I hate nursing

[Neezy84]

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.

[NomadNurse29]

I'm sure there are some LPN/LVN's that love their jobs, BUT from my own experience it's not many. That feeling is what drove me to attain my ADN and start working on my BSN. Best wishes and hopefully you'll find your joy.

[tateloo]

I'm so sorry you feel this way and I'm also sorry for the crappy comments of other nurses! We are supposed to build each other up, not cut each other down! I've been an LPN for 7 years and although most days are harder than I expect and I feel like the system on a whole is flawed, there have been so many moments that make it all worth while! I, like you, don't see myself ever doing anything but nursing. I did not care for home health & id prefer to not work in long term care but the facility I work at now has a skilled unit & ive been the happiest with that. What about working for a doctor? I worked for a doc part time going around to the nursing homes & preparing things for him b4 he got there. I liked that too! Hoping your heart finds some peace! 😕❤️

[amajeste]

My Dad always told me... it's good to have a job, but it is a true blessing to love your job. It's never too late to pursue another career. I think it's healthy that you've identified your feelings about being an LPN. It is how you use these emotions that will truly decide your fate. Will you start a brand new journey into another field? Will you continue in healthcare? Will you pursue a passion or hobby and turn it into a career?

While nursing has been so life-giving to me, I've been in particular areas of nursing that have lead to frustration and burnout. Recently, I found great purpose in being a research nurse and clinical trials coordinator. I know what it is like to go to work everyday and dread the next 12 hours ahead of me, but when I realized my negativity I started to seek a new position.

Ive never been an LPN, but as an RN I know that having an RN can afford you a wider variety of jobs in research, education, critical care. I think you have to take time for yourself and reflect on what you want to accomplish in the next 5, 10, and 15 years. If becoming an RN is your goal, then continue to pursue this goal. If becoming a teacher...or working in business is a goal...pursue that. I had a 52 year old grandmother in my nursing class. You are never too old to pursue your dreams.

Spend some time focusing on yourself and doing things to take care of you. As nurses we spend so much of our time taking care of others...we forget to take care of ourselves. We've all got skills to offer the world...find yours and shine...

Hope this is helpful!

[3d flyer]

It never turns out well when a person goes into a profession for all the wrong reasons.

Unlike some comments you recd, I'm glad you took time to vent and get a bit of what you've been holding inside out! That's a start and now it would be good to seek out a professional(that enjoys their work) and has an excellent reputation.

My daughter became an ER nurse right out of school. She continued her education by getting her BSN and now is only a few hours away from her Masters. She worked all during school as well as started a family. I'm sure she's not the only person this happened to from working Trauma over about 10 years. But I watched my wonderfully talented daughter evolve into someone I hardly knew and it broke my heart. She needed a change of scenery and it had to be soon!

Thankfully, she got a much needed change that allowed her to use what she already learned as well as building onto those skills so she became more marketable.

So unless theres another field you truly have a passion for, maybe consider utilizing your nursing skills in a different setting. I believe you mentioned working on your BSN but I'm not sure how far away you are from finishing. I've seen new grad nurses start in CCU or ICU! Not that long ago you'd never see those positions given to inexperienced RNs! But it is very different now in this field which I think is great. One area isn't where every nurse will feel gratified.

Dont give up on having a life and actually enjoying it!! There's private practices, OP surgery centers, and so on. Nursing homes and home health are not for everyone. Matter of fact, there's a select group that seem to handle those atmospheres just fine and I say, " more power to them". We all do not thrive in the same environment.

I really wish you well in searching for that which will uplift your heart so that you will know your part in our huge universe is important. That whatever you choose to do, it will bring about a sense of peace and gratification in you!

[kgran]

Hi, Neezy84.

There are other areas of nursing that don't deal with the direct bedside care. For example, our company started hiring nurses, LPNs or RNs, as marketers that are called "Clinical Nurse Liaison". It's nothing like the stress of floor nursing. It pays well. Plus, liaisons get to dress up!

[spotangel, DNP, RN, NP]

Hey Neezy!

Thank you for being honest about your feelings! Do not ignore them but listen to what your body is telling you. Couple of things you can do.

1-Be honest with yourself. What do you want to do to make a difference in this world? Is it nursing or is it something else?

2- Take the litmus test.If I had a year to live and wanted a career what would it be? Is it nursing?

3-If it is nursing, look at your present job? Do you feel you are making a difference? Is the thought of going to work putting you in a heightened sense of anxiety? If so you may have to change jobs. Been there, done that and am still alive!

4- Get your RN ASAP. More options including school,community,homecare, longterm,hospitals,management---the list is endless!

5- I go in everyday and promise God that I will make a difference in at least one life by my actions and words.Every day is not all roses. I have learned that I cannot change circumstances but am in charge of my reaction. I learn lessons meant to be learned and try and stay positive and celebrate small victories.

6- Nursing is a beautiful profession but has a mix of kind and cruel co workers. Learn to speak up when needed and always be professional no matter what.

7-Good luck! Stay happy and true to yourself! You have been sent to this world to make a difference that ONLY YOU can make!

