I HATE nursing! (long)

[InfoNurse1595]

I really really really need some nurses' advice. So I've realized something about myself lately...I hate nursing. I think I always knew this in college, but I guess I thought things would get better when I was actually NURSING and making money in return....well its been two years as a nurse and nothing has changed. I think the major problem is my anxiety, I'm just one big ball of anxiety the minute I hit those hospital doors....and its taken a major toll on my mental health. I hate patient care and the bedside...and it has nothing to do with the way my unit is run....its a perfect unit with lots of support....I just can't get away from the fact that I hate taking care of people and just the normal stress of the job!!! I am so desperate to get out of this field, but I feel so trapped, and I'm also saddened about the concept of throwing my 4 year nursing degree away. I've recently decided the best thing to do right now is get my master's degree in Informatics, that way I can take a non-bedside-nursing positon....but this still leaves me with having to work for two or more years as I attend a part-time program. The thought of this scares me! I can't imagine two more years like this! I am really at my wits end, it seems like every idea I have to get out has a problem that I can't get passed. I am willing to take a major pay cut (and barely scrape by paying for rent, etc) and work in a office or telephonic nursing setting, but that leaves me with either 1. working 8-5 M-F, therefore no time to take night classes for informatics or 2. not enough experience to get these telephonic nursing positions! The only thing that is keeping my at my current job is the flexibility that is available for me to attend grad school this fall, and the fact that they will pay a good portion of my schooling....other than that I'm miserable with everything about it! I feel so mentally drained, the anxiety has totally killed me. I show up so early to work, and I'm freaking out the whole time I'm there...I hate this and I'm about to go crazy!!! (if I'm not already there yet!) I'm about to give up my dreams of getting my master's degree and settle for some type of office job that doesn't pay nearly as much as I am making now, but at least I'll have my sanity. I guess I am asking for some suggestions...what type of jobs are out there, I swear I think I've looked everywhere but two years doesn't seem to be enough experience. I currently making about $55,000 a year....I'm willing to take a 10,000 pay cut for any job that does NOT involve patient care. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

[nurse_ange1]

I'm sorry you are to this point in your life. There is nothing wrong with knowing you don't enjoy bedside care or are not well suited to it. I agree with the other nurses, that something away from the bedside may be better suited for you. I've done some work in nursing research and there are many areas there as well... from all paper/computer too some patient contact/interviewing. With a bsn you have likely had research courses already, so you may be qualified to start with a hospital or other organization in research.

I also think you need to talk to someone about your anxietyand consider antianxiety/antidepressants. We aren't doctors, and cannot diagnose but it might be worth thinking about. They won't fix everything, but they may help clear some of the fog so you can focus on learning how to be you again...the you that enjoys your job and isn't filled with such high anxiety. Keep us updates. Best of luck.

:icon_hug:

[leslie :-D]

Hi - I've read through this long thread. Here's a question I pose to all of you.

Is it safe to practice while taking an anti-anxiety med? Which med do you take? I have suffered from anxiety so severe that not only do I have panic attacks I also have developed an ulcer. I avoid taking anti-anxiety meds at work because I fear that it is wrong somehow. I have a Rx for Xanax. Is there something else that would level me out rather than keep me constantly worried that taking xanax is wrong while caring for patients? Help me out here. My doctor is very open to suggestion, but because of my anxiety levels he's actually told me to quit nursing altogether, and that was before I ever graduated. I love nursing. I just need to have less anxiety in it! HELP!!

there are anti-depressants, specifically the ssri's, that have notable antianxiety agents and have been successful for many, including myself. perhaps some therapy would also be beneficial. anxiety can be paralyzing but being addicted to benzos are no picnic either. much luck in whatever path you choose.

leslie

[SaderNurse05, BSN, RN]

I have been dealing with anxiety/depression issues for 25 years. Currently I am on Paxil which has been a true blessing. I just want to say to everyone that as far as I am concerned there is no difference in taking a beta blocker for high blood pressure, insulin for diabetes, or Paxil for anxiety. I spent years ashamed of myself because my mind did not seem to work like everyone elses. Instead of being bummed out, worried about what someone like Tom Cruise thinks, I make it work for me. Seriously, the first time I heard the term "brainstorming" my first reaction was, dang, that's how I think:lol2:

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I work in clinical research. Many of the clinical research associates are RNs. They go out to research sites and monitor the research subject information and assist the project manager back in-house with running the trial. I work for a CRO (Clinical Research Organization), not a drug company. We are contracted by the pharmaceutical company itself, but are our own entity.

