does anyone regret this career?

loriangel14, RN · Sep 2, 2012

That's very sad. I love my job and I don't regret it for a minute.

Why do you dislike being a nurse? Have you tried working in different settings? How long have you been a nurse?

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2012

I have had days where I regretted my decision to become a nurse, but over all in the big scheme of things, I do not. For me, a big part of maintaining my desire to do this work was finding a job that was more compatible with my strengths and weaknesses. Also, taking a break from the acute care environment and finding a job with a significantly lower stress level has helped immensely. I may go back to acute care some day, but hopefully it will be in a capacity other than floor nurse.

I'm a great critical thinker and have the aptitude for understanding disease processes and their interventions very well. I am a good listener, and am continuously working on improving my communication skills. I have a strong desire to be of service. However, the acute care environment of today is a perfect setup for nurse burnout; at least, that has been MY experience. Others will undoubtedly see it differently.

If you just wanted to vent and get it off your chest and don't really want any suggestions, that's okay. But if you are hoping for more insightful responses that might assist you in making some decisions about where to go from here, I agree with the above poster that more information would be very helpful.

Edited to add: It does not surprise me that your family and friends do not seem to understand. There are some things only another nurse will understand.

allnurses Guide · Sep 2, 2012

Not, I have not. But that in no way invalidates your feelings.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2012

Although I do not regret this career (yet), I'll readily admit that my personality is not compatible with nursing.

I am an introvert who does not particularly like meeting new people, even though I put on the acting game for the sake of my patients. In addition, I am not the type who seeks validation or deeply desires to 'be needed' by others. I also do not have a yearning to help people. In a nutshell, I am a self-centered person with no sense of altruism.

SaoirseRN · Sep 2, 2012

I think I'm the opposite of most people. I've been nursing for 6 years, and I went into nursing not because I always wanted to be a nurse, but because it was the best fit for me and my circumstances at the time.

Everyday for four years of school and more than five years of practice, I hated it.

Now, somehow, this past year everything has changed. It's still a challenging job but I am actually proud of what I do.

I don't know how long you've been at it, but maybe you'll end up having a change of heart like me?

Morainey, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2012

I am an introvert who does not particularly like meeting new people, even though I put on the acting game for the sake of my patients. In addition, I am not the type who seeks validation or deeply desires to 'be needed' by others. I also do not have a yearning to help people. In a nutshell, I am a self-centered person with no sense of altruism.

Sounds like me. I like being a nurse but I don't think it automatically makes anyone a saint.

amoLucia · Sep 2, 2012

Although I do not regret this career (yet), I'll readily admit that my personality is not compatible with nursing.
I am an introvert who does not particularly like meeting new people, even though I put on the acting game for the sake of my patients. In addition, I am not the type who seeks validation or deeply desires to 'be needed' by others. I also do not have a yearning to help people. In a nutshell, I am a self-centered person with no sense of altruism.

WOW - very much what I'm thinking and embrace. I don't see myself much as an introvert, but I do perceive myself more as a loner. I guess that's why I like 11-7.

I don't REGRET nursing; I'm just not satisfied with it anymore and am very disappointed with the trend of things.

And Commuter, maybe this is why I enjoy your articles so much.

lockheart678 · Sep 2, 2012

There are so many days I feel the same way. If I could find a job making the kind of money I do right now, I'd get out of nursing in a heartbeat and never look back. At the same time, I know I feel that way because my workplace is horrible. I don't mind taking care of patients, but watching the constant backstabbing that my coworkers do every single day, plus the fact that I can see management is way more interested in numbers than safe patient care really drains me. Sure, a different job would fix that, but it's hard to find a job when there aren't very many out there, and the ones that are, I send a resume and never hear anything back.

Have you ever considered changing your specialty? Maybe you would have better luck if you found an area you enjoyed more.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2012

WOW - very much what I'm thinking and embrace. I don't see myself much as an introvert, but I do perceive myself more as a loner. I guess that's why I like 11-7.
I don't REGRET nursing; I'm just not satisfied with it anymore and am very disappointed with the trend of things.

For my sanity, I need to be working the night shift. It's either night shift or nothing at all for me. Day shift has too much hustle, too many interactions, too little time, and the distractions are too numerous.

Nursing has never been a higher calling in my life. It has offered flexibility, some mobility, steady income, and the opportunity for lifelong learning.

amoLucia · Sep 2, 2012

For my sanity, I need to be working the night shift. It's either night shift or nothing at all for me. Day shift has too much hustle, too many interactions, too little time, and the distractions are too numerous.
Nursing has never been a higher calling in my life. It has offered flexibility, some mobility, steady income, and the opportunity for lifelong learning.

Your last sentence is so very true for many of us. I would add that it does require a level of intelligence, common sense and strong ethcis.

PS - Commuter, did you know that Woodstown, New Jersey is the home of the old TV

Cowtown Rodeo. South Jersey, up RT40 from the Delaware Memorial Bridge!

BrandonLPN, LPN · Sep 2, 2012

Although I do not regret this career (yet), I'll readily admit that my personality is not compatible with nursing.I am an introvert who does not particularly like meeting newpeople, even though I put on the acting game for the sake of my patients. In addition, I am not the type who seeks validation or deeply desires to 'be needed' by others. I also do not have a yearning to help people. In a nutshell, I am a self-centered person with no sense of altruism.

Commuter, this sounds like me. I care about my residents, but nobody would ever describe my personality as 'caring' or 'nurturing'. Competency is far more important. You can phone in niceness and pretend intrest when people blather on. But you can't fake intelligence or common sense.