All the best!

Spot Angel

[fembotemt]

Neezy,

as a Paramedic since 2008 I have been in EMS since 1997, I have went through SEVERAL burnouts. I would go part-time get a different job doing something in the healthcare field (dental assistant, tech in a dialysis center, phlebotomist) but never fully getting out of EMS because its "in my blood". I started working at my current job which is an ER in Jan 2014 (Im still working PT at an fire dept as a medic) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it as an ER tech. there are days of course when I don't LOVE it as much but that is to be expected as with any job. I am now in school doing my pre-reqs for my RN an am hopefully starting RN school in the fall. I have PTSD from some of the horrid crap I have seen working 911 for so long. I am on depression medication because I was suicidal at one point, and have seen counselors. Im telling you this because these are things that have worked for me, I hate being on medication, but I hate being hateful and angry to my family more so I suck it up and take the medicine. I think maybe you need to find something that works for you, some ERs hire LPNs as ER techs and this may help with your drive to get your RN. It maybe you just need a small change of pace. I would definitely talk to your dr about getting some help with depression, as someone who has suffered with it and after being attacked by a patients husband it sounds like you have it.

I have also tried to think more "positively" with reminders whether it be daily quotes or what not to encourage me. Sometimes ii think Nurses forget people are human, and just need encouragement.

Let me start you out:

You treat a disease: you win , you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win no matter the outcome - Patch Adams

Hope this helps a touch

Lynn

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Biting my tongue, the only human behavior we have control over, is mostly myself...... If I was that uncomfortable in what I was doing I would make some changes, don't know if my over 4 decades of experience counts or not, but for me, personally in what I choose to do, it seems. Comforting..... Best wishes for you, I do care, you do have choices.....

[winicea]

This is my first comment ever and I had too I was an LPN for 16yrs and have been a RN for 4yrs and will be an NP next year. If you can when you finish your RN you can leave the bedside and do case management at home or insurance . I feel your pain and have been there bedside is hell but can be rewarding. Ignore all the negatives you'll meet them everywhere. Stay strong and find your purpose.

[oldnavynurse]

Shame on all of you nurses who gave such negative comments to Neezy, we need more nurses like Davey Do and the others who show empathy towards a person asking for understanding and conformation that they are not the only one that feel this way.

Yes Florence would be turning over but not at Neezy, At you all who hung up your compassion and caring shoes at your work place door. This fellow nurse do not need snide remark and comments of discouragement, but of encouragement, comfort and understanding. Again I say shame on you!

if a person was standing at the ledge would you holler jump -- I hope not

this nurse is at the edge show he/her compassion and love --you know that stuff you held dear when you start nursing and was going to help the world -- Stop eat our own!

Neezy, I have been an RN since 1990 and I have meant hundred if not thousands of nurses of all areas of the nursing spectrum who feel like you do. I myself had my first look at nurse burn out/ I hate my job syndrome my first year. There was an excellent nurse who expressed you sentiments, and I being a new nurse and not understanding or experiencing the toll that this syndrome takes: I said stop being so miserable and get another job. Her reply was, it is not that easy and one day you will see how you will get chained to this profession, then she added if you last that long and walked away. About 10 years into my nursing career, her words can back to haunt me. With the changes in health care and nursing it hit me like a wrecking ball what she was saying.

I did last and still is standing that long, However, 20 some odd years later I myself reached the cross roads of the nursing profession, maybe not to your level of anguish but I have shared my demons that haunted me with other follow nurses, who was so much more understanding then the ones here that posted negativity.

I know you do not ask for advice, but indirectly you did. So please bear with me and what I am about to post.

I have taken care of the active duty soldiers of war for two wars and you have some clear issues of PTSD and clearly you are in emotion and spiritual pain, dear heart if you have not already please get counseling/help for healing, if you have not already. Also, surround yourself with well wisher and like minded people/nurses who have or are in the same boat as you. I must caution you not to be in that boat without a paddle though.

You mention going back to school, that maybe a paddle for you. Returning to school after 25 year to get a NP degree was/is a paddle for me. This was another direction from ICU and a different level of nursing.

I truly get it when you say nursing is in you, so yes if you can't or don't want to leave for whatever reason start making a change for you, for the betterment of your life and emotional health. Do not be stagnate seek out and act on how and what you need to do to bring a change in you nursing career to ease/ stop you distress.

Stay up lifted, please do not give up, be blessed and move forward to a better day

[oldnavynurse]

Spot Angel

Great answer I concurs 1000% and have made that same prayer each work day

[etfeys1]

This will probably be the last comment, WOW there have been over 200. I don't know of a nurse who hasn't walked some of your paths and felt the same way. Get your RN and like it or not certain areas of our healthcare system will treat you differently and you will make more money. But,,,,,, think of all the lives you have touched in a warm compassionate way. You have been there for your patients when no one else has, and yes some of those visits were not pleasant. When you get your RN there are nursing jobs that are not available to you now and you will be able to care for patients in different formats. This appears to be in your blood stick with it,the FUTURE is full of possiblies.