RN vs. Psychologist

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2004

LPNtoRN: You make a great point. I'm the primary wage earner in my house. I really want to hurl every time I hear someone say "follow your bliss" or some such. I happen to really like my current RN job but it is very low stress. And I can't afford to just go off and become a professional knitter, much as that might be really sweet.

In fact, everyone I know who runs a yarn shop has a wealthy husband who bankrolls the whole thing. Most don't even break even. I'm sure many people told these women "hey, follow your dream". Which should be followed by "as long as there is a fat wallet nearby!".

CHATSDALE · Oct 14, 2004

burnout == too many nurses ae trying to pay off school loans...have chirldren with mulitple needs/wants ..houses and cars to pay for..and..that telephone rings with 'can you possibly come in we need you so' yo stop and think about the visa bill and the ac unit is acting up again and you say 'you betcha, i'll be right there..when the body/brain finally can't take anymore we find fault with familiy, co=workers..bosses and pts..it is a no win situation nurses are as a group workacolics and there is always plenty of work ot do no much actually

missmercy · Oct 14, 2004

Hey guys! Guess what?! I too am the primary income at our home -- in fact the ONLY income at this time. Sure, there are days when I would love to live in the woods too-- but since this is where the groceries come from -- here I stay. However, just because there are days when I would rather work somewhere else..... OVER ALL, nursing IS the only job that I would choose -- I have always wanted to be involved in nursing in some way or another -- there are SO many different ways to practice nursing... I really do love being a nurse. And, not everybody makes a good nurse -- I don't know if that is your case or not -- but if it's not in you, it's not in you.

So, yeah, life is tough! You do have to do difficult things in life, but if you CAN choose something that brings you a measure of satisfaction and/or some fulfillment -- WHY NOT!?! I am not beating you up for looking for a job that pays well, nor do I feel that rate of pay and benefits should not be a consideration -- NOT EVEN CLOSE!! However, looking for a job where you can make the big bucks and "sit all day"?! Sorry, but that just doesn't fit with any area of nursing that I have ever worked in!

So feel free to laugh at my idealistic, Pollyannaish outlook on working. It works for me. If you don't agree -- that's fine.

missmercy · Oct 14, 2004

I know a doctor who is working himself to death with heavy patient loads not because he is living some self-actualization fantasy where he is feeding some kind of calling from the lord and is interested in people ...

But there ARE folks out there that DO work themselves to death because they feel that that is their calling from the Lord and because they are interested in people -- and no, they are NOT all rich -- some of the ones I know are living in homes with dirt floors in a jungle-- taking care of aids patients, or living in a remote corner of Russia -- taking care of children orphaned by aids. They are not getting rich doing it, but they ARE doing a wonderful thing and are willing to live without some things to do what they believe they are called to do. That doesn't make them liars or crazy or mean they are living out some sadistic "fantasy"-- they are just living under different standards and I respect their right to do that. I'll tell you what, the people they are caring for are sure glad that they are there!!

......but because he wants to make his money and retire early.

More power to him! Hope that he can do so -- I respect his right to do that too!

Jo Dirt · Oct 14, 2004

So feel free to laugh at my idealistic, Pollyannaish outlook on working. It works for me. If you don't agree -- that's fine.

Ha ha ha, hahahahaha, ha ha ha...

missmercy · Oct 14, 2004

To be honest, I REALLY do hope that you can find a job that will pay well, that you will and that will give you some measure of contentment in it!! I wish you all the best in your search! I am sorry that things have been rough for you so far and hope that it gets better from here on out. I am sorry if I have come across as judgemental -- haven't intended to -- was just being honest -- seems to me like encouraging someone to find a job they can love doing is not something that needs to be put down --

Good luck in your job hunt -- congrats on your scholastic achievements -- you have made great strides, keep up the good work:)

HOPE2BNP · Oct 14, 2004

You make a great point. following your bliss can lead you right into trouble. I followed mine, and now I have an Masters Degree and a totally lousy temp job that I am about to lose. I am now hoping to enter an Entry Level RN-NP program. I would be lying if I said my motivations were purely that of interest. I picked it because I thought it combined fulfilment with some practical needs like pay and time with my family. I think it will do that. I really think I will like it, but will it be my bliss? Will I wake up every morning exclaiming how much I love my job? Probably not. Maybe you should think about that as you consider your next career move. What has the potential to make you happy at work without forcing you to completely sacrifice the rest or your life?

