Feeling unmotivated

[Daisyg124]

I'm not sure if I'm asking a question or if I just want to express the way that I'm feeling maybe there is someone out there who feels the way that I do. I'm 22 years old and I have been wanting to be nurse. I thought I wanted it so bad I was so happy and motivated I thought I could do it I was getting straight As in school and was working a part time job at the same time. Then I became a CNA because I thought it would be a great way to start. I've only been a CNA for 6 months and working as one for four and I feel like I don't like it. It's not the patients or the poop I love the patients I feel like it's everything else. My coworkers and the nurses even my boss make me feel like in always doing everything wrong i was even told that I was too slow but it's just really hard to take care of 12 people in such a limited amount of time. Idk it just makes me feel like I shouldn't be a nurse maybe I'm not cut out for it maybe being a really caring person who truely wants to help people isn't enough. Now I just feel lost like what else can I do with my life ?? Has anyone else gone through it?

[Purple_roses]

Have you tried other areas of work? You could apply to work for an agency and go into people's homes to care for them. If you're working at a nursing home you could also try applying to a hospital to see if the change of setting would help.

I would imagine a lot of people feel the way you're feeling. This website is full of threads from new nurses who feel overwhelmed. It is hard, but you get better at it. You learn how to adapt and cope. My gut reaction is to tell you to stick out for at least another 6 months.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

It might help to you determine why you think you wanted to be a nurse. From TV, movies or books ? Unfortunately, that is not a realistic view of nursing. Nuring is hard work, physically and mentally stressful and not all that glamorous.

You were really smart to check out nursing by being a CNA and get a glimpse of what a nurse does. It's not all about saving lives. We do make a huge difference in people's lives and are there when it really counts.

Even though we know there are some serious challenges, most nurses love their jobs (won't admit it some days). It sometimes takes awhile to find that special place in nursing that pays the bills yet doesn't break you.

Good luck in your search for a meaningful career. I found mine.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

You're right, it *is* challenging to deliver good care to a huge group of patients efficiently! Unfortunately I've found that it's part is the job in many places to be expected to do more with less. You will pick up speed and skill with continued practice, but there is always a party pooper to make you feel like you're not doing your job. =/

It sounds like you are very conscientious and would be a great nurse if this is where your heart is! Sometimes (often) the first place you work is not where you'll want to end up, so don't let this experience discourage you.