Graduating in May — feeling lost? wanting to quit? advice needed.

[newbienurse22]

I graduate with my BSN in May and I have no idea what I want to do anymore. I feel so discouraged with the recent case against the Vanderbilt nurse and it has all made me more scared to be a nurse than I was before. not to mention I was smack in the middle of nursing school with COVID stuff. I keep seeing nurses say “if you’re a nursing student quit now or get out while you can”. I know I have never liked bedside… I really like the OR (where my senior role transition is at) but again I’m just terrified of messing up/getting sued/etc. I really feel passionate about insurance and increasing accessibility of care to patients but I’ve seen that insurance nursing requires experience. I feel like the nursing school to medsurg pipeline is strong and IDK what any of my options outside of the hospital.

 I’ve tried looking at some outpatient jobs & it just seems everything requires experience of some sort experience ? is feeling this stressed before even graduating normal?!? anyone have any advice? or ideas of things I can do as a new grad that isn’t bedside? 

I really appreciate any advice anyone has ?

[londonflo]

19 minutes ago, newbienurse22 said:

I keep seeing nurses say “if you’re a nursing student quit now or get out while you can”. 

I taught for over 45 years (of course worked as a staff nurse first for years, then  every other weekend during school times and full time in the Summer). What you are hearing from the staff RNs has happened for so many years, I cannot count. The staff nurses seem to think is important information but do they follow what they preach? No, they are there, year after year, dissing nursing  to students while they collect a paycheck. 

I think your idea of a specialty is good but do not think you would not be great in another staff role. Collect all the experiences you can get....see what appeals to you. Ignore those who want to "rain on your parade".