LPNtoRN: You make a great point. I'm the primary wage earner in my house. I really want to hurl every time I hear someone say "follow your bliss" or some such. I happen to really like my current RN job but it is very low stress. And I can't afford to just go off and become a professional knitter, much as that might be really sweet.
In fact, everyone I know who runs a yarn shop has a wealthy husband who bankrolls the whole thing. Most don't even break even. I'm sure many people told these women "hey, follow your dream". Which should be followed by "as long as there is a fat wallet nearby!".

missmercy · Oct 14, 2004

" What do you feel rewarded doing? Look at your hobbies, your beliefs system, prioritize what is more important to you and then choose. Choosing a profession on the merits of paycheck alone can turn your choice into a JOB "

I am not referring to blissfull existence -- but how about finding a job that corresponds to your skills, your talents, or your philosophies rather than looking at how little you can do to get the most money?! Just seems to me that that requires more faith than it takes to find a job in which you can find some contentment and or satisfaction. No job will ALWAYS ensure "bliss" -- even the best of fits will be less then perfect. However, I do think it is unreasonable to trash the idea of looking into finding something that you can enjoy doing, that fits in with your life schedule somewhat and doesn't constantly conflict with your values or beliefs as well as bringing in an amount that will meet the needs of your family.

:rolleyes: You guys are either messin' with my mind or were raised differently than I was and I am just not familiar with where you are coming from....

Jo Dirt · Oct 14, 2004

LPNtoRN: You make a great point. I'm the primary wage earner in my house. I really want to hurl every time I hear someone say "follow your bliss" or some such. I happen to really like my current RN job but it is very low stress. And I can't afford to just go off and become a professional knitter, much as that might be really sweet.
In fact, everyone I know who runs a yarn shop has a wealthy husband who bankrolls the whole thing. Most don't even break even. I'm sure many people told these women "hey, follow your dream". Which should be followed by "as long as there is a fat wallet nearby!".

That's kind of like people who say....there is something out there you can do better than *anybody* else, you just have to find your niche... :uhoh3:

I've noticed too, on Home & Garden or Lifetime, for example, when they feauture women who have turn a hobby or a passion into some kind of home business where they finally feel ''fulfilled'' after following their hearts that these women live in these Home and Garden look-alike houses and you are saying to yourself, gosh, she has really accomplished something and the viewers are introduced to the husband and then it all falls into place.

Yes, I did see a woman who had sheep and spun her own wool and sold it to customers who came to her bed and breakfast...la la la...of course, her husband was second handedly introduced (after all, this was *her* business) and you knew where the funding came for so she could live her fantasy. Sure, it is good if you have the funds to live a fantasy but I get really turned off when they show these women in these expensive homes as independent and successful business women when the truth is if they weren't married to someone who could fund their fantasy we wouldn't be watching how successful they are on tv.

Maybe when they have a Better Homes and Projects show or magazine some of the rest of us can have a chance to show our life accomplishments. :uhoh3:

boulergirl, CNA · Oct 15, 2004

Ya know, if I COULD "follow my bliss", I'd be sitting in bed all day poring over old issues of Victoria magazine and watching episodes of "Chef"! But, I have this pesky little thing called BILLS.

I guess there are two ways to approach the harsh realities of life--especially when you're single and have only yourself to rely on for income:

1.) Allow life to make you cynical and miserable. Become a victim of your circumstances and let everyone know about it. I've been using this approach for the last four years and the only outcome? I've just spent four years of my life stuck in a rut. If Dr. Phil asked me, "How's that workin' for ya?" Umm...welll...:stone

Or...

2.) Find a way to go after what you want even if it means change, sacrifice, or approaching your dream differently. Lately I've been looking for ways to enjoy life outside of my job (without spending too much money). I'm still stuck in a job I don't care for, that doesn't pay worth crap, but it bothers me less. (I'll get out of there eventually, but I'm learning that there's no easy way out. I live paycheck to paycheck, so I can't just quit. My parents have suggested to me that a move might be the jumpstart I need. Who knows?

My mother has a hobby she absolutely loves. She rubberstamps and makes greeting cards, using different techniques and papers. She's very good at it, and this is her outlet for her artistic abilities. However, she is also a wife and stay-at-mom and her family takes priority. Although Dad makes a good income, Mom is always looking for ways to save money so the family can live comfortably and there's still money for Mom and Dad's hobbies. She's VERY frugal. The word "victim" is not in my mom's vocabulary. She has reminded me more than once that "your feet are NOT nailed to the floor". I'm just beginning to grasp that concept.

Sorry so lengthy, just wanted to give my thoughts on the whole thing. LPNtoRN, look at both career options with eyes wide open. No matter what career you choose, it won't be all fun and games, but the right one will fulfill you enough to make it worth the crap-ola you have to deal with (and every job has its share of crap). Okay, time to get off my soapbox now... :rolleyes:

Jo Dirt · Oct 16, 2004

You sound like you came straight off the Dave Ramsey Show...I like Dave, though, so that's a good thing! :)

boulergirl, CNA · Oct 16, 2004

You sound like you came straight off the Dave Ramsey Show...I like Dave, though, so that's a good thing! :)

Oh boy, sounds like my parents have indoctrinated me well!! :rotfl:

They are Dave Ramsey FREAKS, especially my mom. She likes folks who "tell it like it is" so Dave's style clicks with her. My parents sent me some CD's of his show in the hopes that I'll gain some enlightenment. Apparently it's working! LOL