Hate Floor Nursing? Don't Despair!

Published

I've been a floor nurse in three different states and two different specialties, and I finally realized - I hate it. I thought that I hated nursing or wasn't cut out for it, but that's not true. If you can't handle patients and other nurses and staff abusing you, or if you find no enjoyment in your job, then floor nursing is probably not for you. That doesn't mean that NURSING isn't. The greatest thing about nursing is the diverse job opportunities. Yes, you may need to have six months or a year of experience before you can apply to another job, but there are so many other options out there. If you are crying before, during, or after work - SOMETHING IS WRONG. And it's not you. Try an outpatient clinic, telehealth, utilization review or case management, or nursing informatics. If you like some aspects of patient care, some people have found that they like OR nursing. The point is that there are options out there. Don't feel trapped. You got the degree, and you deserve to be happy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks!! I'm extremely unhappy w/ floor nursing. I'm actually going back to school as we speak for FNP... I have to continue working the floor for another year until I graduate because of the flexibility. I dread going to work and add the stress of school, I'm not happy much... If it wasn't for a great husband, I would probably be completely depressed. I feel stuck until I graduate due to my school demands. But I will survive...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good for you! There is an end in sight, and something to work toward. I wish you all the best in your program and as an FNP! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

í ½í±í ¼í¿¼

thanks for sharing your positive outlook. I also tried several floor nursing jobs before I threw in the towel. Kept waiting to like what I was doing and realised it was never going to happen! Now I work in an office- based nursing role and much happier.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Lactation.

Same here...I'm looking into getting out of working the floor. Too many demands these days and it's just not like it used to be. Anybody trying coding? I think that's where I'm headed...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

Yes.

I am happy to be moving on to a different type of nursing. I've learned a lot and I am grateful. But I need to find my joy in life again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

My goal before I finished nursing school was to work no longer than 5 years at the bedside. I'm a second career nurse and I know my limits.

I worked 3 and a half years at the bedside, then I managed a unit. Now I'm an educator.

There are options once you have at least 2 years of experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion