Third year nursing student who hates nursing and wants to quit

SaggieRN87, BSN · Oct 19, 2017

Hello. Like yourself, I had my doubts about the Nursing profession and considered changing majors. However, I had determined that I had invested too much time and money to reconsider. I earned my nursing license in May 2016. Since then, I am now working at my fourth job. You read that correctly, and PLEASE do not change jobs in your first year as a licensed nurse unless threatened with termination or patient safety is being compromised ! Do I like the job I have now? Of course now, but I really want to hang in there for a year at least. With that said, here's some things to consider:

1. Is there anything at all that attracts you to Nursing? If yes, could you use that as a motivating factor to get you through a year or two? You mentioned your mother but that is the wrong reason to choose to work in any profession.

2. Have you thought about obtaining a master's degree or certificate? Is this something that you can afford? Would you have support systems in place while accomplishing this? I, too, am considering it.

3. You meantioned your mental health? Are you in counseling/therapy or considering it? This is a very serious issue. I battle with mental health issues, and only recently, started going to therapy. I should have done this sooner since it has impacted my career and personal life.

Good luck.

somerhalders · Oct 19, 2017

Hi thank you so much for replying. I just realised that I wrote I want to quit. I most definitely am not going to quit since I came this far.... I am going to finish it but I don't want to be an actual nurse when I graduate. I've only ever liked the biology part of nursing so actual biology lessons but nothing to do with clinical nursing. I've never liked working on the wards. I wish I never picked a course at 18 but I thought hey, I've gone throught the pain of a levels to get to uni so I might as well pick something. I thought about doing a masters but I heard that you need clinical experience first and I really don't want to do clinical experience. I should have realised that I wasn't made for nursing as I really am not a people person. I'm someone who cannot fake niceties. I can't even pretend to be nice so it's all a bit of a struggle. I have my family and friends as support but that's about it. No professiomal support. I keep thinking about doing history like I originally intended but going back to uni to start afresh at 21 for a whole new course and then having to do extra to get a job with that course. Only it's all just anxiety inducing.

SaggieRN87, BSN · Oct 19, 2017

My friend is a RN and has a non-clinical job. It is actually her first nursing job. She has asked me multiple times if I am interested. I am, but it pays significantly less than what I'm accoustomed to. I can not afford such the drastic change in income at this time. However, this may be suitable for you.

Whether or not clinical experience is required for admissions to a graduate program will depend on the graduate program. Though, employers may require clinical experience despite having a master's degree. I have found this to be true with a lot of healthcare positions. To be honest, that does make sense.

If you are adamant that nursing will not be for you, and can AFFORD to switch majors or earn another degree, then it wouldn't hurt to consider that option. Think carefully about that last statement. I wish the best for you.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 20, 2017

Moved to Nursing Student Discussion area.

Nerdy Nurse · Oct 20, 2017

You are certainly not too old at 21 years and it's definitely not too late for you to figure out what you truly want to do. I'm sorry that you have to go through with this. I can sympathize having to be pressured choosing a major because of your parents and feeling guilty of possibly disappointing them if you decide to quit. It's true that you have already invested a lot of time, money, and effort in all those three years you have in nursing. But personally, I don't think it's going to be worth it if you find yourself hating every aspect and every moment of it someday. You're going to be wasting much more than that when you already start working and when the urge to quit is stronger than ever. If you can afford to quit and switch majors, I would highly recommend you do so soon.

If not and if you decide to tough it out until you graduate and pass NCLEX, you are going to have to force yourself to like nursing in order to thrive in the work environment. I know a lot of nurses who are passionate about nursing, have always wanted to be nurses or who love to be one, but they still find themselves crying every shift because of how stressed and overwhelmed they are. What more would it be for someone who does not like nursing? No one wants to be miserable with their work and I so hope it doesn't have to be that way for some people, but sadly, that's not the reality. Nursing is a profession that requires not only commitment or skills, but also passion and grit in order to survive and succeed.

Then again, maybe there will come a time when you will like it or find a field where you'll feel comfortable. You don't always have to be at wards/bedside. There's research, psychiatry, clinics, operating room, etc. Although admittedly, you have to at least have a year or two of experience in acute care facilities in order to be able to branch out. It's possible to get into those fields as a new grad though.

I wish you the best.