Why did I go into nursing?

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2013

I felt that way, too, so I have been taking jobs in case management. You usually have to have a few years of some type of clinical work first, though. A lot of insurance companies hire case managers if you don't want to work in a hospital.

whydididothis? · Jan 7, 2013

Thanks for your reply mtngrl.

So did you just fortunately stumble upon the case management jobs? I have a year experience in a non-hospital job but one year doesn't seem to be enough.

Orion81RN · Jan 7, 2013

Hi there. Sorry to hear you feel this way. Do you suffer from anxiety? I do, and its so bad (severe panic attacks with vomiting and all) that I see a psychiatrist. Me personally, I'm on xanax for it. I'm NOT giving medical advice. But if you do suffer from anxiety, then a therapist or psychiatrist could help greatly. Its not just for "crazy" people, but for people like nurses who could learn better coping skills. Wish you all the luck in the world :)

whydididothis? · Jan 7, 2013

Hi there. Sorry to hear you feel this way. Do you suffer from anxiety? I do and its so bad (severe panic attacks with vomiting and all) that I see a psychiatrist. Me personally, I'm on xanax for it. I'm NOT giving medical advice. But if you do suffer from anxiety, then a therapist or psychiatrist could help greatly. Its not just for "crazy" people, but for people like nurses who could learn better coping skills. Wish you all the luck in the world :)[/quote']
Thanks and yes I do suffer from anxiety. I was learning to manage it but that all went down the drain when I started nursing. Thanks for the advice.

surgnurse450 · Jan 9, 2013

How long have you been in nursing? I was the same way as a student, I would feel nauseated the morning before my placements, wouldn't sleep the night before, was too afraid to approach the other nurses. It was awful. I've only been nursing 6 months now but I am at least 80% more comfortable. I still get nervous administering serious medications or dealing with unfamiliar diagnoses but that's to be expected - I can't imagine any novice nurse feels totally confident. I find I just have to psych myself up - remind myself I can do it. I also think doing your research and knowing your stuff adds to the confidence so I read up on my textbooks here and there (just highlights, I don't make a habit of studying on my nights off). I have some anxiety issues and I still get very nervous with new situations and new people but I try not to let it control my life. Give yourself a chance to try a few different areas of nursing, I am sure you will find one you like :)

surgnurse450 · Jan 9, 2013

You should look into nurse educator jobs such as running diabetes clinics or being the stroke resource nurse.. I know some fairly novice nurses in these roles. I'd say public health but that's impossible to get a job in these days.

whydididothis? · Jan 10, 2013

That's what so frustrating. I've been in for a year. It's just not getting better. I hope you are right about finding one I like!

And good luck to you with your anxiety. If it's already better after 6 months, you'll be just fine!

whydididothis? · Jan 10, 2013

@ surgnurse450. You know new nurses in these roles? I can't find any that don't require more experience.

MeekaNichole · Jan 10, 2013

I would also suggest becoming a nurse educator. /: hope it gets better for you..

-Sent from my iPhone

Wave Watcher · Jan 11, 2013

50% of nurses self medicate.....the other 50% would never admit they do. Crazy and stressful profession. It is it's own beast and not many can tame it! Hang in there!

whydididothis? · Jan 11, 2013

Wave Watcher..thank you so much for that! I feel like I am losing my mind over this. Means a lot to know that I am not alone.