The monitors make about $50K a year. A friend of mine, with no experience and just a BS (not a BSN) was just promoted to CRA I and makes $45K. My friend, who is an oncology RN and a CRA II, makes $61K a year.

Go to http://www.monitorforhire.com. You do have to travel, but you have NOTHING to do with patient care. And you're not a drug rep.

[MelodyRNurse]

oooops

[AfloydRN, BSN, RN]

I just think you haven't found your " home" yet. Talk w/ a nurse recruiter and see what options you have. Maybe you would do better say in CVL where it's one patient at a time. Or maybe peds? Clinic work? Nurse educator? You have alot of options.

[Moose33]

I usually dont post but figured I'd chime in.

I have been an R.N. for 11 years...no disrespect to the patients but I have hated it since the first moment I stepped on the floor for clinical.

I should have ran then but it is hard when you go from being a waiter to making 50 grand.

The reason I am posting is cause of the anxiety you mention, I also have anxiety. I saw a Dr. and he agrees that work is my primary source of anxiety and I should switch.

The best way to explain it is as soon as I finish report my stomach drops and I feel trapped.

I wish I had some good advice but I am stuck in the same boat. Everyone I know is sick of me talking about how much I hate nursing.

I have finally decided that if I have to take a pay cut I will...I am not going to work in a job I cant stand for another 25-30 years.

You are not alone. Good luck.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Thread note: OP started thread in 2005, has not posted since 7/05.

[Ann RN]

Hey Tirednurse, you need to realize there is more to nursing than the hospital. I don't particularly like patient care myself, and am working on finding something better, but right now I enjoy a lush job taking care of an elderly couple at night from 7pm to 7am. I can hardly call it taking care of them. They go to bed about 6pm and sleep all night. I watch tv a few hours, go to bed about 10:30 and get up about 5:30 or so, make their coffee and basically just keep them company until the day nurse gets there. This job is a dream come true for me right now and I am making $52,000/yr.

Why can't you look into something like that?

Can I have your job?! LOL

[bluesky, BSN, RN]

Hey Tirednurse, you need to realize there is more to nursing than the hospital. I don't particularly like patient care myself, and am working on finding something better, but right now I enjoy a lush job taking care of an elderly couple at night from 7pm to 7am. I can hardly call it taking care of them. They go to bed about 6pm and sleep all night. I watch tv a few hours, go to bed about 10:30 and get up about 5:30 or so, make their coffee and basically just keep them company until the day nurse gets there. This job is a dream come true for me right now and I am making $52,000/yr.

Why can't you look into something like that?

Wow. Talk about a dream come true. How'd you find that job? Do you like the people you take care of? What if one of them goes down at 03:30 A.M, are you responsible?

[Ann RN]

Hi! Have you ever thought about becoming a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) :) ? I've been looking into it myself lately! The pay is awesome too. Check out a website... www.LegalNurse.com w/ the Vickie Melazzo institute. They'll send you a neat packate telling you about it! :) Just a suggestion :) .

This is a GREAT idea!:w00t:

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

I could have written your post myself, honest, and it is comforting to know I am not alone!!!! although, I am sorry for anybody who feels this way, because it is torture. I look around at all the nurses, just doing their job, going about their day, like nothing, and me, I am a nervous wreck half the time with the other half of the time spent hating that I was there. I get sick all the tiime, leave jobs etc.... I recently went to the OR, thinking it would be very different..... NOT.I am on loa from that position , (stress) and looking fiercely for a non nursing - nursing position.they are scarce, but do exist.... and I too am willing to take a pay cut..I curse the day I went to nursing school.I kept wishing it would get better....and by the way... 2 years ? that (at least around here) is plenty of experience......

pm me anytime.I know what your going through.........