Hello! This is my first post on here because I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere through Google searches.
Quick background: I'm a new nurse (graduated in May, '15 RN, BSN) and I've been working since July at a level-II trauma center. I went through what I considered a fairly unique program at my current hospital that was called a "nurse residency." It lasted 12 weeks and allowed me to work on different inpatient units throughout the hospital to see which ones I liked.
The residency ended a couple weeks ago and I'm now working on my "home unit." It's a 32-bed ICU (medical-surgical-trauma). I chose this unit because I had worked there as a student during my senior practicum and, out of all the units to which I travelled in the residency, its staff was the most friendly and welcoming. I thought I could grow there and have a smooth transition.
What I've come to realize--essentially since my second year of nursing school (and especially since I've worked as a registered nurse)--is that nursing just is not the career for me. I don't enjoy the patient care and 12-hour shifts, I don't look forward to what I do every day, and I'm sad to think bedside nursing could be a lifetime career for me.
The problem is that I don't know quite what to do. I can't stay in this profession--I know I don't have much experience, but this just isn't the work I enjoy. I grew up working retail and working for my parents' landscaping company. I chose nursing because of its practicality, job security, and salary, and I don't regret having chosen such a bountiful career. I do, however, resent my feelings towards nursing. I cannot convince myself that this is the career for me, and over the past year or so, I've realized that that's OK. I just need to find one that is.
So, my question to you all is: what should I do?
I've considered non-clinical nursing jobs, but I honestly don't think I have enough experience and I have no idea how to go about researching those positions, finding them, or even understanding what they entail.
I've also thought about going back for pharmacy school. I'd have to fulfill a few more prerequisite requirements and be accepted, but it's definitely an option. Then again, I don't know much about the career aside from its basic description and the roles of the clinical pharmacists on the unit.
Any advice you all have to offer--especially those who have been in my position--would be most welcome.
Realize that work isn't an identity and most jobs suck - a lot, and understand that you may invest a lot of time and money in another equally unrewarding career. And yes, I'm being serious here.
This definitely sounds like a success story--I'm happy for you!
What you say about appreciating bedside nurses is something I can't stress enough. These people are warriors. But I'm not the kind of guy to convince myself to go to I job I don't like because it's coveted and respected. I want to be happy.
What type of clinic is it and what do you do? Also, what was your experience beforehand and did it help you?
I answer sick calls, paperwork, and doing prior authorization. The phone is my new BFF now because I am on the phone all day.My experience as a bedside nurse is helpful because I am still working with patients, just not directly. The patient will tell me their symptoms and I will decide if he/she needs to come to the clinic or go to ER or just stays home. Patients normally will have more than one problems and take many medications. As a bedside nurse, I administer medications to patient so I remember a lot of the medications and know what to expect. I can recognize when things are bad. I might not know exactly what it is, but I can "feel" when something is wrong from having that bedside experience. Even with the most unhappy patient on the phone, I am still ok and will not complaint.
My experience with difficult patients at the hospital:
Patient who is awake, alert, and oriented x 4, but likes to scream for help with everything and refuses to use call light.
After working in the hospital, I can relate to patients better because I know what it is like for them to be hospitalized or to take care of family member in the hospital.
Every job has its own pros and cons. I am not saying the clinic is perfect, but I am satisfied.
When I applied for clinic positions, I did not hear from many places, got auto-rejection, or rejected after an interview for not having enough experience (2 years). I thought for sure "hospital is my destiny". I turned down a clinic job offer once because it did not feel right to me. I wanted the clinic job, but I told myself not to just take any clinic job if I was not really sure I would like it. I finally got another offer and felt much more happy.
You just have to take action and apply. Good luck!
P/S: I will send you a message. Please check your inbox.
This is one of those questions that we can't help you with. We don't know you.
Find a career counselor and ask them.
This is not meant to be mean, just to point you in the right direction. Asking strangers on the internet to help you choose your destiny is kinda dumb.
