Published Apr 8, 2018
BSN16
389 Posts
...and i've just started to realize that it's okay to continue as a NURSE.
At first, i struggled. After graduating, ALL of my friends seemed to go back to school for their MSN or ARNP; honestly, i felt like a failure.
All my friends/co-workers are continuing their education...and here i am working as a nurse. It almost felt like becoming an advanced practice nurse was something i HAD to do.
I started applying to NP schools and having MORE student loans on top of what i already have made me sick to my stomach. So...i've finally come to a realization that i WANT to be a NURSE. i love what i do (most days). I work in a state where RNs are paid fairly, so there is not financial incentive to continue my education.
Anyone else feel an obligation to continue their education?
guest769224
1,698 Posts
When I think about staying a nurse, and I love my job most days, I also think about the increasing demands put on bedside RN's continually.
Increased charting requirements, more and more often entitled and rude families/patients, all the focus on increasing customer satisfaction... those parts take the fun out of being a nurse.
So it makes me wonder how it will be in 10-20 years if I stay a nurse, how manageable those aspects will be.
APRN's get to avoid most of that nonsense, or at least spend less time being involved in it. That's an appealing advantage.
When I think about staying a nurse, and I love my job most days, I also think about the increasing demands put on bedside RN's continually. Increased charting requirements, more and more often entitled and rude families/patients, all the focus on increasing customer satisfaction... those parts take the fun out of being a nurse. So it makes me wonder how it will be in 10-20 years if I stay a nurse, how manageable those aspects will be. APRN's get to avoid most of that nonsense, or at least spend less time being involved in it. That's an appealing advantage.
I agree, some days are mentally and physically draining. I think that when the time comes where i can no longer continue as a bedside nurse, there are many other roles an RN can take on that doesn't require an advanced degree.
Currently, i work in transplant at a large academic center that has lots of other jobs in education or research that many nurses can transition to, such as a "transplant coordinator or on-call nurse to answer questions"
Crystal-Wings, LVN
430 Posts
I used to think I was "obligated" to go back to school and become an RN if I were ever to be successful. However, I realized that I'm happy being an LVN/LPN and that if I'm truly honest with myself, I really don't want the added responsibilities that come with being an RN. Does that make me less of a person or a nurse? No. Does it limit my job options? Yes, but I'm content with what I'm doing now. I worked hard to become an LVN and I'm proud of myself for earning it.
Likewise, you worked hard to earn your BSN. That's a huge achievement and something you should be proud of! If you're happy with the job you are doing now and have no desire to return to school, don't.
K+MgSO4, BSN
1,753 Posts
That is absolutely fine.
As long as you are happy, all good. It took me 10 years to go back to uni. The nurse who went to do her masters the day they graduate often get overwhelmed. 2 of my class of 26 did this and both dropped out. Those of us who stabilised our lives, understand what it meant to work in health, rotating rosters etc. Did much better if and when returning to study.
MelEpiRN
188 Posts
I went back to school because I knew bedside wasn't for me. I have great admiration for anybody who wants to stay at the bedside, knowing the constraints we put on staff nurses. I think it's great that you love it.
OldDude
1 Article; 4,787 Posts
I hated nursing school so bad just the thought of more of it makes me wanna retch. Fortunately, I found school nursing so hopefully, and if God is willing, this will be the last nursing job until I walk off into the sunset.
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!! If you're happy and you know it...
No need to sink more money and time into something else at this point in your life.
kakamegamama
1,030 Posts
I applaud you for being comfortable where you are. But, I have a comment/question for you and a few others.....I am a nurse. I am also an Advanced NURSE Practitioner. What, exactly, do you think an ANP does? We have to put up with patients and families who complain. We have increasing workloads, etc., and deal with coding and billing, etc. We have days in which if we get off on time we've done well. We get overworked, and some would even say underpaid.
mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN
3,308 Posts
I am a schoolaholic. I just finished my MSN in a non-clinical area and had planned on going on to do DNP. Changed my mind. I think I am finally done (after 6 degrees). I amy get my post-masters CNE so I can do some online teaching part time. I was glad to do my RN-BSN. I found that helpful after working 2 years.
if you don't want to do more school, you can be what we call "champions" We have "go-to" people for certain things: people that are skin experts, I am the EPIC person and diabetes expert. There a lots of ways to give back or be involved without going to school. I have no inclination to be an NP. I also precept. There is a lot to do. I am staying on the floor with an advanced degree. After 5 years on the same unit, I finally feel comfortable and confident enough. I am still learning ans=d developing relationships with the physicians. Residents come and go and they need help too LOL.
Do what you feel like doing. We get brand new nurses whose plan is to become an NP after a year. Their first week off of orientation they realize what they have gotten into. I like being there to support them
smartnurse1982
1,775 Posts
I an an Adn who is in school for the Bsn and I am miserable. I abhor the useless paper writing.
The silver lining in all of this?
Employers are finally paying attention to my resume,and I have been an Rn for 12 years now.
Guest219794
2,453 Posts
I hit the peak of my career before graduating when I was offered a staff nurse ER job contingent on license. 14 years later, here I am.
ADN with ACLS, PALS, ENPC, TNCC and CEN. For several years I was also CCRNB.
In no way did my education stop.