I HATE bedside nursing

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Ok maybe I just don't care for it too much, but I feel like Im suffocating. I have been in this position for about 10 months now and I cant wait to hit the year mark so I can get out! I feel I might not be cut out for it in the long term because there is just way too much dramatization on insignificant things that add stress to my life which is unnecessary. One nursing attendant reported me to the manager over a trivial issue which had already been solved. I have never been reported to any manager like that ever before in my career. Perhaps she hates me but having to sit in his office and go over matters that have been settled regarding cleaning a patient is beyond me. Especially when the patient was cleaned and the matter was settled. I did not make a med error, none of my patients died, and no one fell. Why I had to remain in his office for nearly 30 minutes after working 12hour night shift is just silly to me. I guess it's the protocol but Im sick of it. I hope I am not over exaggerating but I am feeling more and more like bedside is not for me but I dont want to quit before my year is up. I want to have a solid year so I can move on to do other things that require that much experience. I am so tired and frankly I'm getting bored and unmotivated. How do I rectify this?! Please help. Thanks

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Bedside nursing is not for everyone. Don't let anyone tell you just because you're not a bedside nurse that you're not a real nurse. What other areas are you interested in? I would apply for something else now. I worked bedside for two years and I hated it. I love my new job in public health. My only regret is not starting this job sooner.

That's the beauty of our business; there is nursing EVERYWHERE.

But remember, there are going to be rules, regs, and personalities and viewpoints that can be challenging; learning how to respond to these issues (think Mental Health rotation) will help you transcend any position you obtain; it will also help you stay sane in this business; at least it has been working for me; been in this business for almost 10 years and NO burnout and no desire to leave bedside nursing-and working outside of the hospital is STILL bedside nursing; those fundamentals are still there. :yes:

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I knew as soon as we did our clinical rotations "on the floor" that it was just not my cup of tea. I went on to do a type of home health/private industry nursing after I graduated and then as the DON at an assisted living facility. I genuinely loved that type of work. I now work in psych and am loving it also. I'd say if you're already miserable doing that type of work, it's time to move on and find what you truly enjoy.

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Agreed! I have never been one to look for that sort of thing. I am more of an introvert and my initial instinct to meeting someone has always been to be positive or nice. You are right, I dont know or have any idea, but this is why I am just saying this is what I have heard and wondered why it was so prevelant. I guess there are always two sides, just like in any workplace.

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Don't wait another 2 months, find something new now. The old saying of waiting a years is just that OLD.

NEWSFLASH you are a nurse if you look for a job you will find one.

Here are some keys for dealing with CNAs.

First give them respect. They have a hard job to do.

When you have the time (I know youre asking, like when. lol) help them. If you help your CNA sometimes they will respect you. And the ones that don't are bad CNA anyhow.

Never and I mean NEVER talk down to your CNAs.

Listen to your CNAs use the information you receive to help with your pt care. If outcome is not what CNA think needs to be done. Teach CNA why you made the choose. I have even gone as far as to say my gut instinct says to do this.

As for another statement of Nurses throwing each other under the bus. That is very true. Its like in the movie Oscar when Stallone tells the banks "I have never meet a bigger group of crooks that banks. Im going back to crime" The one person you can trust is yourself.

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I too had the second thoughts of bedside nursing. To the point of thinking why did I major in nursing in school. However, I did stick it out for 3yrs bc I felt I needed that experience in order to move on in other areas in nursing. And now I am proud to say I just accepted an offer to work as a telephonic nurse working strictly from home with the Humana company.

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I agree, bedside nursing sucks! I have done it for years and years! And now they are increasing the loads of tele 6:1 med-surge 8:1 half the time without and aid or a secretary. And they wonder why people are leaving (at least my hospital) left and right. I have been actively job hunting since August and have several interviews and a couple of offers but the pay was awful (19 an hour, for a seasoned nurse) so they got turned down. But I jus appled to a diaylis clinic, which the the interview went good. So fingers crossed I get the job and hopefuLly I can leave bedside nursing for good!

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

I feel your pain. While I love being a nurse, it took a toll on me and found myself very depressed and wanting out. I made the move to pre-hospital and I am sooooo happy. I work two 24hr shifts a week and 5 off. I only care for one patient at a time and feel like I know everything about them and I can provide stellar care. The pay is less than the hospital setting but I don't deal with politics, angry physicians or anything like that.

My advice is to try different areas of nursing and see what you like. Bedside is not for everyone. While I loved it and managed to do my job well to the best of my ability, I could not understand or want to continue to experience the drama and politics.

My best wishes to you!

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Specializes in Step Down, Cath Lab, Health Coach, Education.

Can you elaborate on pre-hospital setting? What is it?

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Specializes in Step Down, Cath Lab, Health Coach, Education.

Did you ever leave? What did you end up doing, I am leaving bedside after 8 months. Cannot deal with it. Love patient care, love skills, but everything else is horrible. I need some advice before changing career path. I have an offer doing Home Health Assessments for Medicaid. But it doesn't require skills so I am a little afraid of harming my skills. Any advice?

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Bedside is hard. Try to get masters if you like. I won't suggest choosing a different career path.

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Specializes in Step Down, Cath Lab, Health Coach, Education.

Yeah but even with the masters you need the experience at least 2 years no?

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So sorry to hear this…..I do have a suggestion…because I think bedside nursing is a valueable experience, I would advise you to consider night shift!!! It's a lot easier and you don't have to worry about managers, families, etc…even if you do it for 6 months or a year it will bring up your experience try to stay in for about 2 years...

I don't think you're doing anything wrong but maybe the wrong floor or wrong shift ;)

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