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.

Nursing is difficult. Dealing with the public can be hard. It is a rewarding profession, but sometimes a thankless job. But, there are many jobs you can do away from the bedside and away from the hospital. Utilization management, workers compensation, you can work for an insurance company, the OR, (you have one pt. Only, who is sleep minutes after you meet. When the pt. Wakes up he/ she is leaving). Case management ( much less direct pt. Contact). After 12 years of experience you have a amassed a great knowledge base. As Tim Gunn would say "make it work".

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To Neey84: Do not listen to any negative comments. I have nothing but admiration for you for your sticking it out in nursing, with such nightmarish experiences. I trained as an RN in the '70's and only managed to stay working as a nurse for 3 years. Every feeling you describe, I have experienced. The stress was so incredible, that I said to my husband " I don't care if we live a humble life, if we never own a house, just rent, I am quitting." He agreed, because he saw what I suffered. I was bullied so badly by my co workers, it was unbelievable. The nurses who criticize you probably belong to this group of bullies. They love being in charge because they love power. They will pull you down to build themselves up. The patients were a delight compared to the nurses. If I hadn't experienced it, I wouldn't have believed it. I had one good year, because the morale on the ward was wonderful and the head nurse was incredible. But the last year on a different ward ruined me. My mom said she always wanted to be a nurse, and really criticized me. Then she became a unit clerk, and said the whole system would have to change for her to become a nurse. My sister was a career counsellor, and said " You wouldn't believe how many nurses are looking for other careers" Oh, I believed it. Save up some money to go back to school-there are medical related fields that have very little stress, and work part time if you can handle the stress, to live while in school, knowing you will be leaving. Physio assistants, MRI, imaging. Look up anything medical related, where your nursing knowledge and experience would be of benefit. DO NOT take your RN. The stress of being an RN is greater than that of an LPN. ( My daughter became an LPN - this is Canada ) Way less stress. Use your strong qualities to your advantage. You do not deserve to be treated badly, and you have every right to express yourself on this site. Many, many nurses live the same life as you. They

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse. For the sake of your sanity, please find something else to do. You deserve to feel good about what you do, not all stressed out. If you do finish your RN degree, pick a field that gives you joy. Maybe you do best with babies. Maybe a clinic; what about a school nurse? Geriatrics is obviously not where you belong. The good thing about being a RN is that you can do so many different things. I have been a manager for home dialysis for the past 15 years. I love it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I believe your answer is extremely clear. You've been misreble for 12 years, why would you dig your whole deeper by becoming an RN? If this was recent burn out, I would agree with the other posters about finding a different niche of nursing that would better suit you, but I think you've gotten all there is to get out of your old profession. The scars are too deep. You need a fresh start in life at this point. You deserve to be happy, and your current path just isn't providing you that. My biggest piece of advice for you, though, is to see a counselor! Many people have suggested in already for your traumatic experience, but beyond that, they are WONDERFUL people for helping you take control of your life and find your true self. I've always seen myself as a very happy and stable person, but when life circumstances allowed me the opportunity to see a counselor, I realized that broken people don't need counselors, we ALL DO. I found immense value in it, and I hope you will as well!

I agree, OP definitely needs treatment for the psychological trauma of the attack, and for her burnout! Maybe even taking a leave or cutting hours would help.

I may finish my RN, if I were her, especially if close to finishing.

I was a burnt out nurse as well. More like, getting older, and less willing to put up with the B.S. The expectations thrust upon nurses, care being run by the Press Ganeys, as they are tied to re-imbursement, the ACO's cutting staffing to make budget, and watching the upper echelon get their big bonus checks and party on our backs got a little old.

I was blackballed, and unable to advance (our town is a one horse show: only one hospital). So, I pursued my NP. I am now employed, and I absolutely love it! I chose psych nursing. I L-O-V-E having time to spend with my patients, being able to advocate for them, and saying no to care that doesn't make sense. No nights or weekends. Having control of my hours. Having colleagues to confer with. The list goes on!

My point is, maybe obtaining her RN will open new doors for OP. At the very least, if OP does decide to leave nursing, she will have the RN to fall back upon, if she finds herself in need of a job.

Good luck, and God bless you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You sound burned out. Maybe you should take a step back from the profession and take a vacation? Perhaps try and develop more of a social life? I really do think your burnt out. And if that isn't the case look for a profession you are passionate for. I know what you mean about the senior nurses reading your rights. A good majority of nurses put fact before empathy. And because of that it's hard to find someone to develop a good rapport. Reading the comments here proves that. Regardless if your burned out I hope it's well managed and if that's not the case I hope you have the strength to pursue a career you are passionate about. I have my fingers crossed for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Totally not needed. You might be trying to be coming off as being "real". But you are coming off as mean and snarky. Never heard of "therapeutic communication"? I know they taught it in school.. perhaps refresh yourself on the topic. "Sour lemon"I guess that makes complete sense.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello,

