I think I'm done with nursing.

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I've had a tough few weeks of self-reflection. My mind has gone back and forth over my preferred career path, and, ultimately, I think I'm going to bow out gracefully.

I am a career-change RN. After receiving two bachelor degrees in non-nursing fields, I realized what I had really known all along - nursing was for me. I worked hard, I worked full time, I put myself through school, I was at the top of my class....andddd...I got a pedi home health job. My ADN isn't worth the paper it's written on in the Northeast.

THEN, I blew my back out. Massive herniation, 6 months off work, and pain to end all pain. I deal with workers comp, I rehab (luckily no surgery) and I get back to work this past June.

My DREAM is to be an acute care nurse. I love working with high-acuity and in a fast-paced, think-on-your-feet environment...as someone who as always craved more 'excitement,' this is for me. BUT, I have an ADN. And even with a BSN, hospitals aren't hiring you unless you have previous hospital experience (usually already in the specialty you are trying to break in to,) and you can't get experience of any kind because nobody will hire you to begin with. Add to that a back injury, and I'm further limited to PICU, but preferably NICU as I really do not want to temp fate with my back...and REFUSE a future filled with spinal fusions and all that jazz.

I tried to convince myself to be an FNP. I even toyed with PA school, but I'm so frustrated by all of the courses that I will have to re-take since I am past my 10 year expiration for most schools.

I'm frustrated. I would be a STELLAR ICU nurse. I really would. I have fought so hard to get here and it's taken years. I just don't think I have much fight left in me. Moving isn't an option as my husband makes more than double what I do and has a job with a large pay potential.

It is just so discouraging to see that travel nurses are getting hired all over the place because they are cheaper from every angle. Local nurses need the jobs! I'm just over it at this moment. I am just treading water and getting sick of it. Hard work has officially gotten me nowhere and there is no silver lining in sight.

Just needed to rant/vent/sulk/express my frustration

May as well go back to my pre-nursing legal career where I made the same money, didn't have to do nearly as much work, and wasn't in a field that constantly tempted me to do more and be more, but knowing that the goals I have in mind are pretty unattainable.

:::END PITY PARTY:::

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Hey, I'm gonna say that your decision is the best one. Funny/strange how this profession really has no positives. It really doesn't, and you understand that having had a different career. Seems just about anything you might choose to do IS better, you might have late nights and all, and maybe take two jobs due to the economy, but nothing is as abusive and deadend as nursing is. I wouldn't spend one more dollar on it Mbrickle.

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

Well, what can I say. You took the words out of my brain!!

I fully support your decision to leave nursing. It is an awful profession where hard work and intelligence are never recognized, superiors do not back you up,and many co-workers are out to get you.

I cannot wait to get the heck out of bedside nursing. Couple more years and I'm done. Never looking back.

In the end, be happy.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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If nursing is so awful....why are you in it? To the OP: it is frustrating when import nurses get the jobs and locals don't and I'm also a career change nursing student; I did child care and found that was much harder on my back. Ultimately you need to put yourself first and because you've seen both worlds.

To the user that said there are no positives in nursing, I beg to differ! We work our ass off yes but there are only no positives if you think that way. I've found that I have a whole new family I can lean on for support or talk things over, go out for drinks, clubbing etc I enjoy the interaction with different cultures and I'm continuously learning...how are these not positives? Maybe it's just the US but Australian hospitals are very positive environments.

Your job is what you make it.....I have a tattoo that says 'what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger' yes it is a thankless, work your ass to the bone job but there are the LOL's and parents that are greatful for what we do

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.

You have to do what is best for you. Sounds like a great idea to me.

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Maybe consider becoming a nursing attorney given you have a leal background.

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Maybe consider becoming a nursing attorney given you have a leal background.

Being a lawyer...ugh, yikes!

