Does nursing change you into an angry person?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Specializes in Critical Care.

There's alot of things in this world that make me angry, injustice, cruelty, evil for example. I was warned not to go into nursing but pursued it anyway. I've been thru hell and back because of my decision to become a nurse and don't recommend it to others. If I had known all I would go thru I would never have done it and I even sometimes still wonder how I manage to remain a nurse day in, day out. But the worst of it happened when I was still a new nurse, insecure, learning the ropes, just wanting to do a good job and get along with everyone. I was harassed and bullied and put thru hell when I was a new nurse and I felt so helpless because I couldn't get them to stop harassing me. My hands were tied, its not like I could have turned around and slugged them and if it wasn't work I would have done just that. On top of that, I was dealing with intense crippling performance anxiety always afraid of making a mistake and someone dying. Obviously I survived and got over my anxiety and the bullies eventually drifted away and out of my life! But I'm not the same person I was, I have become hardened and distance myself from work and coworkers. I speak my mind and I can't imagine anyone ever daring to harass me again! They wouldn't stand a chance! I've learned to keep my distance with coworkers and to not care if they don't like me or I'm not the popular one. Being able to work 12 hour shifts has really helped me cope and keep working. You can go a month without seeing someone, cliques don't matter, because you're barely there! Politics and condescending stepford nurse mentality of administration is easier to let it roll off your back when you're only there 3 days a week! Sometimes I have some real sweet special patients that renew my spirit and encourage me to continue as a nurse.

If I had been smart I would have become a nurse practioner years ago and saved my body all the wear and tear and the endless alarms and micromanagement that is nursing today! I still don't recommend nursing if you want to be happy and healthy in body, mind and spirit. It's almost guaranteed you will end up injured or in chronic pain from nursing and the stress of constant alarms, and working like you're on an assembly line will do havoc to your physical and emotional health! Stress kills! Nursing pays a living wage, but other than that the negatives outway the positives!

And if you become injured you will be treated like a liar or drug seeker and when your body starts to break down you will end up poor realizing that the insurance hospitals and nursing homes provide is downright insulting and crappy! Expect to pay THOUSANDS out of pocket every year!

But no matter now many people are warned they will still go ahead and become nurses and if they are not lucky will end up miserable and burnt out in chronic pain and finds themselves trapped because the bills have to be paid and trying to get a different job requires time and money! The cost of college is insane!

What's wrong with helping people by volunteering at a nursing home for instance. You don't have to become a nurse because you want to help people! Doctors don't fare much better than nurses, they too are overworked and stressed out and running on the treadmill, the only difference is they are not subjected to wear and tear of the body and the alarms that is bedside nursing!

And for every complaint on this board, someone will go on about all the opportunities in nursing, blah, blah, blah. Well lets face it there is not enough good dream nursing jobs out there! And if you're one of the lucky few with such a job you definitely don't want to let others know or they'll be fighting to get your great job for themselves!

MaybeaNurse7

18 Posts

gave me chill bumps just reading that. Thanks

LisaLPN7

76 Posts

I don't think I'm angry or hateful. I'll admit I have a very low BS tolerance, and I don't like patients (of any age) who play games and waste my time. But I can remember hundreds of patients who have made me feel as if I've accomplished something over the years. I'm grateful for the experiences I've had, and I enjoy being a nurse. I know that I've mattered. Even if I've done nothing more than given a pain medication, wiped a brow (or butt), or held someone's hand while they died.

stellaj89

2 Posts

I graduated nursing school a little over a year ago....and I think there are days where you can definitely get frustrated...but most the time I feel happy to be a nurse. Every once in a while you will get that one patient who makes you realize why you chose your profession. They will tell you how much it means to them to have a nice like you taking care of them and anytime you can make that poor sick person smile you will feel like a great person and an awesome nurse!!

CrissiQ

54 Posts

Specializes in geri,acute,subacute,correctional,pysch,.

