Don't Like It!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Sep 6, 2005

So sorry you are unhappy with your job. If you hate hospital work, why don't you try LTC facility instead? By your description it sounds like you don't like the nursing duties at all rather than a problem with the hospital/employer.

Did you know what you were getting into before started you studies for becoming a nurse? Were you pushed to it or drawn to it? It seems like you rather be in a desk in front of a computer rather than performing nursing duties on the floor which is totally fine.

IF you know in your heart that you don't like nursing then you should consider a change of career for your sanity and peace. But if you do like nursing but not the area you are in, then consider moving to LTC or keep trying out different areas until you find your nich! Best wishes to you and welcome aboard. :)

4EverHis · Sep 6, 2005

I think it's just hospital nursing I don't like. I was pretty unspecific in my last post, getting it all off my chest, I think...

I love the teaching aspect, including at the hospital. I like administering medication, don't even mind IV per se, just don't like the starting and the worry about infiltration, etc. I like doing assessments and I love figuring out care plans and tailoring care to a patient based on specific needs. I also like helping people in general. An office nursing job appeals to me because I feel like you are more in a position to help people. You get to know the patients and teaching is a little more effective in an office setting. I am a caregiver at heart, but the hospital is a little much for me. I can't just leave it there, I go home and worry about what I might've done wrong, etc. I know that will be a concern anywhere, because that is just how I am, but with the higher level of patient need in a hospital, I think it makes it more stressful.

I think my post came out pretty whiny and negative because I feel so overwhelmed. I really don't like nights and weekends though, and I think the weird scheduling there adds to my stress.

jkaee · Sep 6, 2005

I think it's just hospital nursing I don't like. I was pretty unspecific in my last post, getting it all off my chest, I think...
I love the teaching aspect, including at the hospital. I like administering medication, don't even mind IV per se, just don't like the starting and the worry about infiltration, etc. I like doing assessments and I love figuring out care plans and tailoring care to a patient based on specific needs. I also like helping people in general. An office nursing job appeals to me because I feel like you are more in a position to help people. You get to know the patients and teaching is a little more effective in an office setting. I am a caregiver at heart, but the hospital is a little much for me. I can't just leave it there, I go home and worry about what I might've done wrong, etc. I know that will be a concern anywhere, because that is just how I am, but with the higher level of patient need in a hospital, I think it makes it more stressful.
I think my post came out pretty whiny and negative because I feel so overwhelmed. I really don't like nights and weekends though, and I think the weird scheduling there adds to my stress.

Night shift, unless you're suited for it, will make anyone hate their job. It affects every aspect of your life, and in my expereince there are people that love it, and then there's the rest of us. So that can be a big part of your problem.

It also sounds like you were shuffled around a bit and not given proper orientation. I know that's how I felt when I was given 2 days of orientation on a busy med/surg/oncology/peds floor that I worked on.....completely overwhelmed. It's not a pleasant feeling, and I hated my job, too because of that.

Now, I've never worked in an office setting, but I know nurses that have...and they said all they do is take vitals and give out shots. (NOT bashing office nurses....) I don't know how extensive patient interaction and teaching is in an office setting.....I guess it would depend on the office. And a lot of offices are open on Saturdays, for at least part of the day.

I agree with Jessica who said maybe LTC could be an option for you. After reading your posts, I think this may be a good idea, because there are management positions that you may be good at that you can look into after getting some experience. I worked in LTC for almost 10 years, and loved many aspects of it. You sound like you'd be good as an MDS coordinator, since you like coming up with plans of care and problem solving.

If you have any questions or would like more info, please feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 6, 2005

Hi there! I'm so sorry that you are going through this. Your discontent with the hospital enviornment is EXACTLY what's great about nursing...there are so many other things that you can do. As others have said, LTC might work for you. Or maybe school nursing, public health nursing, drs. office, etc.

Hang in there. Take some time and make some well thought out decisions. I, too, am considering a career change...have an interview at the local health department this week.

Best wishes. Keep us posted.

luckymichelle · Sep 6, 2005

I'm a new nurse too, and just started on a rural Med Surg floor. I've had a great orientation program, and lots of support. That being said, I agree with you, it's not what I had hoped for for myself. I love the girls I work with and give them all the credit and respect in the world, but I hear call lights in my sleep! I also hate the weekends and the 14 hour days.

I just picked up a job at an LTC and it's sooooooooooo incredibly different. The pay is a lot different too! I swore that I would never work LTC as it brought up too many painful memories of losing family members and seeing poor elder care, but now that I'm in a position to change the way elders are cared for, and I like the work, it's a whole new game. There is a lot of care planning, treatment planning, etc, and minimal toileting, which is something I just can't seem to learn to like. I agree with the others, give LTC a shot!

