Have you ever left the field?

Boomer MS, RN · May 24, 2016

I find hearing these comments over and over, at least on this forum, very disturbing. Not that some of you feel that way, but that it is the reality for so many. I was lucky and knew I wanted to go into nursing way back then and did. I had been a nurse's aide for three summers. Years ago, things were not easier; they were just as difficult but different. The only improvement in nursing over the years is what nurses get paid now. I loved bedside nursing and found my specialty immediately, although I did try other areas too. A year is not very long, and med-surg is the hardest place to work now. It didn't used to be that way. With a year of med-surg under your belt, there will be opportunities for you. I don't want to sound harsh here, but it seems that many are and have gone into nursing for the wrong reason(s.) Reading comments here asking, "What is the cheapest and fastest way to be come an RN?" Huh? I get so frustrated with nursing and think it is its own worst enemy. Life is hard.

And to answer another question, yes, I did leave nursing for 16 years because my husband, a surgeon, was never home. I am not exaggerating. We had two children, and I could find no help that would allow me to work. As soon as the older one could drive, I volunteered on a med-surg unit, networked, got hired as a "new grad" and stayed for two years. I knew I wanted my master's in critical/care/trauma so applied and surprisingly was accepted. I knew what I wanted, and you don't seem to know. It seems terribly sad to me that you want to leave after all your time, effort and expense.

One good thing about nursing is that there are many options other than the bedside. I always advocate continuing one's education, if you crave learning new things. I am so sorry that you are depressed, which can color your outlook. You have got to be patient though when applying for other positions. Patience is maybe the hardest of the virtues. Way back when, you walked in for an interview, they checked if you had a pulse and looked at your license in your hand and asked, "When can you start? Tomorrow?" The corporate PWBs are ruining healthcare today. I wonder, though, who is going to take care of me when I need bedside care?

NurseMegP, BSN, RN · May 24, 2016

I find hearing these comments over and over, at least on this forum, very disturbing. Not that some of you feel that way, but that it is the reality for so many. I was lucky and knew I wanted to go into nursing way back then and did. I had been a nurse's aide for three summers.
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I wonder, though, who is going to take care of me when I need bedside care?

I wish I had more of a passion for med surg because you really do learn so much on the floor, but I just can't bring myself to stay here. To encourage you, I do work with some great girls who really do have a passion for the med-surg bedside. I think the reason you see so many people on here that are unsure is because if I wasn't confused about my career, I wouldn't be on this discussion board.

I do feel confused, I knew I wanted to help people, I knew nursing would be tough, but I found biology and science interesting and wanted to give it a shot. My mom was a nurse aide so I saw first hand how much it could wear her down, but I wanted to give to society. I just didn't think it would quite be like this. I know I should be more patient. Thank you for your advice. I couldn't imagine having to leave because of kids or having no support at home, but I am glad it worked out in the end for you!

setsuna92 · May 24, 2016

I also believe there are many who enter the field for the wrong reasons. But I, like you, entered the field of nursing because biology was and still is one of my favorite subjects. I loved the idea of becoming a nurse and was hopeful to one day become a neonatal nurse practitioner. However, I became severely depressed during nursing school; I was constantly anxious and contemplated suicide very often. I found solace in my son. I was able to graduate on time and was immediately hired in a peds unit. I was so excited and thought things were going to get better. But I was wrong. Orientation was great and they constantly complimented my performance. I made a horrendous med error that traumatized me, but my coworkers were very supportive and continued to encourage me. But I wasn't happy. I left the bedside after 2 and a half months of being on my own. I know some will say "that wasn't enough time to get into routine or develop your critical thinking," but I will say that I noticed the change immediately. I found a job which might not pay as much, but I've come to enjoy. I've taken this time to reflect on what I really want and will hopefully start my masters in library science. I've come to accept that life will take us down some very unexpected paths and where we are now may not be where we will be a few years down the road. For a while I had felt like a failure because I didn't become a full fledged nurse, but then I remember that even though nursing greatly intrigued me, it isn't who I am entirely. So don't be discouraged because you're confused. Being confused maybe good because it allows you to question and eventually discover what really makes you happy.

moncj66 · May 24, 2016

I don't think u have to leave the field entirely but find something outpatient. I was completely burned out on a med surg floor after 6 months and literally just quit one day. I was at the point of having panic attacks going into work so I had to quit..lol

Then, I got a job doing laser hair removals with ideal image. Its not a common nursing speciality but i actually love it and glad i'm not on the floor. Just shop around and you will find something! The hospital isn't for everyone and its annoying that nursing school brainwashes everything into thinking we just HAVE to work in a hospital..lol

NurseMegP, BSN, RN · May 25, 2016

Thank you so much setsuna92 and moncj66!

Setsuna I am sorry you've had such a bad medication experience, I do worry about that happening to me as well but luckily I feel very protected by the pyxis and EMAR system we have in place. I also really appreciate your encouragement about being confused. It's so true that sometimes life just doesn't turn out at all how we expected.

And moncj66 I have actually thought about that! I worked when I was a student with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon doing outpatient stuff and that was honestly the best job I have ever had. My patients were always awake so I still got to talk to them but I was also assisting the MD with sutures, removals, etc. I had so much fun at that job but after getting my RN the doctor (who I've known for years and years) said he honestly wouldn't have been able to afford to keep me around (and it's true in the hospital I make about $12/hr more than I did there). I will keep an eye out at laser removal facilities! Thanks for the idea!