Well, I can only give you my thoughts...

I also came from little and worked my way up. Started as a bedmaker (not sure they even have them anymore), then a CNA , to an LPN , onto an (ASN) RN, now a (BSN) RN looking into and masters program to become an APRN. A whole lot of experience was gained along the one. The advise I can give is YES, nursing will make you angry, sorrowful, ashamed, confused and sometimes even hateful. However, it is capable of giving you the most joy, happiness, satisfaction and fill you with wonder about life and the human spirit. Some days you will be proud, and some days you will be humbled. That will depend on you. You will need a support system of good understanding friends and family. Or like me, you will hopefully, find them along your journey. If you can hear the calling you are obligated to answer...Asking these questions, in particular, has the makings of a good nurse already!

God bless and Good luck

kcmartin97

6 Posts

I agree LTC is tough to do, but after being a nurse for about 20 yrs, I am not bitter or and angry person, but it is like any other job you have good days and bad days!

springsong

16 Posts

Specializes in ICU.

I like yourcareer plan. I believe that in our profession we have to move up instead ofgetting stagnant in one level of profession. That is why it is crucial toalways make a plan about our career. We have to make a short term and long termgoal. Planning for one's career is crucial so you will know how you progress.Many professional gets stock in one position because of lack of careerplanning. I consider nursing to be a humble position. To love your profession,you have to be passionate about it and like it. Nursing is a very challengingcareer and it requires patience to be around with high stress environment. I don'tbelieve that nurses area hateful people. If you observe bullying in the workplacethat is part of nursing or maybe that the staffs are burned-out.

multi10

180 Posts

Does nursing change you into an angry person? No. Nursing made me a happy person. It depends upon where you work and your colleagues. My first med-surg job after my BSN graduation was horrible. I had committed to a year, and the day after the year anniversary, I quit. I went to a nursing agency and started working the next day. I worked ICU/CCU/SICU for the next 8 years in various hospitals. I learned so much and was fortunate enough to love my job. But I didn't work for the hospitals- I worked for the agency.

It was great. I made my own hours, the pay was fantastic and, the most important thing, I usually stayed at each hospital for at least six (6) months, sometimes 3 years. I was part of brilliant teams of physicians and nurses (I almost always worked in teaching hospitals). I loved going to work because every day was a learning experience. I helped save lives every day.

Now, one time I did get angry. Through the agency I worked on a psych ward for a week with the same patient. I had established trust with him, but I was walking him and he suddenly put his hands around my neck and tried to strangle me.

gonzo1, ASN, RN

1,739 Posts

Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

I've been a nurse for ten years. I still love it. It can be very hard, but it is very rewarding. You will meet all kinds.

BBarton

11 Posts

Agree with HS20/20RN!! That's my mission;)

Honestly, being a nurse has made me a better listener, made me sharper mentally, made me happy emotionally as I realize how lucky I am not to have those problems, and gives me fulfillment. This profession is my everything and I went in it for all the right reasons. I absolutely love being a nurse and even my patients say that I deliver such amazing care and they always compliment me to management If you love what you do, it will show. I appreciate everything my profession has done for me and I enjoy being there for people in times of needs. Don't get me wrong, there are days I get frustrated but I don't let it get to me.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B

9 Articles; 4,800 Posts

Nothing can make you an angry, bitter person without your consent, a nurse or not.

Nursing has made me perhaps be a "you can't tell me anything I haven't heard before" kind of a person, but that is good or bad depending on the circumstamces.

It is frustrating at times for those of us who have been nurses for a bit to balance caring for patients, and the goals and objectives of the actual facilitiy's business. Depending on the facility, that could seemingly take precedence over patients.

You can only do what you do in your own practice. As you advance in your career, you can only try to make the atmosphere on your unit as positive as you can.

In my opinion, it is people who start at the begining that can make real changes and good working conditions when all is said and done.

Best of luck in your endevours.

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