Specializes in OR Nursing, Critical Care, Med-surg.
To be honest, I felt the same way. During nursing school, I "thought" I had an idea of what specialty I wanted to work, but my mind changed every single semester. After graduating, I had no idea what I wanted to do...then again, it didn't matter because as a new grad I was unable to be finicky.
My first job was at a critical care and med-surg facility- lots of hard labor, which I do not mind. However, the long hours, night shift, minimum sleep, long commute home...it got tiring quickly.
I changed my environment after 9 months, went to the OR. It is completely different! I've been in the OR for a little over 2 years. I do like it, but I do not see myself here long-term. I love the people I work with, but I feel like there is no where to go up from the OR.
I've looked into informatics and home-based nursing (haven't tried those 2). Then personal life got in the way (blah, blah)...now, I've decided I want to further my education and school to become a FNP. And I honestly believe I'd enjoy it...I've been researching for months now - and it's something I want to succeed in.
Life's too short to work unhappily. You don't like it, change it. For me, I want to love my job and wake up not dreading work. Some individuals are unable to change their profession for various reasons. Me? I'm single with no kids. Why not go for it? I have nothing but time in my way.
If you aren't into the bedside nursing, but enjoy building rapport with patients and assisting with their problems - look into NP. CRNA is another route. Not much hard labor at all...I work with a few CRNAs in the OR. They're job is extremely important because they're intubating the patient and keeping them stable throughout surgery - but as far as hard labor, not so much.
I opted out of CRNA, because I'd like to have a relationship with patients. Plus, in the OR - it's cold. Lol.
As far as NP, you can do family (consist of working with outpatient population, all ages, chronic diseases, women's health...etc..).
Acute care...inpatient care, making rounds...ER. Women's health NP and psych NP are options as well.
Or you can just turn in a completely new direction if you prefer not to work in health care.
This is one of those questions that we can't help you with. We don't know you.
Find a career counselor and ask them.
This is not meant to be mean, just to point you in the right direction. Asking strangers on the internet to help you choose your destiny is kinda dumb.
I appreciate your taking the time to comment here and I understand what you're saying, but this comment is neither helpful nor is it nice.
People come here for advice, and calling that "dumb" negates your joining this site (and commenting on this post) in the first place.
Why would you continue with nursing if you knew you didn't want to do this since your second year of school?
The same reason many people continue to work jobs they don't enjoy, be with people they don't love, and go into a career for the wrong reasons. They don't want to be considered quitters, they don't want to stop when they're almost finished, and they don't want to be belittled by a society that favors commitment and perseverance in the face of misery.
I continued because I was afraid to quit after all the effort I put in and all the support I received from my family, friends, and program.
I'm feeling the same way as you and still do after 3 years! Med-surg is awful but there are few who love it and God bless them for it! I'm trying to get out into clinic type jobs, insurance, or outpatient surgical centers. I don't mind patient interaction, I HATE bedside! I think if we had more support and help it would be better but its not going to get better. A nurse said to me the other day how she likes bedside and actually likes (or doesn't mind) changing briefs! I guess some people really do love it, not all of us do and that's okay. I've stuck it out because I didn't want to let down my family and wanted them to be proud of me. I went to ER and thought it would be great experience and how my family would be proud of me but I'm miserable still and I'm learning I need to stop doing what I think other people want me to do or care about what they think about me. I go into work almost having anxiety attacks and am dealing with depression that I've never felt before because of my work situation. Do what makes YOU happy! Whatever that is, who cares what anyone says what you should do. Your not them and they are not you. Everyone has their own path they need to follow.
Thank you for your comment, NRS86.
I feel like you're hitting on points I'd like to make in this post.
We don't tell people to stick it out in a relationship when they're not happy. We don't imply that more experience and familiarity with someone (or something; i.e., nursing) will make him/her/it more enjoyable. We don't say that because we understand that not liking something for what it is is reason enough not to do it.
