Sometimes I actually curse my decision to ever become a nurse. Does it ever get better? I work in a crazy-busy telemetry unit with old, sick, obese, demented, indigent patients and I am so tired of taking care of people who don't take responsibility for themselves, who are lazy and disgusting and yell at me for things that aren't my fault. I get little respect from doctors who, when they're not coming on to me, are yelling at me or talking to me like I'm stupid. There was one doctor who actually grabbed my ass. I get no respect from my family who joke and ask me "how many diapers did you change today?" and think it's funny. I'm sick of overbearing family members who have little understanding that other patients exist, managers who push their clipboards and paperwork but don't have to guts to be on the front lines, gossipy coworkers who think my business should be their business. I take great pleasure from helping the legitimately sick patients who NEED help and are appreciative, not the ones who think they can boss me around and think they can call the charge nurse/***** to the manager when they don't get their way when I'm doing EVERYTHING I can to help them. If I could go back in time, I would choose a different field. I hate this so much. I had an emotional breakdown a few months ago where my personal life was suffering too and I was cursing that I even woke up in the morning anymore. Did nursing always be like this, should I stick it out, or jump ship and be a nutritionist like I always wanted. The only thing I like about my job is the paycheck, and it's a MEAGER one at that! Does anyone feel my pain? I just want to find JOY again.
