Honeymoon phase wears off after a year--job or not

[wish_me_luck]

So, I have come to the conclusion that the excitement of being a nurse and everything that goes with that newness wears off after a year...employed or unemployed.

I still do not have a job and I am a year and almost 3 months out. I have become cynical and apathetic, I think. So, it is not nursing burnout.

I truly just think the excitement wears off about a year out for everyone. Thoughts?

[SleeepyRN]

There is no honeymoon phase. You either like being a nurse or you don't. You either like your current position or you don't.

I completely disagree. There were times I wanted to cry and wondered if I made the wrong choice going into nursing. But then a good moment comes along, and I can't imagine doing anything else.

[amarilla, RN]

I am three years in and agree with a few of the previous posters: yes, you settle in with a job and once you get comfortable, you begin to look for challenges once again. I worked the floor for over two years before moving to the ED; I've just accepted a job at a new ED and have the butterflies all over again. I've enjoyed being a nurse and volunteer frequently to keep that sense of joy I felt as a new nurse eager to help and learn because yes, it can fade.

JMO, but getting experience is important, OP - not just so you can learn, find your niche etc, but so that you can *feel* like a nurse and know if this is really for you. I've done per diem float pool, given flu shots, worked at a clinic, and done health assessments when work hours were slim to stay employed, keep my skills and stay on employers' radar. I've found it to be sad but true that the longer one's gaps of employment, the fewer calls you receive for acute positions. I don't know you and can't know your reasons, but I'll tell you what my first preceptor told me: make the best of things - learn what you can, try out your skills and find opportunities to learn new ones and then get out of here when you're ready.

She was right - I did those things and left for a (better) position after 18 months where I was happier and had more to offer another employer. Good luck.