Becoming a nurse, but don't like (hate) the hospital setting

[hawaiianflowers21]

I am going to graduate with my BSN in May 2007. I know this sounds silly because I am going to be a nurse, but I do not like working at hospitals. I cannot begin to express how much I do not want to work on any hospital floor. However, I really like clinics and I would like to teach someday. Basically, I want a 9-5 job in an office type setting. I am going to be applying to various FNP programs (so I could work in a clinic) and a BSN-PHD program for fall of 2007. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I will get into one. But even if I get into any of these programs, I don't want to work at a hospital while I'm at school, I would rather work at a clinic or a school. Is this possible for new grads? And is there tuition reimbursement this way? What other kinds of options are there in nursing other than working in a hospital? Your advice is much appreciated.

[Morgan314]

I never wanted to work in a hospital either, but there are plenty of other nursing positions out there. I work in mental health in an outpatient clinic and I like the 8-5, no weekends, no holidays, no "on call." After graduating from nursing school, I worked in long-term care facilities until I got a job on the psych unit in a hospital. I had the best of both worlds...........working in a hospital on a unit that was not the typical hospital unit. The only reason I left was because with young children, it was difficult and upset our home routine when I had to swing shifts and work weekends/holidays. I worked in a detox unit before transferring to a day treatment program, then to outpatient. Don't feel you have to be confined to a hospital, and don't feel bad about not wanting to work in a hospital.

The only bad thing is I make less per hour now than I did working in the hospital 12 years ago.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Do not---I repeat, do NOT---go into hospital nursing knowing you'll hate it. It's a hard job at best, even if you love it; it's impossible if you don't. Luckily, there are plenty of other options, such as doctors' offices, urgent/immediate care clinics, and even public health clinics. You don't have to have an advanced degree; they often hire ADNs into supervisory positions, and you don't have to work nights or weekends.

They don't pay nearly as well as the hospitals, but I can tell you from experience that the money isn't worth all the horse-pucky you have to put up with on the average med/surg floor. Don't feel bad if hospital nursing isn't for you.........that's the great thing about this profession, your perfect (or near-perfect) job is out there somewhere. You have only to find it!

[ItsyBitsySpider, BSN, RN]

Do whatever you feel is right for you when you graduate. I didn't want to do hospital nursing when I graduated but I could not find any M-F positions at the time so I sucked it up and went to work at a hospital. UGH it sucks! I love my unit but the hours are miserable. I am always looking for an escape but those positions are few and far between around here and when they do come up it's a horse race to get one. Start networking and getting your foot in the door now, the next year will go by so fast!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I'm an LVN who never had the desire of going into hospital nursing. I work at a nursing home because I like working with the geriatric population. I also work PRN at a psychiatric hospital.

[dorimar, BSN, RN]

I agree with all the above posters except for the part about you wanting to teach. I feel that the hospital experience is important if you want to teach up and coming nurses. I never wanted a teacher who didn't know what it was really like in the trenches. Nothing irked me more than those nurses who just went straight through college with out living the experiences, and then presumed to teach the experiences.

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

I know of some students at my school who are also not interested in working in hospitals. One is going to work for the Indian Health Service at a clinic, and two others for various public health departments. Having a BSN will be an advantage in this case, because this gives you tthe appropriate educational background to go into community health.

Good luck with your future plans!

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

WOW...totally how I began and I swore up and down and to GOD I would never ever work hospital again after my first horrid hospital job!

I worked in other jobs for a while...camp nursing, developmentally disabled home, and a assisted living home (for 4 years)..but I am a very techical nurse..and love that!

So after some cut backs at work, and I was only assigned 2 days every two weeks...ummmmm had to do something! I started in agency! AND WOW...yeah it took me time and learning about things..but now I am back in med surge and LOVING IT! Soon to re-join the ER!

Take some time to find your niche but be responsible and learn at all times! I never wanted to work at a 'home' but taught me so very very much..that it made me enjoy working hospital again and now I am so confident and happy!

Your path will take you on where you need to go to gain experience..and I will tell ya, most times a very humbling experience if you do it right! Learn from each step, and be flexible on your horizons!

Good luck :)