What else can I do with my BSN besides nursing?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I am considering leaving the healthcare field all together. I have a BSN and looking into graduate school. I had thought about advancing to a FNP, maybe even DNP eventually, thinking that I may find more satisfaction if I could make a larger impact in the nursing field. However, I have had thoughts of finding a new career all together. I have not had a great experience as a nurse. I know all too well the phrase, "nurses eat their young". The field is just nothing like I thought.

So to get to the point:

I am looking for suggestions or thoughts on leaving the nursing field. What else is my BSN good for? I have looked into a few things but really I would like thoughts from others.

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

Have you thought about other fields within the nursing profession? Such as becoming a clinical instructor, or working outpatient?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This makes me sad to read, but I could understand your frustration if you're consistently having a hard time. Before switching all together, have you thought of working a different hospital/department etc?

I am not a nurse yet, in fact, I'm about to embark on my BSN journey. But reading this post made feel like I needed to say something. I could be completely out of my element here, but I'm betting you're an amazing nurse and your patients love you. If it's other nurses making your life hard, well - shame on them. We are a team. I say find a different place to use your hard earned talents and skills. But that's just my opinion on it all.

I wish you the very best regardless!

-Krys

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, this is a very interesting post. I'm sorry that you feel that way with your co-workers/other nurses. I have never felt that way when I was a new nurse. However, it sounds like you've made up your mind about leaving the healthcare field.

Maybe pursue an MBA? I know many nurses who have done this and opened up businesses (healthcare related though) and had nothing to do with patients. An MBA would give you options in management, information tech, or business settings (if you are into that).

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, OB, ICU, Public Health Nursing.

It depends on why you want to leave. Perhaps acute care is not for you. There are many interesting options if you don't want to do direct patient care. Case Manager, Legal Nurse Consultant, Quality Management, Risk Management. There are nurses who use their nursing knowledge to become writers. There are politicians who have nursing degrees who work on social/government policies. I hope this helps. There were times in my 40 years as a nurse when I thought about leaving, however, I always found a better position in nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just because you have an advanced degree in nursing does not mean you will make a "larger impact". In fact , I find that comment degrating to bedside RNs. Nursing may not be the career for you, why don't you pursue something you truly enjoy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

I really appreciate the kind words. I have not really had anyone to share all this with. The patients is what is holding me back. I have had great patient experiences. I am a private duty nurse right now and have been with my patient several years. They tell me all the time they do not know what they would do if I wasn't there. They constantly tell me that I am the only nurse they trust. It has been the co-workers and work environments that have pushed me this far. Plus I have found that I don't enjoy bedside care as much. I like making the difference on a larger scale if that makes sense. However the one time I held a position as a manager I just could not get into the role. Either I was too friendly with staff or the staff that I was a B --- for a boss. It didn't help that I had no clear boss to give me guidance as a new manager.

This isn't all inclusive just a few examples.

I have thought about other types of nursing like case management and things a long that line.... Just I am not sure if I have the right experience and those jobs are sought after around here and go quick.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.
Just because you have an advanced degree in nursing does not mean you will make a "larger impact". In fact , I find that comment degrating to bedside RNs. Nursing may not be the career for you, why don't you pursue something you truly enjoy.

I am really sorry. I did not mean to offend. Bedside nursing is crucial to the day to day lives of patients. I actually meant I felt I could make a difference on a larger scale to the nursing profession. For example during my time as an assistant director I implemented new procedures and policies, started activities and groups for patients, and designed programs that boosted employee moral. I took pride in making a difference not only in the lives of the patients at that time but in the patients of the future. I ended up leaving that job because management changed and I no longer felt like I had a place in the future of the company. It seemed the focus moved to making money even at the expense of quality of care. That job was unique and really have not found one like it yet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment