fired... where can a bad nurse go to find a job?

casi, ASN, RN · Aug 2, 2011

Maybe bedside nursing just isn't for you.

Look into other things in the world of nursing. There is so much out there. I know that it's a hard job market, but maybe you might find something that you love.

porridge · Aug 2, 2011

I doubt that you're stupid, otherwise you wouldn't have gotten through nursing school. For some reason you have problems with getting organized and perhaps with remembering everything you have to do when you have to do it. Unfortunately, that's a killer in bedside nursing because it's intense, overwhelming, and usually stressful as hell from beginning to end of each shift.

I wouldn't recommend school nursing if you're the primary breadwinner, only because the money is so poor compared to all other areas of nursing. Perhaps office/clinic nursing would suit you. It's a LOT less stressful and the money can be quite good. I agree also with the poster who suggested seeking administrative type nursing, i.e. insurance company. Best of luck. Stop beating yourself up; life's too short.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2011

I think you should identify where your skills are lacking and either come up with a plan to improve that area or find an area where that skill is minimized.

For example:

Do you struggle with different kinds of technology and skills? Maybe ICU or Med/Surg isn't for you, but you might find your niche in or a specialty like wound care or dialysis where you can focus on a single skill.

Do you find it difficult to manage your time and stay organized? Busy acute care might not be for you. You might enjoy home health where you can focus on just one patient.

Are you lacking in communication skills? You might want to think about taking a public speaking class or seeking advice from other nurses who seem to communicate well.

There are so many areas of nursing, I find it hard to believe that you are bad at all of them, but have still bee employed for 8 years. I think if you find an area where you can focus on your strengths you will succeed.

Telelizard · Aug 2, 2011

There are SO many different things you can do with your nursing license. If working with patients just isn't your thing, explore other job opportunities that require an RN license but don't require you to work directly with patients. One of my friends told me of a trainer job for a derm software company that employs nurses...you can look for something like this? You worked hard to get your RN license- use it!

pamhlpn · Aug 2, 2011

Just got fired. Right now I just want to quit nursing and get a job waitressing, but that might not be practical for my family.
So, where do I go. I'm a crappy nurse. I've been a nurse for eight years and have never been good at it. Should I go back to psych?
This is a completely serious post.

Do you do well in psych? Maybe that is just where you are suppose to be in nursing. If not then maybe think about going back to school in a different career catagory. Maybe you weren't meant to be a nurse but a secretary or lawyer or well you get the point. The one thing going for you is that you can honestly say "I am a crappy nurse and have never been good at it in the last 8 yrs." it takes a mighty big person to say that. Good luck in whatever endeaver you take.

caliotter3 · Aug 2, 2011

Don't kid yourself, waitressing is not easy, but it can tide you over until you get back on your feet. You won't be the first nurse who went to waiting tables to make it and you won't be the last. Best wishes whatever you do.

MtBpsy9609 · Aug 2, 2011

I seriously doubt that you're stupid. Being a nurse is unbelievably stressful, confusing at times and hard. Nursing has to be one of the hardest jobs there is.

okchug · Aug 2, 2011

A friend works for an insurance company, 8-5, m-f, no holidays, no wkends ! she makes really good money. With your 8 yrs experience you should be able to move into another area from bedside. good luck.

Mrs Badcrumble, RN · Aug 2, 2011

Oh NurseCard, please don't be so hard on yourself. I can hear that you're very frustrated and scared for you and your family. Getting fired is very traumatic, under any circumstances. I would ask you to please just take a little time, hug your family, have a glass of wine (if it's not a problem!). Take your shoes off and sit outside for a bit, maybe water the lawn, pet the dog if you've got one. But just please take some time to breathe and give yourself a chance to decompress. You'll have plenty of time to ponder your options, no need to busy your mind with that right this minute. And no, you are not stupid. Enough of that talk, it doesn't help. We'll all be here when you come back!

Gold_SJ · Aug 2, 2011

I certainly don't believe you're stupid either, you did the hard yards, study and passed your boards, the intelligence is all there. I think you just need some support, it's a lot of work to try to hold up a family yet work in a stressful area as bedside nursing. Like others have suggested I think trying out a different area would be a good idea, give yourself a slower pace and work out what you really want.

I don't feel you should dump nursing unless you actually hate it and gain no job satisfaction. As if you're an auditor or many of the other more administration areas of nursing you're certainly not going to cause anyone a hint of harm.

Sounds like what happened was an unfortunate overlook, mistakes happen, it's human error. So try not to beat yourself up about it, just keep trying and find that place that actually makes you feel happy, competent and proud of yourself. I know you can do it :)

OCNRN63, RN · Aug 2, 2011

If you are not sufficient as a nurse and are not interested in improving, you can always quit and find another job, not career but job I mean. Waitressing sounds less stressful. I'd go with it.

Of course she can find another career. How ridiculous! And you have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to waitressing. I worked in food service before I went to nursing school. That was decades ago, and people were demanding and nasty then. I can hardly imagine what it's like now.

OP, it's possible nursing isn't for you, but it doesn't mean your life is over.

Skips, MSN, RN · Aug 2, 2011

You gotta find your spot! (: Try something more slow-paced and M-F type of work. A doctor's office, for instance. Or perhaps for an insurance company. There is something out there for everyone. You must be proactive, and find that niche of yours.