I don't think Nursing is for me

Psychcns · Nov 17, 2014

For now, keep doing it. Try to find regular work. consider going back to school for nursing or something else. Keep looking around. LPN programs are hard. And you got your license. You have options.

caliotter3 · Nov 17, 2014

When you come up with the alternative career, make the move. Until then, continue to earn your living with the job credentials you currently possess. When you move on, keep your nursing license in an inactive status, because you never know what the future may bring. Good luck.

sjalv · Nov 17, 2014

Why don't you try working in a clinic? In my experience, they are much less hectic than nursing homes, the work is more consistent, and the hours are great.

wanderlust99 · Nov 17, 2014

The good thing is you are only 19! And already an LPN? I think that's a great accomplishment. But you are too young to be stuck in a dead end job if it's not your passion. Is it feasible for you to travel or take some classes in something else that may interested you?

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 17, 2014

I would go to your local college, and speak to the guidance counselor. It is awesome that you did well in your LPN, and that you have a job at 19.

Now is the time to start thinking about where to go from here.

It may be a BSN, then a masters in something complimentary (social work, for instance)

Just throwing it out there, but maybe teaching the CNA course at the school where you received yours?

Speak to the academic advisor. Look at all of your options. See what drives you, interests you.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2014

But now that I am working in the field, I feel my passion has severely dwindled.

I know my comment might not be politically correct, but only a small number of people feel so much passion toward their careers that they wouldn't do anything else if given the right chance. The majority of employees do not feel passion toward their jobs and livelihoods. It is a means to an end.

the drive isn't there, I really don't know where it went to be honest but I'm not happy. I have no desire to continue my career in nursing.. But I also don't know what in the hell else I would do as far as a profession... I'm stuck.

I have previously mentioned that feeling passionate toward one's job seems to follow a normal distribution akin to a bell curve. About 20 percent of people at the right of the bell curve truly love their jobs with a burning passion and wouldn't do anything else, while another 20 percent at the left of that same curve hate their jobs.

The 60 percent of folks in the middle of the bell curve don't necessarily love or hate their jobs, but they exist neutrally. These people would do something else if a great opportunity came along at the right time in their lives.

Before throwing in the towel altogether, you may want to change the scenery by seeking jobs in clinics, group homes, blood banks, psychiatric facilities, or ambulatory surgical centers. In addition, be mindful that no job will ever be perfect. Finding a passion outside the workplace can sometimes mitigate the lack of passion we feel toward the job. Work/life balance is crucial. Good luck to you!

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Nov 17, 2014

I felt the same way you did. I worked in LTC & PDN & hated it. I worked in corrections & it finally clicked! The great thing about being a nurse is we have so many options. Go online or look in your newspaper to see what jobs are available to you. You also have the option to bridge to RN.

Don't give up now!

Mulan · Nov 17, 2014

I think ultrasound tech or something similar would be a good choice.

They only work with one patient at a time.

They are not trying to take care of 5 or more people at a time, trying to do the work of 2 people, being overwhelmed.

It's a clean job for the most part.

They don't have all the responsibility and liability of a nurse.

Research other fields, find one that you know you'll be able to find employment in.

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · Nov 18, 2014

I wonder if something else is going on. Maybe you have depression, maybe seek some counseling. Certainly couldn't hurt.

Low drive, feeling stuck, lack of interest...those things, not just "not liking work all that much", point to possible depression.

Caitlin023 · Nov 22, 2014

Maybe you're experiencing burnout? I know plenty of nurses that dislike working in homes and LTC in general. You may want to try another setting- acute care, neonatal, drs office, etc. I don't think that your passion for nursing has necessarily disappeared, but you may just need to take a break or change the setting to renew it. Good luck

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 22, 2014

And one other thing. It IS hard to be young, working full time while your friends are perhaps going to college, do not have the level of responsibility yet that you may, or travelling or whatever.

It is a hard transition from being free to do things with your friends, to working and not able to as much as you are used to.

Make your life what you can outside of work. If you are feeling ungrouded and lost, please seek some help with that.

Again, best wishes!