We should allow ourselves to be happy—that's what's most important. And I'm not happy with nursing. And it seems downright naive to me to expect by paying my dues†the universe or some force will grant me with a career I all of the sudden enjoy. That's melodramatic, but it's the truth. Just because we put in the time doesn't mean there will all the sudden be a position that redefines what we enjoy in a career.
I also want to make it known that I do not devalue the importance and impact of experience. As a matter of fact, the experience I've gotten as an independent nurse over the past year—including the gamut of rotations throughout my residency—is the reason that I understand nursing isn't the career for me.
It never was, but I didn't want to admit it because of the effort I had put forth and for fear of being labeled a quitter.
What I'm concerned about it the way you describe a nurse residency as if no one else has ever heard of this concept. I'm wondering if you really know what else you can do with nursing instead of writing it all off and throwing in the towel. You might just be going through the adjustment blues and maybe need to give yourself some more time. What is it about the job that doesn't appeal to you? What is it that happened during the 2nd year that completely put you off?
Bedside doesn't have to be (and usually shouldn't because of the physical -- let alone mental -- wear and tear) a lifetime part of the career.
Thanks for your comment. I'm not sure about your area, but here in Richmond, VA, this nurse residency is unique. No other hospital around here offers it. In fact, it was one of the main reasons I took the job.
Anyway, I'd like to think I understand what nursing can offer. Through the residency, I experienced not only unit-based nursing, but "special experiences" as well. These included three ICUs, two med-surg floors, and a couple cardiac-focused specialized floors. It also included rotations through same-day surgery, two PACUs, the cath lab, OR, wound-ostomy care, angiography, and an infusion center for cancer and outpatient infusions.
The irony of the program is that it made me realize I didn't enjoy nursing.
Realize that work isn't an identity and most jobs suck - a lot, and understand that you may invest a lot of time and money in another equally unrewarding career. And yes, I'm being serious here.
I appreciate your bluntness--I think it's welcomed here.
But I refuse to resign myself to the fact that we have to be miserable in our job because it's a job. To accept that is to be miserable--to have something "suck"--and I won't spend the majority of my life working and living under that assumption.
I have seen some Masters of Education programs take BSNs and grant them Education degrees and eligibility to obtain state education licenses (not to be confused with Masters of Nursing Education). This would allow one to teach in Elementary up through High School. I've also seen US training accelerated for RNs. Don't know if any of this helps.
This REALLY interests me. I wanted to teach before I went into nursing, but I didn't think it would be a lucrative career.
How much more information do you have on this? Thank you!
It took me a few years to figure it out. I found my 'niche' working in The Department of Veterans Affairs, and then taking care of Vets at home. I'm entering my 25th year, and honestly, I am considering a career change. I am interested in Patient, particularly Veteran Advocacy. You have limitless opportunities. Within the field of Nursing, you can do so many things. Bedside nursing is a real foundation for whatever path you follow. Be patient, with yourself.
yep, I should have took it as a sign when I dreaded clinical's during nursing school!! But same here, I didn't want to quit and always was told "It'll get better", NO! it doesn't, it never gets better! LOL. I love the field of medicine but I like the non-clinical side of it.
It also doesn't help where I work in my unit most nurses haven't been there longer than a year, hmmm if turn over is that bad its not just me!!
I was a nice, happy, and confident person before entering the world of bedside nursing. Now I am bitter, short-tempered, beaten down, and depressed. I literally feel this job sucking the years out of my life! Life is already too short to be utterly miserable. I'm not saying I expect to have a job I skip to in joy everyday, work is called work for a reason. But I never EVER had a job that made me so unhappy in my short 15 years of working.
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VANurse2010
1,526 Posts
Realize that work isn't an identity and most jobs suck - a lot, and understand that you may invest a lot of time and money in another equally unrewarding career. And yes, I'm being serious here.