Haven’t found my niche

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I feel like I made a mistake going into nursing. I wanted to help others and do like the job security and options. The problem is, I’ve tried so many different specialties and do not like any of them. I’m getting burned out. I really want to get out of nursing completely, but I need reliable steady income. Am feeling really lost. I’ve thought about going back to school but have decided against that for many reasons. I know there are other non-bedside options but it seems like they are hard to get into and I’m worried about finances. Any advice? Has anyone else left nursing for another profession?

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If you don't get a response here try the search feature. There have been many posts by nurses who think nursing was a mistake, are burnt out, want to get out of nursing, etc.

I've worked about twenty different areas of nursing. Very happy with where I ended up, but it was still bedside nursing.

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Good to know, can I ask what you do? I’m just getting tired of trying new things only to be let down but maybe I need to open up my mind a little.

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Out patient surgery. The patients are healthy enough to have surgery and go home the same day. (You will lose some acute care nursing knowledge and nursing skills.) You only have the patient a short time then they're off to OR or discharged home. The hours are Mon to Fri, 6ish am to 7ish pm, no weekends, closed holidays, no nights, etc.

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That sounds appealing. I’ll keep my eyes open for this type of position. I could see myself liking that type of work. Thank you!

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I think you need to think about what specifically about it is burning you out. Is it the direct patient contact? The hours? The setting? Nursing is one of those careers that has so much flexibility you can do just about anything. You can do anything from chart review at home for insurance companies to visiting nurse, to school nurse, etc., etc. Maybe look into some alternatives once you figure out what you are trying to move away from.

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Give it some time. I hated nursing when I first started. Now I couldn’t be more grateful. Took about a year and a half to feel like I made the right decision.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

agree with MHD. What dont you like about the jobs? the patients? Hours? weekends? coworkers?

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