Nursing Doubts: What To Do When Bedside Nursing Isn't For You?

[music.love]

Hello everyone.

I have been an LPN for 3 years, in that period I've worked in LTC/SNF, homecare, subacute, assisted living memory care, and currently a brain & spinal cord rehab. All this time I have been trying to find my niche, always thinking that the grass would be greener, and always changing areas until I could find the one that suited me. But now I've realized that bedside nursing in general just isn't my thing. First, I doubt my own abilities(like I constantly miss major details or my critical thiking skills aren't all that great). I should be confident after 3 years, specially having worked at so many places, but instead I feel like I lack so much. I use apps on my phone & re-read old nursing school materials to refresh my brain.

Second, I always wake up dreading to go to work. Anxious and nervous about what will happen that day, what kind of rudeness my patients or their visitors will throw at me, or how much work I'll have to do such as admissions/send outs/unpredicted emergencies.

Third, I've worked so hard in school to get into an LVN-RN bridge program, but recently got denied to one. Now I'm wondering if it'll even be worth applying out of town since I'm uncertain of what I really want to do. I love helping people, I have such a big heart and a soft touch, I have interest in health/medicine. But I think being an LPN has strained me and I fear that becoming an RN will be somewhat the same.

What specialties have you worked that don't involve bedside care?

Has anyone been a nurse for a while, but switched gears after realizing it wasn't for them? If so, what other area or pathway did you choose? I once heard of an RN who was burnt out from nursing so he went to work at a car part dealership instead and loved it there.

I've looked into forensic nursing, research nursing, and even becoming a physical therapist. But I would love to hear some actual experiences or input from you guys (:

Thanks!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Honestly, I think that the amount of job-hopping you've done is part of the problem. You never stay with any one specialty long enough to GET GOOD AT IT. If you stick something out long enough to become an expert, you will like your work much better.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Meanmaryjean nailed it. I used to job-hop a lot too, and it wasn't until the end of my career that I found my niche in assisted living. I stuck with that one until I was forced to retire due to a mental health problem. I held 13 jobs in 17 years. I liked bedside nursing but I couldn't keep up with the pace, so I moved around a lot until I discovered that I was a much better teacher and wellness manager. I only wish I'd been able to continue.