Frustrated and considering a career change

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I thought nursing was to be more than simply a career choice; it felt like my calling. After having several close family members and friends battle cancer and other serious illnesses (and being their caregiver), it seemed as though some higher being was leading me to my path: to be a nurse. Thus, I applied to an extremely competitive ADN program, graduated valedictorian of my class, took an NLCEX review course, and passed my NCLEX. Everything seemed to be going well . . . until I got laid-off from after 1.5m from a Medical-Oncology unit at a local hospital 2 wks after moving out on my own. I couldn't find a job for 4 months, save for very-PRN LTC and private-duty jobs that didn't pay the bills. Luckily, I landed a job as an RN in an alternative school. . . but was laid-off again b/c they wanted a Certified school RN.

So, in less than a year, I got laid-off twice and cannot find a job to save my life. I live in IL and have applied state-wide to every place I can think of---- from hospitals, clinics, schools, and even abortion clinics. Everything is either frozen or they only want BSNs, 3-5+ yrs experience, specialties, PRN/registry positions.... not ADNs (damn Magnet status requirements! lol). I've applied to a few places out of state, but even those hospitals would rather take a more experienced instate RN than an "inexperienced" out of state RN. Plus, I have no money for relocation---and relocation bonuses are not happenin' anymore!

Not only am I frustrated by the whole job aspect (so much for nursing being "great job security!"), but even the ROLE of the RN has changed.... it seems like RNs do less "patient care" and are instead more akin to a glorified secretary, pill pusher, supervisor, and MD b*tch. The CNAs are the ones who are able to spend the most time with the pts... RNs are running around, fielding phones calls, documenting, consulting with the numerous MDs each pt has, etc. I went into nursing to provide pt care----it's not like that anymore. RNs are SO overworked, underpaid, and inundated with pts and other tedious tasks.... where's the nursing? Plus, the stress of having someone's life rest upon your shoulders is enuf to cause major anxiety attacks!

I'm dismayed, frustrated, saddened, and burned out already from nursing. I jus started my RN-BSN completion program thru Chamberlain (I've completed 4 classes... lots more left to finish), but am seriously considering changing careers. I've always had a passion for teaching and am considering going into education instead. Or dental hygiene (u can work PT doing this and make more than an RN! Plus, very little stress!).

I need help figuring out what to do. My family thinks I havent given nursing enough time, but I've given it a year and all the signs are pointing towards a career change.... perhaps nursing isn't my calling? How do I know this for sure tho? I know the economy is bad, but seriously, how much more "red flags" can one be shown?

Should I finish my BSN? Should I switch majors and go into Education or Dental Hygiene? Any job searching advice (I've exhausted every option, I'm telling ya!)? I'm so upset that nursing has lead me down this horrible path, but perhaps this is god's way of telling me to go into something else?

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I am a new grad with less than year in.I think you should do what you want to.life is short maybe clinical education.Good luck

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Sorry to hear that. Since you are already in BSN program, I think you should complete it then work for 6 months and see how it goes. Have some one review your resume next time you seek for a job. Good luck!!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

op:

i do not think you should worry about a "calling" in this economy. callings are jobs you would do for free. lets be serious, would you ever do nursing by the bedside for free??? nursing is a profession and a career choice; not charity. if you like it then remain, if not choose something you are passionate about… in other words, if you have bad days, bad shifts, etc. you should feel fired up to go to work and/or remain in this career field to improve yourself and your skills because you love this profession! otherwise, find something that makes you happy.

as for getting a job ... i hear from many that illinois is a bad market even for bsns. maybe someday it will change, but for now your best bet is to move. if i were you i would move back in with the folks and get a job (any job) to save up to move out of state. once you have money saved up, let potential employers know on your application and resume that you are willing to relocate at your own expense. this way you may get more interested parties especially in rural places that no one wants to live or work. gl!:twocents:

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i agree with your post ,nursing is a proffession,not a calling.

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I have the same feeling like you, and I also start to plan my second job in order to switch my career from nursing to another in the near future. I also like dental hygiene which is a professional job as well.

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Callings are jobs you would do for free. Lets be serious, would you ever do nursing by the bedside for free??? Nursing is a profession and a career choice; not charity.

Well said!:yeah:

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Specializes in OR.

Just get out of nursing if thats what you need to hear and are seeking validation for a choice that you want to make ... then here it is !

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OP has worked very hard to earn her RN. It doesn't appear to me that she is seeking validation to give it all up and do something else. She is looking for a job and the doors are shut in IL. By the way, are you an RN already? If not, then you don't fully understand the frustration.

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