I Don't Like Nursing. What Else Can I Do With My Degree?

[toniasday7]

I am a huge over-achiever and find this very difficult for me to let go of which leads to increased stress levels, no time for myself or family because I am constantly reading or researching nursing articles and doubting myself in my skills and competency.

I know I am a good nurse but feel that I chose the wrong profession basically because of family pressure of the to good to be true stigma of nursing....I like home health, I mean it's OK at its best and less stressful than the hospital but definitely the pay sucks and gas at $4.00 a gallon with only .40$ per mileage!

I was wondering if my nursing degree could actually be applied to something I may actually enjoy more..I originally wanted to be a social worker but changed degrees because my husband said that it was a dead end job and minimum wage at the best..which I came to find out was mostly true for our area.

I feel at odds because I just want to make a decent living without having to deal with the Dr's crap like in a hospital setting. I am very smart but tend to be swayed by what other people want instead of what I want. BIG TIME PEOPLE PLEASER and equals more stress.

I considered continuing my education in nursing to become a PA but the more I think about it I just don't think I want that kinda life either. I keep coming back to this same thing that pops in my head....a counselor/psychologist and yes I know they definitely don't make much money either but I think its a better fit possibly...any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! ?

[Justanothernewgrad, BSN, RN]

I have the same question, but hoping for some other ideas since I just am not finding a job. So really, is there anything else???

[Joy matters]

I was a critical care nurse for 14 years and was injured. If I ever get back to work after surgery I am not able to work clinically. I was curious about your post and what other options I am not aware of

[Health Coach00]

Hi Toniasday7. I can identify with you completely. I am just now getting your post and 4 years have passed. I am a nurse of 30 years. I have hopped from one specialty to another. I have been in management positions also. I am a high and fast burn. I don't take that as a weakness...I take it as a plus. I am focusing and channeling my empathies and experience into Health Coaching. I have my own practice and I help others build theirs. It has the potential to becoming very lucrative and you can do it alongside a job until you build your income to a point where you can do it full time if you like. It has been a lifesaver for me and very rewarding...no more burn outs and it pays well.

[Yave]

I will not tell you to not look outside of nursing. However, there are many factors to consider. How old are you? Are you young enough to make a career change? What is it you really don't like about nursing? Are you burnt out because of situations you've encountered? What is the core of the problem? If you like psychology; then maybe you could try psychiatry. What ever it is you choose or decide; you have to think twice because schooling is expensive and studying is sacrificial. I think you're smart and you will be a great asset to any company that employs you.

[caliotter3]

OP, it's been four years. What did you end up doing and how are things going?

[NGYSUN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Health Coach00 said:

I can identify with you completely. I am just now getting your post and 4 years have passed. I am a nurse of 30 years. I have hopped from one specialty to another. I have been in management positions also. I am a high and fast burn. I don't take that as a weakness...I take it as a plus. I am focusing and channeling my empathies and experience into Health Coaching. I have my own practice and I help others build theirs. It has the potential to becoming very lucrative and you can do it alongside a job until you build your income to a point where you can do it full time if you like. It has been a lifesaver for me and very rewarding...no more burn outs and it pays well.

Hey there, can you throw more light on this area. It sounds interesting. PM also thanks.

[AvaRose]

I hear you there. I haven't even gotten my license yet and I'm already disgusted with the whole process. I wonder if I can't just get a job at an insurance company doing medical audits or something without even worrying about taking NCLEX...I have my degree but I don't even want to go through anymore effort to be able to use it eventually...I just need to get away from my going to school job at Walmart before my brain explodes...then maybe I'd actually care if I get my license or not.