I started an ADN nursing program over a year ago and graduate in May. I have the highest average in class, and I really seem to be doing well. However; I hate everything nursing, I really only started the program because I was bored, and now I feel to far invested to quite. I have to keep telling myself that this is a great job, but in reallity this job holds a lot of responsibility, "crappy responsibility." In addition I feel tremendous pressure from my family, my husband, and my husbands family to finish and work. It's not like I don't already have a BSN from another university, and my husband makes an excellent salary, I don't have to work. I keep hoping that all the pretentious people in class with their over enthusiastic "I love nursing" attitude will be non-existent in the workplace. This is me just venting, but if you have any productive advice or have felt this way I would love a response. However; if you are just wanting to tell me how terrible I am, please keep it to yourself.
I started an ADN nursing program over a year ago and graduate in May. I have the highest average in class, and I really seem to be doing well. However; I hate everything nursing, I really only started the program because I was bored, and now I feel to far invested to quite. I have to keep telling myself that this is a great job, but in reallity this job holds a lot of responsibility, "crappy responsibility." In addition I feel tremendous pressure from my family, my husband, and my husbands family to finish and work. It's not like I don't already have a BSN from another university, and my husband makes an excellent salary, I don't have to work. I keep hoping that all the pretentious people in class with their over enthusiastic "I love nursing" attitude will be non-existent in the workplace. This is me just venting, but if you have any productive advice or have felt this way I would love a response. However; if you are just wanting to tell me how terrible I am, please keep it to yourself.
It would be a shame to work hard, almost achieve your goal, & quit. I really suggest you continue, finish the thing you've started, then your options are limitless from bedside to chart review, to insurance company reviews, to law office reviews, school nursing, camp nursing, college medical clinics, etc. And, in fact, after you write your boards, get that license in hand, you never have to work a day, but always keep that license up. I never needed to work either, @ the time I did it because I enjoyed it. But after 22 yrs. of happily married life, one day he decided there were a lot of things he'd missed out on, packed his bags, emptied the bank accounts, & never looked back. If I hadn't had that license to fall back on my daughter would not have been able to go on & get her own college degree. You will always be able to find a job in the nursing field, no matter where you are, no matter what type of nursing you choose to do. I don't know what your other degree is in, but there aren't too many other jobs that will never have a down time. Best of luck as you decide what's best for you.
Well, you've heard from alot of nurses and students. I think the bottom line is, will your attitude poison your patients. Can you put yourself in their place, scared ,or in pain ,maybe disfigured or in a body that doesn't function and is out of control? If you are going to make them think that they are disgusting and not worth your time, don't go near direct patient care. There are many other options such as phone triage etc. You need to figure out your passion and follow it. Don't inflict pain on vulnerable patients just because you have your licence and the nursing board says you're a nurse. A nurse is a patient advocate at all times. You sound as if you need to do some serious soul searching. Agrippa is right when he says it sounds as if you're not content with yourself. I hope you find that.
Specializes in Radiologic Technologist, now in Nursing.
I think you are TOTALLY cool for being so honest with yourself. BRAVO! Look, none of us are on this planet for very long so I say....enjoy the ride. The most important thing is that you live an AUTHENTIC life. If you feel like nursing is not your thing then I say you should quit and take some time off and do something you love! There is NO SHAME in not persuing something that doesn't resonate with you. Your family, friends, and loved ones will understand. Screw what people think anyway. I say..........do what you want to do.........it's your life! And BRAVO for being so honest! (I like your style)
I am an LVN , in Ca over 30 years 25 in ER and ICU. Now LTC all by choice.
Nursing is very hard and you do have to love it . May I suggest become an esthician, they make loads of money and youwill be helping people feel good about themselves . Its realively new , and in demand . Being an RN will double your income and no bedside Nursing.:typing
It takes courage to ask for opinions. There are a few thoughts that come to mind just to chew on. You wrote that you were bored. Bored with exactly what? What part of yourself do you want to develop and give to yourself? family? society? An interesting journal activity is to write ones obituary... what would make you think "job well done"? "life well lived"?
It's okay to dislike/hate/despise etc... pretty much anything but what is it exactly that is triggering these feelings? Consider doing some writing about
it. It may help reign in the growing feelings so that they don't keep you from reaching your goals.... also consider the concept that feelings change and acting on a "feeling" rarely is productive (If I acted on some of the feelings I've had.... an orange jumpsuit would be my new uniform :)...LOL)
Is it possible that fear of the unknown or having expectations of perfection is at the root of your feelings?
