Got a job...then quit the job.....

[RN that never was]

So I got the job. . ..then I quit the job. Here are my reasons in no particular order:

1. The only place I could find to hire me was a SNF. . .and it took 3.5 years. I would hate to say it, but this particular SNF/LTC was horrific. To put it short: They were using medication techs as RN's due to staffing issues. 30+ patient ratios. The shortcuts by the LPN's were appalling. As it turns out, this SNF has a reputation for shady practice including mass NARC theft (prior DON), care violations etc. . .Not worth it.

2. I lost the passion. I don't know when or where it happened, but I found that I have completely lost the passion for nursing. It is just not in my heart anymore. I think being rejected for 3.5 years coupled with being away and disconnected from nursing for so long promulgated this change. The fire that once burned in me for nursing has died.

I do think things would have been a lot different if I was able to secure a new grad program position on a med/surg floor right out of school. Now I just can not relate to the field as I am too far removed from it. "Distance makes a heart grow fonder . . .. too much distance kills it"----I do believe this has happened. I have changed over the last 3.5 years and nursing no longer fits who I am or what I want out of life.

It is a very strange feeling. I chased a carrot for so long. When I finally got it I realized my tastes changed; I no longer like carrots. Now I do not know what to do. I enjoy helping people and have been told I am a "social animal". This, along with the scientific coursework, is what originally inspired me to be a RN. I do not see these things in nursing. I see pain, misery and exhaustion. Perhaps I was naïve.

I envisioned being an OR nurse or something like that. I did not envision myself working in SNF. . ..if I would have known that this was going to be my only option I would not of pursued my RN. I feel you do need to have a "caling" so to speak to be that kind of nurse--I do not.

I know this is getting long. . ...

In closing. . ..I do not know where to go from here. Nursing is out. Any ideas of what can be made out of an RN degree?

[ceebeejay]

The job market sucks. It can take 3 or more years to find a new job in this market no matter what kind of job you do. Keep that in mind. SNF, I think you were brave to even try. I knew I would come out with the same bitter taste, so I never even applied. There were many words of good advice. Especially, to own it. Own your license. You are a licensed professional. Now, start your business. Get out there and make yourself marketable. Hospitals are not the end all be all of nursing. Check your state labor department listings; sometimes you can find things there. If you like OR nursing, network among people that are in that field. Don't forget about outpatient surgical facilities like plastic surgery, endoscopy/colonoscopy type facilities. Rarely you will come across surgeons and RNs willing to train the right person in bigger facilities.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Its working for you...ok I guess that means it works for everybody and what I said holds no merit...great! Also, I agree; I need an attitude adjustment. Being rejected for 3.5 years and hired by only by a sketchy SNF is no reason to be disappointed--I should be skipping down the street singing show-tunes.

Far from saying what you say holds no merit... the community is offering support and valid suggestions.

We certainly hear your disappointment. Please at least consider some of our ideas.

Sounds like you have a great sense of humor... that is always a plus.

"

I am thinking the show tune could be "Singing in The Rain".

Good luck, I truly hope it gets better for you.

[grad2012RN]

[ "2. I lost the passion. I don't know when or where it happened, but I found that I have completely lost the passion for nursing. It is just not in my heart anymore. I think being rejected for 3.5 years coupled with being away and disconnected from nursing for so long promulgated this change. The fire that once burned in me for nursing has died." ]

This has recently happened to me too. It sucks even more because I'm a 40-something year old new grad. So, I have two (2) worthless degrees. I'm not the type of person to tell people, I'm unemployed, but, I'm doing that now. But, what is the first thing that comes out of their mouths... What?!!, how can a nurse not find a job?

I'm getting a few RN job interviews, but, I think they are expecting a 20-something year old to walk in the room. I could be wrong though.

In two weeks, I may be starting a non-healthcare, non-nursing, job. Just my luck, this is when I'll get an offer for a nursing job.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

To regain your nursing chops, look at taking an RN refresher/reentry course --some are distance online with local preceptor, others based in community (depends on state). If you go this route, needs to be prominent on job cover letter.

Adjusting your expectation: I can survive this hour, this day, this week, this month while I'm learning first job may help.