Depressed/Lost

[kyfitch, BSN]

Everybody, I truly need your thoughts and help. I have been a nurse now for close to three years. I feel so miserable and depressed every time I have to go into work, and I know that my entire life should not feel like this. Isn’t there a way to be happy doing what you do? I have a very big passion for fitness but this just simply does not pay well if I’m being realistic, just like other professions I can think of that I might enjoy. I’m being completely serious when I say that if I were to quit nursing today, I would truly be so happy if it weren’t for the stress and anxiety that would come along with having no money or a significantly reduced paycheck. I don’t know what to do with my life. I just want to be happy. Please, any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Does your employer offer an employee assistance program? Generally, the benefits include a small number of free counseling sessions. These sessions can help you in sorting through your feelings and determine your best path forward. Even if your employer doesn't offer this benefit, you may want to seek it out on your own. A little prompting and questioning can make a huge difference in clarity.

It may be that your current job is no longer a fit. That's one of the great things about nursing- there are so many specialties to work in. Maybe look into a new specialty that may align more with your passion for fitness?

[speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Do you think it's just your unit? Have you been in the same department for all three years as a nurse. There are some units that are just difficult to work in - it may be a cliquey department or poor leadership or a high acuity environment with unsafe patient care. It doesn't always mean that you hate being a nurse - just that you may be in a negative situation right now for your work environment.

[Nurselexii]

Have you tried non bedisde, non patient care no people involved nursing

like, informatics, coding, utilization review, appeals ?

no additional certs are required do not continue to place yourself in misery

[Chief NP, MSN, RN, APN, APRN, NP]

I'm truly sorry to hear about your current predicament. It must be difficult coming to a place of work knowing fully well that you are suffering within but need the cash until you figure out your next move. Have you tried other forms/types of nursing? I mean non-clinical nursing jobs might be an option ( including working from home) as a case manager.

A friend of mine currently works from home and makes close to 96k a year. I'm once again sorry to hear about your current situation . I just sincerely hope that you look into other alternatives as soon as possible as it breaks my heart reading your story.

[FloForLyfe, BSN, CNA, RN]

"Wash" yourself of that which does not serve you, is my advice. <I myself recently threw a full-blown temper tantrum. At home though and without using... many actual words. I think that sounded not that great! ?>.

Why did you become a nurse? What is the point of being a nurse?

S- prescription.

O- observation.

A- attitude/assignment.

P- please, I know this can be so much better.

[nic k]

WOW! are we the same person? I thought I was the only person to feel like this. Nurse 7 years, changed to new hospital thought it would help but I'm realizing its the profession I'm in. I wanted to extend maternity leave and when I found out I couldnt my anxiety the past 3 weeks has been overwhelming. The change in my attitude just knowing I have to go back to work soon has DRASTICALLY changed. I am moody again, upset, anxious, worried, frustrated, and overall unhappy. I know I should be grateful having a noble profession helping people with the schedule that I have and the paycheck that has allowed me to travel and do so much but damn, being a nurse flat out SUCKS it feels like right? So many super nurses out there that want to change the world I dont feel that. Trust me when I say youre not alone.