Do You Regret Becoming A Nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi everyone

After earning a BS in another field, I decided to give nursing a try and went back for my BSN. After one year, I dropped out due to burnout working as a CNA and hearing negative comments about nursing. All I ever wanted to do in nursing was become a NICU nurse. Now I wonder if I made a mistake. I don't want to go back to nursing school only to decide it is not for me...again, seeing as I would be losing a lot of money.

So, my question is, does anyone regret becoming a nurse? Looking back on their schooling choices, do you wish you pursued something else?

Comments from NICU nurses would be a bonus, but all are welcomed and appreciated! Thank you!!

I don't regret it. For years I was an analyst crunching numbers at a computer.

Yes, nursing is hard. It's got problems and a big downside like every other profession. But it's also a lot more rewarding than anything I've ever done.

I spent 8 years as a social work (BS and MSW) and I do not regret that- it brought me to where i am today. I am a RN, BSN and am thankful I did it- there are so many opportunities. There are parts of the job that I do not like- but most of them are what I would dislike in any job.... (politics, power struggles, cliches-it is not unique to nursing)

Yeah,...I regret it totally. I'm not even really sure what made me get into the profession....just knew I liked science, nursing seemed a natural progression. Boy was I wrong. I have been a nurse for a little over a year now... I thought things would get so much better after my first year, but they haven't...in fact, my eyes have been opened up so much that turns me off about the profession that I really regret my choice to be a nurse. I absolutely dread work every single day, I hate working every other weekend, and I really hate having to work holidays, esp. Christmas and Thanksgiving. I don't know what I was thinking. Things have been so bad at work lately. The amount of work that is required of me in the short amount of time that I'm there leaves me feeling very guilty after each shift. Proritizing mostly means I'm leaving things out...and when I didn't have time to get Mr. So and so that water or blanket, or I didnt have a chance to order that barrier cream that would have worked better for Mrs. So and so's sacral erythema....I just feel an incredible amount of guilt. I feel like a really bad person. If only it was easier for someone of my experience (only about a year) to get a not-so-traditional nursing job that paid pretty similar, like telephonic nursing or public health...I would do it in a heartbeat, but I've tried...and I dont' have enough experience...therefore I must endure this nightmare for a few more years. I'm really sorry to sound so pessimistic...I dont' mean to burst anyone's bubble. I just think it takes a special person to be a GOOD nurse, to LOVE their nursing career...and that person just isn't me.....:( Any suggestions? Any advice? I've love to hear some.

1 Votes

I totally regret becoming a nurse and would certainly try to dissuade my children from becoming nurses. The shifts are long, my job usually entails more than enough work for three people, the patients' families are growing increasingly demanding and difficult to deal with, the patients are sicker, the pay is not great.

There are rewarding moments but most of the time I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. I am actively pursuing another career.

I don't regret it, but I felt like much like Emily for awhile. It took a change in jobs to get me to feel better.

Even if you can't get away from the bedside right now, is there another specialty within the hospital you're interested in, or could you go to another facility?

It's not horrible everywhere, but sometimes it takes some effort to find it.

Ladylou, have you shadowed any NICU nurses? That would be beneficial if you haven't already.

Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

I really ejnoy being an RN. I like those that I work with, like the schedule that I have (12 hour nights), the patient population, and even 95% of the docs. I enjoy doing patient care and working with patient's families. I also like the variety that nursing offers, I can choose to stay with patient care, follow up on the business side, management, education...whatever I feel like. I too am a newer nurse, I have been out of school for about two years and I am still learning all the time...I am precepting my first new grad and I hope to make the transition for her a good one. I personally can't think of another career tht fits my personality and interests as well. If nursing is something that you want to do, try to find a place that fits your goals...a toxic work or school environment can make any job--even if it is your "dream job"- a bad fit...I truly believe that finding supportive coworkers and environment to work in can make some of the political crap at least tolerable--and hopefully can bring about some change...Good luck in your decision...

Specializes in Surgical.

I do not regret becoming a nurse. I do not like that the environment in which most nurses work in prevents them from providing optimal care. I have bad days and good days but I can always say when I leave work that I have made an impact in someone elses life whether it be small or large. I had a situation with a very demanding family member who I thought would drive me nuts before the twelve hour shift was up, turns out two days after discharge the family member sent flowers to me at the nurses station and a note to the CEO of the hospital about how I went above and beyond what I had to for her. The profession is not a pollyanna type wonderful, you usually have to swim through the crap to find the good in it but it is good...really good.

I have wanted to be a nurse since before middle school. I have been a nurse since I was 17 years old. I was made to be in the profession and could not imagine doing anything else with my life. I am now 44 and hope to be able to continue for another 20 years or so. I love the teaching aspect of nursing and my favorite was doing NICU and the step down for the little ones. I loved seeing them blossem and grow and how their parents learned to care for them. Me, I have no regrets and too know that I have made a difference every day for someone I cared for!! :rolleyes:

If you are not happy in the field you are working in right now, there are so many other possibilites for nurses. Don't stay where you are, look for another position where you feel connected and happy. The sky is the limit for nurses, especially in this day and age. :p :)

Please don't give up, we need good nurses to stay and help the profession as many nurses are aging and unable to do bedside nursing as our bodies age. :crying2: I speak from experience here. Please let us know what you decide to do.

I'm still in my first year of nursing. It definitely has its ups and downs. For the most part, I think it was a good choice for me. Sure, it can get SO overwhelming, but when I have a patient, or one of their family members, compliment on the care I've given it seems to make things so worthwhile. I love the feeling like I made a difference in someone's life. It's an awesome thing to do. I think I work at a really nice hospital.. pay is good, I like the people I work with, and scheduling is pretty nice too.

I think it's not the most accurate to compare being a CNA to a nurse. From my experience, the CNA's don't get the most respect as nurses do, from some patients to other employees at the hospital. I can understand how you'd get burnout from being a CNA. My suggestion (if you weren't already) try being a CNA in the NICU. If you were a CNA on a Med-Surg floor I can see how you might have a negative view of nursing when you want to work in a NICU!

Yes

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

I have never regretted becoming a nurse. My only regret was that I didn't go for my RN right away. I was an LPN at age 19 and got my RN @ age 46 !!!

+ Add a Comment