Michelle

Fun2, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2005

I'm sorry you don't like your current position.

Have you thought about insurance? I know RNs are used to approve pre-OPs, etc.

Good luck to you.:)

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2005

started my first nursing job in april at a rural hospital. . .i don't like it. . .somewhere between don't like and hate is how i feel. i just don't like hospital work. . .you get all these great promises of orientation and nurse to patient ratios, but in a bind, they don't hesitate to stick it to you. i feel so overwhelmed, but i am trying very hard to hold on for a year

this is an example of arrogance, a poor attitude and great disrespect for an employer. trying to hold on to a job you detest for a year is abnormal and self-deprocating in the face of a profession that has a shortage. what makes you think that you will like any other kind of nursing? i think your impressions are correct. . .you made a mistake and got into the wrong profession. however, education is never wasted. if you really desire to be in a health profession, go back and look over the various choices again. you already have the pre-requisites. but, unless you change your overall attitude i fear you will never be truely happy in any profession.

hipab4hands · Sep 7, 2005

This is an example of arrogance, a poor attitude and great disrespect for an employer. Trying to hold on to a job you detest for a year is abnormal and self-deprocating in the face of a profession that has a shortage. What makes you think that you will like any other kind of nursing? I think your impressions are correct. . .you made a mistake and got into the wrong profession. However, education is never wasted. If you really desire to be in a health profession, go back and look over the various choices again. You already have the pre-requisites. But, unless you change your overall attitude I fear you will never be truely happy in any profession.

I have to disagree with you. I didn't like hospital based nursing, while I was in nursing school or after I graduated. While there were aspects of nursing I liked, I knew I was not going to remain in a hospital setting.

I worked for a year in a hospital, since it seemed that most nursing positions out of the hospital seem to require a year of Med-Surg experience. After I completed my year, I left and went to worki an out patient setting. I have worked in several dr.s offices and clinics, and am much happier.

The great thing about nursing is there are plenty of health related areas you can work in, without having doing do direct patient care. A nursing degree can also open doors in other areas: Medical sales, Information Technology, etc.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2005

If this be the case, any profession will be wrong for her. It seems many employers "stick it to you". Finding one that you can live with, and enjoy your job is goal number 1. :)

IMO....

This is an example of arrogance, a poor attitude and great disrespect for an employer. Trying to hold on to a job you detest for a year is abnormal and self-deprocating in the face of a profession that has a shortage. What makes you think that you will like any other kind of nursing? I think your impressions are correct. . .you made a mistake and got into the wrong profession. However, education is never wasted. If you really desire to be in a health profession, go back and look over the various choices again. You already have the pre-requisites. But, unless you change your overall attitude I fear you will never be truely happy in any profession.

nursemomruns · Sep 7, 2005

I think my post came out pretty whiny and negative because I feel so overwhelmed. I really don't like nights and weekends though, and I think the weird scheduling there adds to my stress.

Since you enjoy teaching and caring for others, you may want to consider home health. It is MOSTLY days. You may have to take call and do some weekends, but it is different than hospital nursing and you get to know your patients pretty well. Hospice is another option in the home health realm. You may have IVs to deal with, but everything is a trade off and there is no perfect job! What about surgery? Correctional nursing? Occupational health, like in a mill - you get to know those patients pretty well and there is ALOT of opportunity for teaching. There are also things like Risk Management, quality/auditing, insurance (someone mentioned that already), teaching (you'll need more experience first). You also might try a different type of floor. I used to pick up shifts on postpartum to learn something new and to do something different from ER. Another area is case management. Look at state employment - like for the health departments. You see, in nursing, you are not limited in your possiblities. Don't give up! You have to try alot of things. The most important thing is that you enjoy caring for people.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2005

I have to disagree with you. I didn't like hospital based nursing, while I was in nursing school or after I graduated. While there were aspects of nursing I liked, I knew I was not going to remain in a hospital setting.

I don't dispute what you have to say. I object to the posters attitude and language. She used the word "hate" a number of times. I thought that was a pretty strong word to use. The negativity of this person seemed to me to just ooze from and between the lines of her writing. This person, I feel, will probably not be happy with any choice she makes. I'd rather see someone like this go to work in another profession than stay in ours. If this young lady is unable to deal with her own problem, how is complaining about it and seeking sympathy going to help her? Since she has difficulty dealing with and acting on her own problem, I wonder that she is able to handle her patient's problems and this is of greater concern to me. We have enough stress to deal with without having to cope and support fellow nurses who profess to "hate" the work. Better she move on to another profession.