Did you ever want to do something else?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2004

Ahhh....I know about those long nights. Does seem lonely when the rest of the house is asleep and the world seems to be standing still. It's easier not to disrupt my sleeping pattern. I went to the gym at 2:00AM and then shopping at Walmart. But they were cleaning the floors in the music section. Grrr.....

I sometimes think about changing careers. Don't know what I'd do. Social work or maybe pharmacy. But I don't have the energy to go back to school.

HannasMom · Jan 27, 2004

Even though I live in a city, not much is open late at night. Also, I dislike going out late at night, since I do live in a city. So, I feel like a married hermit. LOL. I work and stay home. I do go to Walmart, grocery shopping etc, after I wake up in the late afternoon. Bought vegetarian items, my boys want to go vegetarian, I plan to join them in their new healthy eating plan. It's the other eight hours that are boring me.

I guess this is my rant and whine night. Sorry.

:imbar

Trauma Columnist · Jan 27, 2004

A lot of us have those feelings. However, there are many options in nursing....look into some other areas maybe?

IloveSnoopy · Jan 27, 2004

Hi...

I know exactly what you are talking about!!!! I've been doing the same thing (a lot) lately. It seems to stem from the kind of shift I have.....If I have a good night...I feel like I could be a med/surg nurse forever....if I have a bad night....I'm instantly on the puter...looking for a different job or a whole different career! I have been looking into the sonography program a lot....I have all the pre-req's...and it sounds really neat to me. Like Tweety said though...I just don't know if I have the energy or money to go back to school. One minute..I love my job...the next..I hate it...I just don't know??? I always just try to think of those that have worse jobs than I do.....like the guy that picks thru garbage to get all the recyclables out....LOL.... (not knocking on garbage men by any means..but ...u know). I also try to think of those who don't have jobs, or have been laid off, or are living off of minimum wage jobs..... I guess I should just shut up and be happy that I have a fairly decent paying job and awesome co-workers. But...don't get me wrong...I totally know where you are coming from....

Snoop':kiss

gizelda196 · Jan 27, 2004

I have .But I dont know what else I could do. All I know is motherhood and Nursing

loriLPN · Jan 27, 2004

gizelda-

mothers/nurses are the most skilled, careing, patient and wise people on earth- we could do ANYTHING WE PUT OUR MIND TO but chose to nurse!:kiss

Genista, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2004

Everyone has bad days, no matter what your job. I think it is normal to fantasize about other career paths once in awhile. But you sound like you are satisfied overall with your job.

I was interested in 3 other possible careers before I chose nursing. One of those "other" careers kept haunting me throught my first few years as a nurse. I even sent away for college info about changing my career to this other profession. I like many parts of nursing & the pay is great. I feel it is a noble profession, and enjoy helping others. There is great flexability, too.

But I found myself burning out on nursing, to tell you the truth. It is very stressful and difficult, and often I don't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.I tried to find my niche, by switching units a few times & even trying other shifts.However, I kept daydreaming over & over about one other profession that used to interest me. I just wasn't excited about staying in nursing anymore.And I WAS excited about this other career, even if it payed less & offered less flexibility.

After 5 years of nursing I finally figured it was worth it to try out, and started back at school last year to retrain for another career that I think I will enjoy more. I am still working as an RN in acute care as I finish my new degree. I figure the worst case scenario is that I at least gave it a shot. At the very least, I will have two careers to choose from.

:)

Just a thought for those of you who may be burnt out, like I was.

I think it's important to follow your heart. Many nurses feel burned out like I do, and it's okay to want to try something else for a while (if not permanently). It doesn't make me a failure. I am a great nurse, and I still care deeply about my patients. But for now, I think I would be happier in another area. I think my nursing skills and experience will only compliment me in my new job.

PsychoRN · Jan 28, 2004

My original plan when I became a RN was to work a couple of years then go to law school. 20 years later I am finally getting out of nursing and am starting law school in the fall. If you have a dream to do something other than nursing it is never too late to go after that dream!!!

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Jan 28, 2004

I've been having those thoughts for about a year now. I think it is partially due to my place of employment but I'm not sure. I wonder if this profession was ever truly right for me.

I'm taking college classes now (contiuing in nursing) but I'm always wondering what else I could do instead. I've been a nurse for 4 years now....the last two haven't been too satisfying for me. My nursing license is really the only marketable job skill that I have.... at least the only one that I can earn a decent living with.

As far as what I always wanted to growing up until my first run at college was a vet. I am truly passionate about animals, but I didn't go through with it because of the time involved and such.

My dream would be to work with animals.

On the positive side though I don't feel like I have to worry about ever finding a job, the schedule is pretty flexible, and my salary is good IMO. It may just be a case of "the grass is greener" for me anyway.

HannasMom · Jan 28, 2004

My "problem" mainly is working the night shift. I'm doing pretty good for only being on the night shift for 6 months. I sleep well during the day. I eat nutritious meals, I walk for exercise. I enjoy my job, and I like working the night shift.

The problem is the 8 or so hours at night on my 2 nights off. My family is sleeping and I'm up trying to find a way to have some kind of normal night off. Other people during the day, can go shopping, eat out with friends and family, go to the movies, etc. I dislike going anywhere in the city at night-alone. So, I'm trying to figure out a way to have some sort of "normal-like" life while everyone around me is sleeping. That's my main whine.:imbar

I don't wish to change my schedule, I like how well I sleep during the day now that I'm adjusting. I sleep better now, than I did when I slept at night and worked during the day.

Sometimes, I think about a different career, yes, but I do enjoy being a nurse. I'm an artist and I will always be, but my passion is nursing. I just dislike feeling like an alien in my night world. So, I'm still in the adjustment stage, as a nightshifter.

Well, it's 0819, I have been home from work since 0730, so I'm off to bed.:zzzzz Have a great day!