Hard Truth of Nursing

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 16, 2016

Hi everyone,
After five years of nursing, continuing my education, and hoping for a better day than the last one, I decided to quit my nursing job. Nursing is very demanding, psychologically challenging & most of the time frustrating due to the lack of respect from other employees. Even with a BSN and supervisory positions I could not find any happiness in this field. The hard truth is, no matter where you work, the nursing position you fill, there will always be pressure from up top (management). I started as a floor nurse at a local hospital, putting in long hours, taking in experience, just like most graduates. After three years of work on a medical-surgical floor, I was already burnt out. High acuity, understaffing, long-hours, will make your life miserable. I decided to switch positions into a supervisory role. The hard truth about supervisory position is that you are a management (bit..h). Management controls everything, from keeping the floors understaffed, preventing from hiring enough people to have adequate staffing, as-well-as drilling me to deliver teachings left and right. I felt bad for my few co-workers that worked with me prior to my management position that now I drilled about some documentation that nobody even looks at. The hardest truth to take in is that some business, clueless, worthless education individuals set rules for hard working professionals like nurses and don't give a crap about them. An RN is an aide, nurse, occupational, speech, physical therapist, a medical advisor, housekeeper, electrician etc. I decided to leave once and for all and be unemployed. I shared this just to see what you guys think about the move, was it a mistake?

Well, it's a bit late to ask for opinions. What's done is done.

But I feel your pain and I understand your choice. I worry about the future of nursing and I worry about the quality of patient care from here on out.

Kitiger, RN · Sep 16, 2016

Go for private duty nursing; it's so much more fun. I love my job.

Sour Lemon · Sep 16, 2016

I shared this just to see what you guys think about the move, was it a mistake?

Yes. If you feel the need to ask, that indicates you're unsure. It's better to act when you're certain.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2016

I am too much of a chicken-little to resign from a job without another one lined up. I enjoy the security that a steady paycheck brings.

Nonetheless, sometimes the finest of us eventually reach our breaking points. I wish you the very best of luck with your future endeavors.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2016

"The hardest truth to take in is that some business, clueless, worthless education individuals set rules for hard working professionals like nurses and don't give a crap about them."

Somewhat true. The bottom line is.. profit driven corporate america has taken over health care. YOU still have options in order to succeed. I work for an insurance company, from home in my jammies... making 6 figures. Rethink your position.

StNeotser, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2016

Mr Bill,

I switched to hospice home health after feeling as you do. My pay came way down but I'm so much happier. See if there is something different you can do with that BSN. You don't have to work in a hospital at all.

Marisette, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2016

Glad to see a fellow nurse with so much integrity. Thank You for stating the facts as you see them and taking a position. The grass is not greener in some of the nursing supervisory positions. The MBA's and people who have not practiced nursing or the medical field for years are in control. They don't care about nurses and they can't possibly care about patients if they don't see the need for adequate nursing staffing, and choose to ignore safety for profit.

Don't look back. You made your decision and it's time to look forward. Your previous experience in nursing should help you acquire a good job, IF you choose to return to nursing. If not, sounds like continuing your education and moving on is a good plan.

Mr.Bill RN, BSN · Sep 17, 2016

roser13 "Quality p.t. care?" That's only in the satisfaction surveys.Reality is that new graduates are more valuable to employers than a seasoned nurse because 1.) low base salary 2.) more educated (Looks better) (MAGNET status) 3.) easier to control (hrs, weekends, rotating shifts). The turn over rates are insane currently.

Mr.Bill RN, BSN · Sep 17, 2016

Been there, done that.... How did you go about to get a position like that?

allnurses Guide · Sep 17, 2016

A career choice that brings you balance and more peace in your life wouldn't be a mistake. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves, but in reality a persistent feeling of unease in your choice doesn't just go away all on it's own. Sometimes a change of specialty is enough. Like Kitiger, I like private duty, but I wouldn't have known that if other options were available. I felt certain I'd be bored.

I would suggest if your BON has the option to be inactive, you'll still have fees, but you wont need to re-take the NCLEX should you change your mind. Best wishes to you!

VerticalHorizon · Sep 17, 2016

These traits and problems are not exclusive to nursing, every profession deals with this and most people don't like their job. That's why it's called work. I do hope you find something you enjoy though.