Now for a practical thought. You are 5-6 months away from a degree and liscense that creates doors. If you were to come to me for professional advice. I would strongly encourage you to finish this degree. Take your boards and then maintain your RN with CEUs. This is very easy to do. NEVER let your license lapse. Nurses work every where... sales, research, engineering, own businesses. It is very flexible and worthwhile. I have worked with people who finished their RN and then worked in forestry, television, research, accounting, medical web design, HR.. For me personally I try to maintain as many "doors of opportunity" I can. The wild opportunities that have come my way were unplanned and enriching. What actions will enrich your life and your family's? Just some thoughts. Good luck to you.
YOUR FIRST CLUE SHOULD BE THAT " I JUST WENT INTO NURSING BECAUSE i WAS BORED: Hey that is not a reason for going into nursing ....you have to want to do the job from your heart. If you have a BS then maybe you should go into the busiess in of nursing. Or better yet if you don't need to work because of your husband income stay out of the work field and let someone else n that needs a job have it. Look around at all the folks who lost their job and would doing anything to have your opportunity.
I always thought I wanted to be a nurse. But about a year into nursing school, I started having second thoughts. I did very well, that was not the problem. I still wasn't sure I wanted to be a nurse when I graduated. I got a job, which I liked, but didn't love. I went back to get my BSN, graduated with a 3.92 GPA, got another job in clinical management that I loved. I had to quit that job because I had my kids just 17 months apart and my husband travelled a lot. I haven't always LOVED nursing, but I am good at it, and it is what my degree is in. So I do it, and I do it well with a good attitude. I would suggest you continue on and get your RN, and maybe use your degree to do something other than typical bedside nursing. You don't have to LOVE nursing, but I do think it is something that you have to have a good attitude about. Attitudes are contagious (good or bad) and your patients deserve a nurse with a good attitude! Good luck to you!
Specializes in Psychiatric nursing, Home Health nursing.
Totally understand where you're coming from. I've been a nurse for 11 years and have had way too many nursing jobs that I just could not stand. I finally found my niche... Home Health nursing. One of the great things about nursing is that you don't have to work in a hospital.. you can work in a clinic, home health, tele-nursing at home, be a QA nurse (no pt contact with this one), work at a home health agency taking referrals over the phone (again no pt contact). The best thing to do is find that ONE thing you do like about nursing and go in that direction. Mine was psych nursing for several years BUT now I am interested in wound care and am planning on getting my certification in this and also diabetic foot/nail care. Hang in there and know that there is more to nursing than working as a floor nurse...but you get your best experience there...just wanted to encourage you and let you know that there are a zillion options out there for nurses. Oh, you can contract work from an insurance co.... go interview and assess people for long term care insurance... takes about an hour with the patient... fill out the paperwork...submit it...and get paid...very easy work.
You don't hate nursing, it's just not your passion! Having been a nrs for over thirty years, my advise is to finish your degree and pursue something you really love to do ! You're young - You can always fall back on that liscense in the future - as we grow, we change and you may find a form of nursing may bring you joy at some other point in your life- it may open other doors ... be happy with what you do . I went into nursing because it was expected of me - I also, do not have a passion for nursing - but I continued in order not to disappoint everyone- they all think of me as a natural nurse- I have the people skills, and granted, am good at what I do ( after all these years how can you not be ? ) I love working with people - but deep down I know its not my passion . Don't be like me - everyone says your never stuck - But I make a good salary , carry good benefits for my family and have no desire to go back to school..... so ,how about a culinary career?
It's sad to hear that you hate everyting nursing. But I'd be lying if I said those thougths never ran through my mind at one time or another. I had'nt found my niche yet. I finally found it with nursing informatics. I have to agree with the others that said there are many specialties a nurse can go into. This is what separates nursing from many other careers. That being said, life is to short to spend it miserable. If you truly can't see yourself in some specialty of nursing, perhaps it is time to move on. If we spend our lives worrying about what everyone else thinks, our lives would be wasted.
clbinder24
1 Post
It would be a shame to work hard, almost achieve your goal, & quit. I really suggest you continue, finish the thing you've started, then your options are limitless from bedside to chart review, to insurance company reviews, to law office reviews, school nursing, camp nursing, college medical clinics, etc. And, in fact, after you write your boards, get that license in hand, you never have to work a day, but always keep that license up. I never needed to work either, @ the time I did it because I enjoyed it. But after 22 yrs. of happily married life, one day he decided there were a lot of things he'd missed out on, packed his bags, emptied the bank accounts, & never looked back. If I hadn't had that license to fall back on my daughter would not have been able to go on & get her own college degree. You will always be able to find a job in the nursing field, no matter where you are, no matter what type of nursing you choose to do. I don't know what your other degree is in, but there aren't too many other jobs that will never have a down time. Best of luck as you decide what's best for you.