How do you feel about being a nurse?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Mar 7, 2017

You are going to have to ... buy my book.

cyc0sys · Mar 7, 2017

Nursing is the most thankless, demanding, overworked and underpaid vocation I've ever had. But it's one of the only jobs you can truly make a difference for someone who is having the worst or best day/week/month of their lives. "You're going to be there when a lot of people are born, and when a lot of people die. In most every culture, such moments are regarded as sacred and private, made special by a divine presence. No one on Earth would be welcomed, but you're personally invited. What an honor that is." â€“ Thom Dick

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2017

It's kind of like having little kids. A whole lot of work for very little appreciation or recognition but yet every once in a while when little sticky arms reach up and hug you it somehow all feels worth it.

I always think if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't choose nursing yet I can never think of anything else I'd rather be doing.

I do wish I hadn't been so quick to get away from the things that scared me. If something makes you nervous in nursing, do it until you're good at it. That's the best way to get over your fears. I wish I'd done that more often when I was just starting out.

Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2017

Nursing is a second career for me. I'm so glad I switched. Somedays are hard, some days are fun, but overall I enjoy working with the population I'm with. I kind of wish I switched sooner, but I'm glad I did it when I did as I have more life experience to bring to the table.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 7, 2017

Second career. Love it, no regrets!

cocoa_puff · Mar 7, 2017

Here is my perspective

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/finally-leaving-nursing-1092494.html

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Mar 7, 2017

There are more days when I regret it than not. I think it's been good for me in the sense that I've learned how resilient I am, and there are definitely days when I feel like I've made a positive difference in someone's life. However, the massive responsibility of this is exhausting to me, and it is usually more thankless and grueling than anything else, in my experience.

If I could go back in time, I'd do something else entirely (marine biology). Don't think I don't consider it now, lol, but I feel like I'm too old to entirely start over. I may enjoy some areas of non-bedside nursing more, so I'm trying to stick out my current job until I finish my BSN. I feel crazy for getting this degree I'm not even sure I want, but the hospital's paying for it, and it's a very user-friendly program compared to others I'm interested in.

Sour Lemon · Mar 7, 2017

I like it for practical reasons ....the pay, the flexibility with regard to schedule, the ability to move to almost any city and find employment, etc. I've never had the warm fuzzies for nursing, but I've never regretted becoming a nurse, either. In fact, being less of an idealist probably makes it a more tolerable job to me than it does to some others.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2017

I enjoy nursing for the flexible scheduling, career mobility, income, and opportunities for educational advancement.

I dislike interaction with patients, families, coworkers, management, administration, and vendors. For me, nursing is just a means to an end.

desertace · Mar 7, 2017

Nothing, no regrets, it can be tough at times but a very satisfying career.

Davey Do · Mar 8, 2017

Simply, do you enjoy being a nurse?

Yes.

Does it make you happy?

Happiness comes from being at peace with oneself. Nursing contributes to that happiness.

Or do you regret it?

No. I got fed up with it a couple of times and use free lance art as my primary means of income, but I went back to nursing after short absences.

Do you have any very specific regrets related to being a nurse?

No.