I never had the chance to go in another direction. This is not the way it was supposed to be is it?

PsychoRN · Mar 5, 2003

I've been a RN for 20 years and that's enough. I am currently in school to become a CPA.