I have felt that too. Recently I have FINALLY hit pay dirt with my meditation and really finding what i am about. You possibly cry because it is not a match for your heart. It is ok to let it go. Holding on is a way of fearing your future doing something else. I am still a nurse but I CHOOSE love and joy every second of my day. It does take practice,but you can allow joy into your life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Neezy84- Have you thought about utilization review as a career, or telephonic case worker? For example, the Chronic Care Management Program that CMS has implemented for practitioners have opened doors to new "nursing" positions for LPNs. Telephonic follow up calls LPN's can make to ensure that patients have someone to talk too after a hospitalization, or making sure patients are compliant with medications, follow up visits, etc... Many physicians may hire you in their practice to make these calls because they are participating in a CCM program (physicians who have a CCM program is reimbursed higher for having better patient outcomes). As far as your RN, I would personally keep going if your not going to change careers. It will open more doors for you down the road as well as increase your salary. If you think you will really change careers than it probably wouldn't be worth the extra pain. Be honest with yourself and try to find out the root cause of your dissatisfaction with your career. Like you said, nursing is in you,you don't just leave nursing its in you...I think that this is a very deep statement, being a nurse defines you. And I think that there is something in you that is proud to say that. People don't just say that about any career. Find the root cause Neezy and look deeper into how you can make changes and make yourself happy. (Look into Adult Community schools, learn a new skill in computers, arts, or recreation activity) Look around you in you place at work, ask people about their roles and positions.. there is so many paths in Nursing learn from the people around you... Good luck and remember...Every day is always the first day of the rest of your life!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Neezy 84, I hope you are still somewhat engaged with this thread. I know I stopped reading the replies you were getting many pages ago. Maybe I can put a different spin on it.( psych RNs have a tendency to think a bit differently?)

I believe that this comes down to why and when. You stated it was a family thing to go into nursing, surrounded by nurses, it was like an forgone conclusion that you would go into the family business. But was there anything about the field that appealed to your heart? I ask only because you lived in a world of nurses you already knew about being able to easily find jobs and it paid well. Because those motivations should be the gravy of your choice, you should really have an interest. When I first went into college, straight out of HS I went in with nursing as my major. I had thought for a variety of reasons that was what I wanted. Well it didn't take long for me to see so many other options.. and by the second semester my major was communications.. fast forward another year finished general requirement at a jr college. Then I started just living, I was pretty impulsive and did tons of things and had a lot of experiences. So eventually I found myself in the care home room of my then husbands grandad. And while we spent the next few days with him before he died I watched the nurses and aids and I found myself remembering why I wanted to be a nurse.. so I did.. so that was my why. I think my when was important as well. Honestly I don't think I would have stayed very long in nursing had I done it right after HS. In a lot of ways, as I look back I realize I didn't have much to offer.. just the learned part. But really nothing that would really give me the perspective and empathy I had when I did. So those would be two things I would certainly reflect on. I know myself, if I had become a nurse because it was expected of me, I would probably resent it and hate every moment.

Now if there is something that drew you in, then you have to look into what was it? I ask because you are an LPN/LVN and here in California that means you have few job options. Care homes and home health and a couple of other things. You mentioned getting your RN, getting that opens up a whole world of possibilities. Some of which may speak to your reason for going into the field. For me , I had no hard set dream job. I started off med/surg tele and went from there. And in this process of evolving and learning I found my way to psych.. which I have loved for the most part from day 1. Would I have loved it as my first RN job probably no. I had planned to retire from my current job, I really truly loved it. But that isn't likely going to happen for a variety of reasons. Dealing with that reality has been difficult. I have even considered leaving nursing. But I am a nurse, no getting around . So. Here I am 20+ years down the line looking at the nursing options and trying to figure out what I want to be.

So after all this have I ever hated nursing? Maybe here and there, maybe some jobs and definitely some people.

So it has been a long journey from high school, but ultimately I do think I am doing what I was intended to and believe in doing.

so going back to you Neezy.. it comes down to why and when and then follow your own path. And if it is nursing, get your RN for sure. Good luck. Hope this made some sense.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Neezy,

You're not alone. I have my moments and I've heard other people say similar things. Maybe you really just haven't found your niche yet?

There's something in nursing that you like- something that intrigues you, otherwise I'm not sure you would have stuck with it so long (even if it's a family thing)...and also, you say 'it's in you'. Find what calls you to nursing- is it a particular population? Kids, elderly, low-income/uninsured, mentally ill, addicts...or a certain thing about the body- the heart, kidneys, urology...maybe it's a specialty clinic that you could try, or a school, or maybe go into research. Lots of choices- keep looking, keep trying

Maybe become an EMT? Try animal nursing? Go into teaching?

And if, after really looking at different areas and different populations, you still don't like it then maybe a change is in order.

Life is short, find your happiness- if it's in the 'family trait' of nursing, that's great and if it's not, then that's great too. Your happiness is what's important.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Yeah, but....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I don't see how it does any good to give someone just enough encouragement that they carry on in their miserable ways. If I ever managed to get myself stuck in a loop of despair for twelve years, I would thank the one who came along and smacked me around until I woke the heck up.

I agree! It only took me about 6 months of depression and my boyfriend sitting me down to tell me that I was no longer the "happy sunshine" that he looked forward to seeing at the end of the day, for me to decide to take steps toward change. I did some soul searching, took some career personality tests, and enrolled in courses the following semester to pursue a career in nursing. Now, I am starting the RN program in January and I'm extremely excited about the possibilities, although some posts like this make me nervous.

Neezy84, as mentioned above, I was very unhappy in my current career, which is in outreach and communication. Before completing your RN program, I would suggest doing some soul searching, look for some career placement surveys to gauge what type of work matches your personality. Also think of and research the other career opportunities that are available after receiving your RN. I live in a college town and there are TONS of opportunities for RNs that are outside of the clinical and/or patient care setting. Some options could be health outreach, clinical research (many facets and roles), and many more.

My aunt was an RN at a hospital for years when she decided to pursue another path that still utilized/required her RN experience. Now, she works from home and is responsible for recommending patients to specialists. She seems to really enjoy the work and she makes good money.

Best of luck finding a path that makes you happy. I'm sad that you have spent so much of your life doing a job that seems to have impacted your overall happiness and life satisfaction. Life is far too short to spend it being anything but happy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion