I hate nursing

Published

I may get yelled at or get the usual "find another profession" comments. But I have to say it.. are there any LPN's who love their job? I have been a LPN for 12 yrs and i have hated every moment of it. I noticed that Im subjected to nursing homes, abuse clinics peds and home health. I moved from up north only to relocated to florida and get paid far less for a job that is worse. Never wanted to be a nurse it was a family trait. All the women in my family are nurses. I have no life no husband no kids and i spend almost every day at a place i hate. I have been working on my RN and at this point I dont feel like its worth it. I have tried hospitals and I have tried other avenues. I left the profession only to return and realize you can leave the job but you will NEVER stop being a nurse. So Im not sure what to do is my RN worth it or will I be just as miserable? I was never a smoker I find my self smoking and unable to sleep. I cry before work every day and get a upset stomach before my shift. and this is at every nursing job i held. Im sorry if this sounds negative or sad or just complaining. i know the senior nurses are gonna read me my rights. But I need to know if anyone feels the same way?

Additional info: I was recently attacked by a patients husband during a home healthcare assignment. I have anxiety PTSD and really just dont like or trust people any more nursing has been nothing but sad experiences for me. My friends and family im sure are tired of my complaints and most people say " just leave" they will never understand....you dont just leave nursing its in you.

Specializes in Family Practice.

I was a LVN for 4 years and realized the limited opportunities I was dealt with. Instead of growing more frustrated and depressed I went to RN school. I worked in the NICU which gave me a sense of empowerment. I felt as if was making an impact. As years progressed I notice changes how acute care facilities have went to a customer service model where in some cases impeded medical care. I grew tired of the constant bureaucracy and treatment like a robot and pursed my BSN and now NP. I agree nursing can be trying at times but you can make a change. Find your niche. If you are working and complaining and not doing anything to change the situation then yes, many will tell you to stop whining. Sit down and honestly find out what is it you really want to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Education RN to BSN; OR nurse.

I think you should pursue an RN degree. An RN has more opportunities. If nursing is in your blood, perhaps you haven't found your niche yet. Burnout is not uncommon and can be difficult to overcome alone. You do need to take care of yourself. Please don't take offense, but counseling might be good for you right now. Take care and best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you really feel that strongly about nursing (ie. using the adjective Hate), I would think that you would want to save yourself from further unhappiness and leave the career for a new one. It's your life- don't waste it in a career that you are not enjoying, especially if apparently it wasn't something you wanted to do in the first place. Sometimes it takes a person only a year to realize a career path they chose isn't actually right for them, other people it takes a little longer. But don't kill yourself with the stress and negative feelings that seem to have come with your career choice. Do something good for yourself and get out of it. Nursing isn't for everyone. And you're not a weak or terrible person for realizing that and getting out of it while you still can. But in the end how you feel about your job will always inadvertently affect those around you, especially your patients.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Have you ever taken the Meyers-Briggs exam? Like a formal, paid-for one? I never have, but am considering it, because apparently it's really good with helping guide career placement/change.

I understand having that feeling like there's nothing else you can do with your life. I have been trying for months to think of SOMETHING else to do with my life other than nursing, but the jobs I want (no human contact, pay equivalent to nursing) require degrees and experience I don't have, and/or hours I can't work. It's an impossible corner I've worked myself into. I haven't always hated my job, but since my children came along, I've been slowly bled dry of whatever passion or desire I had to care for anyone but my family and children.

All I can say is I feel the same way. I hate my job. I hate going to work. I do fine once I'm there, and my patients say such nice things about me, but I cannot WAIT to get away from them. I have applied for several other jobs but so far, have heard nothing back.

Good luck to you in your search/quest/process. I hope you find happiness and fulfillment somewhere. The answers are out there, we just have to keep looking.

You can take Meyers-Briggs online! It is a great tool and I was shocked at how accurate it was... I got "The Architect". I found it very helpful!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow! Stay away from nursing. Sounds like it's just not for you. You can't feel that way and continue on. Do something else. Find a program that will work for you. I was an LPN for a while before becoming an RN. I worked in Florida too, lots of places to work down there. You need more in life than being upset all time. I have had jobs that I hated and left. If you do stay fond something low key. Hang in there. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics, Trauma.
Although I agree with sour lemons "imaginary chains" statement I belive there is a time and place for everything. This obviously was not a place to voice my feelings. In a den of nurses and for that I do regret. Based on the responses in a mere matter of minutes I do not take back what I say. Goodnight or good day

You gave up too quick...There are plenty of us who would support you.

I ask you to hesitate and think about when you make these "all or nothing"statements. You only heard from 2 people at that point.

I understand how difficult our profession can be and how it is hard to just leave it all behind. There truly are better environments and places that foster healthy co-worker relationships. Having said that, you would have to want to be there and contribute positively yourself. MOST hospitals are becoming extremely difficult to have job satisfaction in because of the workload. It is possible to get the "job" done, but not in the way I am used to doing. I don't mind working hard, but I don't like being a "task only" type of nurse. To me it has become that way in order to survive and practice safely.

I would think about work settings that use your knowledge and/or skills that are transferable, such as Insurance and Pharmaceutical companys. Depending on your specialty, you might teach community health classes, CPR, First aide, infant care for new parents, etc. You might consider becoming an LVN/CNA instructor (once you get your RN degree). You can work for a Medical Device company doing in-services for those using the products. The list may be endless with some creative thinking.

Good luck and peace!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I've been saying this all along...misery loves company. don't get sucked in, guys. bye Felicia.

Your rotten to the core with a response like that. Your the problem in many work environments

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There have definately been times I hated my job, as an RN. I actually went back to school and started teaching. But I miss it. You're right, when it's in you it's in you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It sounds like the problem may not be nursing.....I just got a deep sense when reading about your situation that the problem may be that you are suffering from depression of some sort...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

Neezy, I am sorry you feel trapped in a profession that makes you miserable. I was an LVN/LPN for 10 years before becoming an RN (in 1987). It took me awhile before I found my "niche" in nursing (Emergency) and it's been smooth sailing for the past 26 years now. There are SO many different avenues you can take in nursing; many that take you away from the bedside such as administration but you need your RN and advanced degree. You first need to sit down and determine what it is EXACTLY you hate and what you like. Don't be emotional about it just state the fact. I know when I was an LVN I really didn't like some of my assignments either (I worked both in-house and registry). LVN's usually get the "grunt" work and many are under appreciated/valued. When I worked home health I found I was usually a babysitter or a house maid and I loathed it! I went back for my RN because I wanted to do more with the knowledge I had obtained over the years and as an LVN it was just going to waste. Get through your RN program (since you are already in it) and then decide what YOU want to do in nursing. As I said, there is SO much out there! Administrative, research, bedside, contractual work/assignments, teaching; it's endless! You made the comment, "...you can leave the job but you will NEVER stop being a nurse...". If you really feel that way you need to take the time to find out what makes YOU a nurse and what you can do to begin to LOVE your profession and your self. It is not about being in a family with a long line of nurses! It's about what makes Neezy happy and proud to be a nurse. Only you can answer that!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm just thankful someone said it before me. After 15+ years I'm ready to call it quits. Nursing is not what I had thought it would be nor is it what it used to be. Going from one "field" of nursing to another doesn't seem to help. However, I am not quite willing to throw away all my schooling and licensing, etc.....I am seriously considering returning to school ( at my age) and possibly getting into a new field where some of my nursing skills may be used.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Neezy,

Most of us have bad days and make us question our career choice, but we find something to buoy our spirits. It can get so bad we have to find multiple jobs, but we DO FIND SOMETHING. If you haven't found that in multiple jobs for 12 years, maybe you are in the wrong career. Many nurses get started for money, but you wont last long. They get burnt out and end up leaving, you need something else positive and rewarding. the fact that you have come back hopefully means that this is more of a calling than just a job for you, but you should have been able to find SOMETHING positive in 12 years. We all have bad days, and everyone can feel bad at times. but having to work with a nurse with your attitude of negativity 24-7 is draining on all of your co-workers.

MAybe finishing your RN and getting more responsibility, or the opening of more doors will help you truly find what you like, I hope it does. Sometimes your in the right place with the wrong staff, or vice-versa. YOU have to decide what, if anything, you liked about any of your jobs. Its not up to OTHERS to find YOUR HAPPINESS.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion