does anyone regret becoming a nurse?

msgirl68 · Aug 27, 2011

I regret becoming a nurse because of the way corporate management treats nurses. Inadequate staffing, supplies etc. Ungrateful family members and patients, I don't like being cursed at because I don't have a MD discharge

order. I also don't like holding my bladder for infinite lengths of time and carrying my lunch home. Why are

women working under such barbaric conditions in this day and age!? When I have a daughter, nursing is forbidden. Bedside anyways. Women should learn management, marketing, computers etc. I have to get

back to school and study something better. Nursing has deteriorated my health.

SoundofMusic · Aug 28, 2011

All I can say is since I have obtained this degree, I have always had a job, and worked when and how much I wanted to -- where many others seem to struggle and get laid off.

That said, I did it because i needed to get my kids through college and pay off enormous debts and keep up w/ the cost of living. It does allow me to do all that ....

However, I work like a DOG most days ...I mean -- we are seriosly and hideiously OVERWORKED and underpaid. To be overworked is really a stifling and oppressive thing ...not many people really work this way in their everyday cubicle type jobs. The workload and stress that nurses deal with is really inhumane. I truly hate that part of it ...and the way that nurses are blamed for everything, yet have NO authority over ANYONE!!!

I sometimes -- no I often wish I would have just stuck w/ my former career in journalism, or become an executive secretary or some such thing .. .would have been paid as well ...however, not sure I would have kept a job or had the same flexibility.

It's a love/hate thing ...it really is. I DO learn a lot about human beings in this job ....it has given me amazing perspectives on life, people, and my own life -- how really pretty good it is.

it's a mixed bag, this nursing thing. But i'm always pretty proud to tell people I'm a nurse ...

Love/hate/love/hate/love/hate ....

I'm SO happy, though -- am working on my masters in nursing, and that really will open up a lot of doors to me ....I'm grateful for that.

FCMike11, BSN · Aug 30, 2011

I work in the ICU, only reason I have the smallest tinge of regret is because I know in my heart I should of gone to med school, and I am doing that now. That said i've lost about 3 years but i've gained valuable experience that traditional med students aren't capable of getting without a healthcare license.

Isabelle49 · Aug 30, 2011

I work in the ICU, only reason I have the smallest tinge of regret is because I know in my heart I should of gone to med school, and I am doing that now. That said i've lost about 3 years but i've gained valuable experience that traditional med students aren't capable of getting without a healthcare license.

Awesome for you FCMike11. You will be way ahead of the game, compared to other med students. Best of all you will know what it's like to be a nurse. Congrats and good luck!

Ayvah, RN · Aug 30, 2011

SoundofMusic, you are spot on! Couldn't have said it better myself.

OCNRN63, RN · Aug 30, 2011

I don't regret becoming a nurse. I regret what's become of the nursing profession.

cloudsofdust · Sep 7, 2011

i don't regret becoming a nurse. i love what i do and if i had a chance to do it all over again i would!

sound of music - i love your username and i hear you when you say that we are overworked and underpaid for what we do! that's why i'm glad i am working on my bachelors! why do you think my username is cloudsofdust - when you see me at work i am actively running around trying to cater to every patient - like on cartoons when they show characters scrambling or running with a cloud of dust under the feet! a very overworked nurse!