Seasoned RNs! Where did you find your passion?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a recent grad RN that has been working Med/Surg for roughly a month. Although, I do want to get as much experience as I can possibly get from the floor (possibly five years? or more?), I'm wondering how this will eventually pan out. I know that most people can only keep up with this pace for so long, especially when having 7 high-acuity patients. I was just wondering if some of you would like to share where you finally found your "place" as a nurse.

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Specializes in ED.

I think its through trial and error. You go through nursing school and think to yourself, wow I am going to be such and such when I get my liscence, and then you get in and find a totally different love and what you want to do. And even that changes over time. Just listen to yourself and the types of patients that leave you later on saying, yeah that was really satisfying. Then you'll get an idea.

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Try keeping a journal. Even just a few bullet points every night regarding the type of patient or disease process that you found interesting may help you find a direction. Med surg will give you an overview of most things.

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I found that after a while you let go of the fantasy of the "perfect job".

I never found my passion, but I suspect most people don't have a specific passion. The ones that do, know it right away or discover it quickly-and there is no holding them back. Where did this idea come from anyway that we were supposed to always love our job? It sets you up for some sky-high unrealistic expectations about work.

That said, I found a satisfying place for myself in ICU. My unit lets me take great care of the patient. Compared to running around taking mediocre care of 6 patients, I take better care of one or two. That satisfaction combined with responsive management, a great schedule for per diem staff, and wonderful coworkers have kept me in my unit for 14 years.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I found that after a while you let go of the fantasy of the "perfect job".

I never found my passion, but I suspect most people don't have a specific passion. The ones that do, know it right away or discover it quickly-and there is no holding them back. Where did this idea come from anyway that we were supposed to always love our job? It sets you up for some sky-high unrealistic expectations about work.

Oooh....THIS!!! :inlove:

I think being very open as a nurse has helped me have the ability to gain experience, knowledge and have flexibility in this profession.

I know it was directed towards RNs; but my first licensed years was as a LPN; and during this time, at least in my area, the hospital I thought that I was going to work at forever, was the first to stop hiring in patient LPNs. I got creative; I worked at a acute rehab that specialized in SCI and TBI and trauma; (trach/vent, wounds, flaps, amputees, etc.) Home Health Private Duty Pediatrics working with high-tech (that's what one of my agencies call the kiddos ;) ) children; most of my clients being trach/vents; Orthopedic Pediatric Surgeons/Pediatric Sports Medicine; wound care and home health visits, Medicare chart reviews, LTC and Extended pediatric facility (Medical day care).

I have been staff, float staff, agency, and Independent contractor, and in each experience, found some way to enjoy it...although Medicare chart reviews were something that wasn't for me.

As a "new" RN; I've stepped out of my comfort zone and I have become a supervisor in LTC/skilled (includes short stay) after a new grad program at a hospital; they do not have the best program; I tried it, not a good fit; until I get my RN experience ;) ; however, my previous experiences have shaped me to fit into my current position. :yes:

I have enjoyed the flexibility and always been objective and willing to go outside when the door was shut...windows opened and helped shape my practice. Working in these areas helped me understand that nursing is nursing, and allowed to see the nursing process in each of them; and to maximize my patients and my practice. I have at least another 25-30 years left in this business...I can be content in whatever path I take; each choice has given me a good experience.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Find your passions internally. Are you doing what you want to do? Good, keep doing it!

You aren't doing what you want? Then find something else to do.

Whatever you do, DON'T stay working at a job you hate because it provides good compensation, then complain incessantly to your coworkers about how much you hate it.

Thanks.

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