I got out of nursing and I've never been better!

Zookeeper3 · Oct 19, 2007

I agree 100% I wish people would learn quickly that;

-they are valuable people aside from being a nurse

-there are valuable non bedside jobs

-A burnt out, exhausted nurse, is no value to themselves, their families, their peers or patients (they need a change and a rest because they have to be rested and healthy to wear all the other hats).!!!

-we need to stop telling people if they just switch jobs it will get better, why aren't we saying.. dang the profession will miss you! (alright I secretly wish no one would leave, but I want them to be happy).

I'm very happy that you can utilize your experience and in a way that brings many good things to you personally! Wish you and every exhausted nurse well, health and happiness.

I think it's important to give people a little credit. We all know there are non-hospital nursing jobs. Some of us have even tried them! My post was aimed toward people who are unhappy and want out of the profession. Again, you have to give those people a little credit that they know what they want.
There are other jobs that give back as well. Mine does that now, but I'm excited, even thrilled to work. I work from home, I make more money, get more respect, and it's not even stressful... and I wouldn't have believed it possible until I reached the breaking point and found this new employment.
My point is that you can't just tell people to go find another nursing job and everything will be alright. I've tried many different areas of nursing and as I've said before, the same problems and issues persist. People know when they are burned out and we should encourage them to explore other professions if they so chose, guilt free.

nyapa, RN · Oct 19, 2007

I have a friend who amongst other things became a consultant for a medical company. She got to travel quite a bit. I'm not sure how much you would get paid for that, and I suppose it depends both on the company you work for and the products they sell as to how your job would be.

bill4745, RN · Oct 19, 2007

Would you say there are more unhappy nurses than happy ones???

No, the unhappy ones are just more verbal.

tulip928 · Oct 19, 2007

Zookeeper and all,

Would you give a basic list of types of jobs available to RN's who don't want to do floor nursing?

Is there a difference for ADN vs. BSN?

What about experience necessary?

My case: I'm no longer working in a hospital and seeking ideas. I graduated at 49with ADN. Worked in NICU for over 1.5 years. Because of high stress of work atmosphere (bad staffing, etc.) and being diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (stress from work caused me chest pain, which in turn got me to dr. and diagnosed). I've been out of floor nursing, and working contract very part time doing medical screenings with a company that works with insurance companies.

Would it be beneficial for me to get my BSN to open up more opportunities, and what are the opportunities? :)

Michelle*RN*:

I know what you mean about feeling relieved! I have never looked back at my decision to leave my hospital job. It was dangerous to my health, and I'm sure I have something to offer in another way! Thank you for your posting this subject!!!

Tangerine Lipgloss · Oct 19, 2007

Michelle

Good luck to you in your new career. I'm glad you are so happy.

I'm finished with bedside nursing too. I got a M-F day shift position (no weekends or holidays) in a risk management type job. I hope that my contributions will make hospitals a bit safer.

I am so burnt that I don't even recongnize myself anymore. I've gained weight, become short tempered, anxious and always feel stressed out. I was overcome with dread the day before every shift. I switched to part time thinking it would help me. Initially, I felt better, then was back to feeling bad again. My unit is just very chaotic and dysfunctional.

I'm a good nurse, and function very well at work. But the toll it is taking on me is not worth it.

Sabby_NC · Oct 19, 2007

I know there are many people here who want to leave nursing and I want to share my experiences.
If you're seriously considering leaving, do it. Nothing is worth giving away your mental or physical health.
While working as a nurse, I was miserable for all the reasons people complain about here too. I was sick ALL THE TIME -- colds, flus, gastroenteritis, you name it, I'd get it. I was sick at least 2 weeks out of every month.
Since leaving nursing last year, I haven't been sick ONCE. Nothing. I've never felt physically or mentally better.
It was not easy to leave. I spent many fruitless months searching for the right profession to go into. I had to apply a lot of creativity and do a lot of networking and legwork to break into my new profession. Considering the alternative though, I felt I had no choice. I'm so happy that I put the time and effort into it, and its paid off well for me.
I'm working as a Consultant, applying my medical background to cases of medical and insurance fraud. Everything is great about this job and I love it.
YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT. DON'T STAY IN SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU UNHAPPY. LIFE IS TOO SHORT!
Peace and good luck!

Great post ... I had a girlfriend who just was not happy even though she was a wonderful nurse. She felt it was just not for her. I said the same thing to her. She did change her direction from nursing but used her nursing knowledge to land a job that she truly enjoys.

We all must do what our heart tells us to do. I could not be in a job if I was not truly happy.