I'm quitting nursing

Nurses General Nursing

Published

After losing my chosen job in Plastics because my ward got shut down and trying other surgical posts I got a relevation of sorts last night.

I was emptying a bedpan at the time and the thought struck me that why the hell do I need a degree to deal with ****?.

I have had enough of this poorly-paid dirty job. I'm fed up with rude and nasty patients and I cannot stand whining relatives. I'm fed up with sub-standard nursing care because of cost restrictions.

I'm basically disenchanted with nursing. I want out.

Maybe she just needed to vent GardenDove.

Probably so. It's just that I've noticed several dramatic "I'm leaving nursing forever" threads since I've been here.

I've posted on some other forums before, and I notice that people do do these melodramitc exits. One site was a religious one and people are unkind on religious sites, and people would say that they were leaving forever because of mean posts and such. Then they'd be back in a week with a dramatic "I'm back" thread.

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I think it is a good stragedy to step away from nursing when you feel this way. Keep your license and if you feel ready or want to, go back.I think most nurses need to have an extended break every so many years, it likens to "rest and recuperation" leave, in the military when in the battle zone. From one battle weary nurse to another, life can be sweet again.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

As always, if a thread is not to your liking, exercise your right to ignore and pass it by. That is usually the best option.

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Specializes in Prevention and alternative care.

Re: "I'm fed up with rude and nasty patients and I cannot stand whining relatives."

I don't think we need to accept abusive behavior. Are these same patients rude and nasty to their doctors? We can't personalize those behaviors, and we can be kind, compassionate and assertive re appropriate communication. Ask someone wiser who you respect how to respond to that. Or maybe management could do some training in this area. Abuse wears anybody down, but that's shouldn't be your excuse to move out of nursing.

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Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.

MVH119,

Good luck to you. I hope you find something more enjoyable.

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Probably so. It's just that I've noticed several dramatic "I'm leaving nursing forever" threads since I've been here.

Well ... the fact is ... we have half a million licensed RN's in this country who aren't working anymore. So, apparently, a lot of them are leaving and they are not alone.

:typing

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i've been working at this for 6 months, in both long term care and in med surge.

on the issue of money, i make at least $2000 a week, so i don't feel poorly paid.

when it comes to the lack of nurses aides in med surge, yes, it's a disaster. you've got a zillion things to do and unfortunately, the need to toilet a patient has the highest priority. higher than the skilled work you've got to do. the stress level is off the charts, and patients are often idiots who create their own health problems. the hospitals are full of drug seekers who think they're in a hotel. the relatives show their concern (guilt) by being sure to bust your chops every chance they get. everyone expects private duty nursing, though they sure don't want to pay for it.

i'll be honest in saying that i also can't wait to get off the floor. for me, an rn is a quick stepping stone to an mba and a management career. it has given me firsthand knowledge of the battle nurses face on the floor, and i've got to conceed that it's a miserable job with a tremendous burnout factor.

best of luck to anyone leaving this profession :). i understand the nursing shortage like never before.

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What interests me is why anyone thinks nursing holds the moral high ground,

Why would it? It is just a job. A dirty one at that.

It does not give you moral superiority for liking it.

I nursed for 12 years.

No one mentioned this but you. Are you going through an inner struggle over wanting to leave? No criticism here, just an observation that you defended yourself where no accusation was made.

Nursing IS a job and some enjoy it more than others. Some have more user-friendly positions and facilities than others. Some have more leeway to take a break than others. There are many reasons for reaching a breaking point and only you know when you can no longer go on.

By all means, if you have lost the desire to continue, please do not force yourself to do a job you hate. Everyone will suffer in the long run. And I think you are wise, as well, to shy away from teaching. You probably would not be able to disguise your negative feelings.

Seems like a good idea to keep your license current so you don't burn any bridges. I was out of nursing for a while--needed a break on many levels--but decided to return in a completely different specialty area. I'm glad I still had the option.

What ever road you choose to travel, take the time to heal. Maybe get some aptitude testing (available free or at nominal cost at career centers and community colleges) and cast your net wide. You may be surprised at the directions you find yourself pursuing.

Don't listen to anyone who wants to dump moral indignation on you. Walking away from nursing isn't like leaving the priesthood. You don't need a special dispensation to call it quits.

I wish you the best in figuring out what to do next.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

I can so understand your frustration and perhaps it is time for a change,... I found myself in my NM office two weeks ago in tears, saying I was never coming back,."I just don't want to do this anymore!"

...of course after her "don't burn any bridges" speech and 6 hours of much needed sleep,.I did go back,.but I also started faxing job applications,

..it's time for new faces, new learning experiences, a new perspective,..I've been w/this hospital for almost 10 years, I hate to leave,.next week I will be transfering from a telemetry floor to the ED,..yes, I have wondered if I'm not jumping from the frying pan into the fire,...but it's time for a change,..

Still after all these years, all those bedpans, cranky pt's, ungrateful family members, I still remember why I became a nurse in the first place, to help people,..when one sweet little old lady thanks me for the warm blanket and says "you are an angel,..God has a special place in heaven waiting for you",.it's makes all the poop in the world worth it!!

God Bless You

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do!!!

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Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.
i'm not going to suggest you do anything or give you any advice. a time of reflection in our lives can be cathartic.

i agree with this too.

mvh119, is there any way you can take a vacation? when i hated my job after graduation i went away for the weekend before i started my new job. it helped me relax and start fresh.

perhaps some time away would help you clear your head and allow you to form a plan.

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Well ... the fact is ... we have half a million licensed RN's in this country who aren't working anymore. So, apparently, a lot of them are leaving and they are not alone.

:typing

So true.

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Specializes in Government.

OP...please take care of you in that you take full advantage of your nursing background. Too many of my cohorts chucked it all only to find that they couldn't make a fraction of their salary outside of nursing. There are some wonderful and challenging roles in nursing that do not require hands on care. Make your education and license work for you.

Sometimes you need some patience to root out community health or public health jobs. And sometimes they pay a bit less. They still often provide a decent enough income compared to most other options in my area.

Best wishes to you.

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