I dont want to be a nurse anymore. I don't want to be in the medical field anymore. Im not just feeling burnt out, underappreciated, drained in all aspects, and all kinds of stressed out. I just feel like I have lost all my passion and interest. I still like people though. Its not just because being in the bedside sucks just as every nurse nurse knows, but I think the medical field in general is not for me anymore... I've been doubting my career choice since college. Now, I have been a nurse for almost 4 yrs and I think its enough time to realize that this may not be my life calling or purpose.
I feel like I became a nurse because I was raised to be goal oriented, and I was challenged because nursing school is tough. I guess I wanted to prove that I was smart or something. I wanted to pursue a different career path but I just had to prove something. BUT Now, I also just realized that nobody cares.
So, here I am, stressed out. I feel like going on a new journey to self actualization. I guess I still have to feel uncomfortable as I have to work as a nurse to pay the bills. I just dont want to work as a nurse while Im going through feelings such as this, because it would be unfair and a disservice to myself and to my patients down the line. I definitely have to get out and as soon as possible. I really, genuinely dont like it anymore.
So, there's that. I just feel like I had to share.
Is there anyone else that feels or have felt what I feel? Know anyone who's made a nonmedical career change? Thoughts?
How many positions have you had and what type of experience do you have? It is hard for me to suggest something without knowing your nursing experience. I am in the midst of starting a new position that doesn't involve any hands on. I am hoping for the best. I will exhaust all possibilities if I have to because in this field help is always needed ( you should never be unemployed) and you went to college for it. I don't want to start over. I once did but not now. It is too costly and time consuming but to each is own.
Nursing is my first real job. Before that, the closest to work i did was volunteering and thats its. I want to go into arts or something creative, like the performing arts. Something that doesnt require much of going back to school again... I just dont know where or how to start.
Regrettably, I have never really felt a passion for nursing and like you, I also had (and continue to have) major misgivings regarding my career choice. I really doubt if I had it all to do over again, I would again chose nursing but at this point in my life, in almost 27 years of practice, it's water over the dam. The answer for me has been steering away from areas of medicine that I are knew where consistently physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting for many (likely me)-i.e. ICU, NICU, Med Surg.... Instead, I worked in Psych, OR, and finally Corrections, all which I feel were less stressful. I personally think finding peace in this profession is in following 'the middle way'-not being apathetic and disengaged, nor in being Gung Ho and subject to career burn out. This has been my strategy for going on 27 years and it has worked for me. Be good to yourself above all and know that you're not alone:)
Med surg icu are definitely stressful and exhuasting. Many times have i gotten sick while working and had to go to ER. I'm so done with hospitals but i need income. Im gonna check out psych and prison, although they sound so scary.
You don’t have to do medical things to help people. There are so many other fields that help people. I believe a lot of young people get caught up in trying to be a “HERO” and save the day without realizing there is more to life then dragging yourself around to save the day. Nothing will ever truly make you happy. Happiness is found within.
I suggest moving to the mountains of Japan and becoming a monk for about 10 years to figure life out.
Jk just take your time, don’t beat yourself up about it.
You don’t have to do medical things to help people. There are so many other fields that help people. I believe a lot of young people get caught up in trying to be a “HERO” and save the day without realizing there is more to life then dragging yourself around to save the day. Nothing will ever truly make you happy. Happiness is found within.
I suggest moving to the mountains of Japan and becoming a monk for about 10 years to figure life out.
Jk just take your time, don’t beat yourself up about it.
LOVE this and all of the other comments that help the rest of us who have had misgivings or never had that "calling" or "love" of nursing. I say if you want to go back to school or can, to do something else. Do it. I am 53 years old and am in my first semester of a new career. I-am-leaving-nursing!
LOVE this and all of the other comments that help the rest of us who have had misgivings or never had that "calling" or "love" of nursing. I say if you want to go back to school or can, to do something else. Do it. I am 53 years old and am in my first semester of a new career. I-am-leaving-nursing!
I also find comfort in knowing that there are many others who also feel this way. Just curious how long you've been a nurse, what specialties you have tried, and what your new career choice(s) is/are?
Please look into informatics. I've been doing it for 3 years now. My nursing knowledge is put to a totally different use now. I work mostly with IT staff, as an advocate for and bridge to clinical staff - nursing, medicine, pharmacy etc. I don't feel like a typical nurse daily. It might be a great way to still use your degree/knowledge and make nursing money.
Don’t you need a degree in informatics? How do you get a job like this? What do you look for in an ad? I have a bachelors in business management and HR. What exactly do you do?
LOVE this and all of the other comments that help the rest of us who have had misgivings or never had that "calling" or "love" of nursing. I say if you want to go back to school or can, to do something else. Do it. I am 53 years old and am in my first semester of a new career. I-am-leaving-nursing!
Congratulations! I envy you! What will you be going for?
Don’t you need a degree in informatics? How do you get a job like this? What do you look for in an ad? I have a bachelors in business management and HR. What exactly do you do?
There are masters degrees in informatics. Are you a nurse also? I just retired from the federal government and they have “clinical informatics jobs.” That would be he heading I would research.
There are masters degrees in informatics. Are you a nurse also? I just retired from the federal government and they have “clinical informatics jobs.” That would be he heading I would research.
Yes I’m BSN thinking about a masters in education. What did you do in your job?
I don't know of many nurses that work in informatics. I do know of more IT professionals going for their nursing degree after working in IT and getting nursing informatics degrees/positions though. I am not saying it isn't a good idea but doesn't it require a good portion of IT experience?
LOVE this and all of the other comments that help the rest of us who have had misgivings or never had that "calling" or "love" of nursing. I say if you want to go back to school or can, to do something else. Do it. I am 53 years old and am in my first semester of a new career. I-am-leaving-nursing!
That sounds amazing. What is the new career youre going into?
ChooSoul
136 Posts
Nursing is my first real job. Before that, the closest to work i did was volunteering and thats its. I want to go into arts or something creative, like the performing arts. Something that doesnt require much of going back to school again... I just dont know where or how to start.