I LOVE nursing. It's where I want to be! My frustration comes from not being able to make a move out of what I'm doing and into the hospital environment/acute care that I really see myself doing for the long haul! I can't make a move. I'm STUCK! It's so, so frustrating, especially after how hard I have worked (as I know many people have.) I just wish I could more easily get into the hospital. It's honestly next to impossible, I feel! This is what is really getting me down...and resulted in my bacon grilled cheese, french fries, and mint chip ice cream for dinner :-)

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If nursing is so awful....why are you in it? To the OP: it is frustrating when import nurses get the jobs and locals don't and I'm also a career change nursing student; I did child care and found that was much harder on my back. Ultimately you need to put yourself first and because you've seen both worlds. To the user that said there are no positives in nursing, I beg to differ! We work our ass off yes but there are only no positives if you think that way. I've found that I have a whole new family I can lean on for support or talk things over, go out for drinks, clubbing etc I enjoy the interaction with different cultures and I'm continuously learning...how are these not positives? Maybe it's just the US but Australian hospitals are very positive environments. Your job is what you make it.....I have a tattoo that says 'what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger' yes it is a thankless, work your ass to the bone job but there are the LOL's and parents that are greatful for what we do
You said it yourself. You're not a nurse yet. So you don't "get it." And yes, I'm sure things are very different here in the US. I really hope you don't have the experiences solo many of us have had, I really do. But I'm betting a time in your nursing career is going to come when you are flustered beyond belief and need a place to vent. As far as asking someone else why they are in nursing (without knowing everything about them).... I don't know how it is where you live, but after putting your heart and soul into school and then the profession, it can be very hard or impossible to some, to switch careers, especially if they have a family depending on them.
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well , look at the positive : you have a husbad that makes good money, you have a former career that pays just as well you can go back to and you dont need surgery (right?). i worry about the long term having a job moving 400lbs. one back injury than what? i do nit want to work in nicu picu or any of that. it is a career like football , ice skating or basketball. lol

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Just do what you love...you will be great at what you do no matter what....Be the Honey Badger! Honey Badgers don't give **** about anything as long as they are happy!

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Specializes in RN-BC, ONC, CEN... I've been around.
If nursing is so awful....why are you in it? To the OP: it is frustrating when import nurses get the jobs and locals don't and I'm also a career change nursing student; I did child care and found that was much harder on my back. Ultimately you need to put yourself first and because you've seen both worlds. To the user that said there are no positives in nursing, I beg to differ! We work our ass off yes but there are only no positives if you think that way. I've found that I have a whole new family I can lean on for support or talk things over, go out for drinks, clubbing etc I enjoy the interaction with different cultures and I'm continuously learning...how are these not positives? Maybe it's just the US but Australian hospitals are very positive environments. Your job is what you make it.....I have a tattoo that says 'what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger' yes it is a thankless, work your ass to the bone job but there are the LOL's and parents that are greatful for what we do
Wow, there are some jaded people here. Maybe you're still in school... I'm not and I feel the same way. I've been doing this for over a decade now... I honestly don't know what else I would be doing if I just up and quit at this point. Is it always fun? No. Did I get hired into my "dream" specialty right after school? No. I busted my hump and was flexible. This has, however been a very rewarding profession for me. For the most part I enjoy the work, love the people I work with, and like the fact that I made someone's miserable day a little bit better. I made the best of my situation and have have had some amazing coworkers who I now call close friends. If the op doesn't like it absolutely she should leave. This job is absolutely not for everyone. I don't fault him/her for that decision, it is what it is.

To the poster I am replying to: you're still in school, but you have the right attitude. Don't ever let life crush you like it has some of the posters in this thread.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Ultimately, you need to make the decision that is best for you. Perhaps you could find a PRN position somewhere and stay in nursing part time? During the last 6 months, I've also been debating a complete career change, but I am also a second career nurse, and I've decided to remain in nursing...but on my terms. After 2.5 years at the same job, it's time for relocation and a complete change of scenery for me. I also have no intention of staying in bedside nursing beyond another couple of years. It's too draining, and not worth risking an injury. Many nurses feel exactly the same way you do, OP. Whatever you decide, I wish you well.

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