Does Anyone Actually LIKE Being a Nurse? (Slight Venting)

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Specializes in Neuro, Med-surg..

I ask this because I seem to have some sort of intolerance to professional nursing. It's my second degree, and I was one of those odd people that actually enjoyed nursing school (not the piddly projects or reflection papers, but rather the exploration, putting the pieces of the puzzle together - everything seemed new and exciting).

Then I became a nurse over a year ago on a neuro floor.

I'm doing well there, and have had patients write the manager positive comments about me. But I absolutely hate it. Neuro patients are difficult, and many don't want to help themselves. I find it angering to be held accountable for outcomes when the patient couldn't care less about his/her safety or health.

I work nights, and I try to nap prior to a shift but I generally get very nervous before work (this has improved, but its still palpable).

I recently floated to an ortho floor and although I realize they gave me cake patients that night, I enjoyed the atmosphere. The floor had an opening that I was going to apply for, but it has since been taken off the HR site. I thought perhaps I should try another unit because maybe its just my neuro floor (the people on ortho said they pitied me for having to work on neuro so likely its not just me who hates neuro).

I got into nursing to avoid a soul-crushing job, but I seem to have found just that. I just feel 12 hours of constant stress, being on edge, emotional fatigue. My physical fatigue is non existent on the job (strangely), but I feel worn down, anxious and depressed.

Because the hospital is short staffed, management has allowed for bonus shifts where we can make an extra $15 an hour. With any other job I've worked (including as a care tech in the same hospital) I'd be all over that. But not as an RN. It simply isn't worth it to me. Neither is getting involved in UBC or extra curricular activities. I get crazy-bored on my nights off sometimes, but anything beats the feel I get going to work.

So I guess that's it. Sorry for the melodrama - But not only am I frustrated, anxious and depressed, but I'm also confused. Everything fell into place for me when I started nursing until I became a nurse. Now I fantasize about leaving the field. And that truly saddens me.

I've considered trying to become an NP to make more money and get into a clinic setting, but I don't really want to go back to school.

Any thoughts or advice? Am I alone in this? Should I try another unit, or is this common across the board?

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Try another unit! I went through 5 jobs before I found what I like (:

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

Try another unit. I started in Neuro ICU as a new grad. In my opinion, neuro is one of the more depressing specialities. I didn't realize it until I left. Plus dealing with all those confused and agitated patients, the neuro checks, etc.. it's a pain. I'm glad to have had the experience but wouldn't go back to a neuro unit again.

I also feel better working dayshift. Just a thought.

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I think it is definitely worth trying another unit or two. They all have their positive and negatives. But take a look at all the floors and see what is out there. Before throwing in the towel, there are a lot of other things you can try. Psych nursing is totally different. Some people enjoy outpatient clinics. Peri op, OR, and PACU are totally different from floor nursing. Can you pick up extra shifts on OTHER units to try to sample them? Or ask to be cross trained to try something new?

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

I think it's too early for you to throw in the towel with nursing, as you haven't fully explored your options. Definitely try another unit. It's possible that you need a new environment. You can only thrive as a nurse in a specialty that matches your likes and talents, and likely neuro is not it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Weirdo here - Neuro-Trauma ICU is my favorite area. I loved the 'logic' of it - very predictable manifestation of each type of injury.. not as random as multisystem or cardiac patients.

I agree - try changing to another specialty. All nurses have at least one type of patient or patient population they they really don't like working with. Mine is CRF.

You'll find your niche.

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You must try a variety of areas to find your niche. Keep trying different things and go with what you enjoy ;)

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I'm with the rest of the posters; its the neuro unit that is the problem. Go to the ortho floor manager, even if that opening isn't on the HR site anymore, and explore your options with her.

I enjoyed medsurg for a lot of years, then moved on. LTC bored me, oncology was interesting, I love teaching, but ER has kept me going for nearly 2 decades.

Look around, maybe join the float pool: that will really let you see what else there is going on.

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I've tried a few different things, and for me it's bedside nursing that just isn't my cup of tea. I've found that the ED suits my personality and aptitude a lot better. I'm on my 4th job in 6 years and just now starting to feel like this is something I could do long term. I agree with the others, just look around and try something else.

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Specializes in Hospice.

I agree with Stargazer, you have to find what suits your personality. I am thankful that there are nurses who love L&D because I couldn't do it, I couldn't handle the stress of pediatric oncology, I don't care to see someone's brains hanging out roll into the ED. I do however love cardiac and stroke patients, which is a good thing since that is what we mainly deal with on my unit.

Just keep looking OP, don't give up. There are many areas in nursing, you just have to choose what is right for you.

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As an RN I hated nursing school and I hated my first 4 nursing jobs. But I struck gold on my 5th job. People say that the grass is never greener on the other side.. HOGWASH. Nightmares don't last forever, sometimes u wake up and their gone.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Weirdo here - Neuro-Trauma ICU is my favorite area. I loved the 'logic' of it - very predictable manifestation of each type of injury.. not as random as multisystem or cardiac patients. I agree - try changing to another specialty. All nurses have at least one type of patient or patient population they they really don't like working with. Mine is CRF. You'll find your niche.

Neuro Weirdo here as well! ;) I miss it terribly, *sigh* :)

You will find your niche :yes: ; in the meantime, look up "managing challenging behaviors." if you haven't done so. It's great for children, adults with neuro issues, as well as older adults that have Dementia and Alzheimer's; also using those communication techniques from Mental Health Nursing work as well. :)

Whatever niche you decide on, you will definitely have wonderful skill sets that transcend into other areas!

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