If it's such a horrible job, why not quit?

StNeotser, ASN, RN · Dec 31, 2009

Because many of us like sleeping indoors.

oguesswhat · Dec 31, 2009

And there may be some who want to work in another field such as ob...but generally need med surg or some sort of nursing experience before most places want to hire them...and they will hate any other job anyways that isn't ob ha. But they work it anyways to get that experience.

JC_Smith2009 · Dec 31, 2009

I do see how some are frustrated and want to quit, but they are forced to stay in the profession because they feel they put so much time and effort into education, or they feel they are not good at anything else. But from what I know, if some do not want to be nurses per say such as an rn, couldnt some go back to school to be in administration or become an np or crna or something that still is in the medical field? But some just may want to get away from it all together and feel there is not enough time left in their lives to make a career change.

kimima01 · Dec 31, 2009

I have encountered a few nurses who have quit their jobs to do something entirely different. One nurse decided after 10 years of hating her job to return to school for computer engineering. Others simply cannot just quit. Some stay because they have children, mortgages, need the insurance, etc. I worked with a nurse who had been at the same hospital for nearly 30 years and hated it. I asked her, "why don't you just leave?". Her response, "because I am too old to do anything else".

angel337, MSN, RN · Dec 31, 2009

i agree, if you are absolutely misreable with your occupation its time to explore other options. for some people it can be difficult because the job market may be slow in their area and for a lot of experienced nurses, especially those with 10+ years experience, it is very difficult to find a job that compensates the same as nursing. but in the end, even some of those reasons are not good enough to stay in a job you hate. it boils down to having the ambition and drive to be happy with your choices. no one can force you to stay in a miserable situation but you.

angel337, MSN, RN · Dec 31, 2009

I have encountered a few nurses who have quit their jobs to do something entirely different. One nurse decided after 10 years of hating her job to return to school for computer engineering. Others simply cannot just quit. Some stay because they have children, mortgages, need the insurance, etc. I worked with a nurse who had been at the same hospital for nearly 30 years and hated it. I asked her, "why don't you just leave?". Her response, "because I am too old to do anything else".

we must know the same nurses. i worked with a woman that had been a nurse for 27 years and hating it before she decided her happiness and health were worth more than job "security" and benefits. she went back to school and now has her own business as well as works as a legal nurse consultant. if she can do it, anyone can.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2009

Well, I did quit and had to return because my husband now how severe health issues and can't work and we have a large family. I had to go back to a field I could step right back into and would pay almost what he made. Believe me, when I say I wore black to my interview and it wasn't because it was the right color for an interview.

I was happy being a volunteer and working toward a paid position for advocacy groups for Special Ed kids in school. It was my niche and my passion. Sadly it doesnt even begin to pay what I make now, so my dream job is just that, a dream job.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2009

I love nursing I just dislike Management

JC_Smith2009 · Dec 31, 2009

Just a question that I want to throw out there. If nursing per say is bad, arent there other areas that are less stressful such as NP, or CRNA, or something like that? I am just curious. Thanks everyone. Have a wonderful New Years :)

ArwenEvenstar · Dec 31, 2009

Another currently active thread is asking why nursing is such a horrible job and there are many responses detailing posters opinions. My question is: if it's THAT horrible, why not quit? And, I know that everyone will say, "it's the economy, stupid!!", but, really, if you feel that your job is horrible . . . why stay?

I liked nursing for the first 10 yrs or so. Slowly after that I very gradually became unhappier no matter what I was doing in the nursing field. Caring for the sick is draining in so many ways. The "horribleness" finally reached a point too high for me to continue, and I did quit 4 months ago! I feel so set-free and relieved to no longer be a nurse. At this point, I have no desire to ever work as a nurse again in any capacity. Why I am still posting on allnurses, I am not quite sure!!!!!! haha. After nursing for close to 20 yrs, I guess it is hard to think of myself as anything but a nurse.

I am very fortunate that my nursing income was not necessary for my family. Many are not so fortunate. I can totally understand why some nurses must stay on despite the fact they are unhappy.

kimima01 · Dec 31, 2009

Just a question that I want to throw out there. If nursing per say is bad, arent there other areas that are less stressful such as NP, or CRNA, or something like that? I am just curious. Thanks everyone. Have a wonderful New Years :)

Yes there is the NP and CRNA, but these are not positions you can just jump into. You do need floor experience and a few more years of schooling. My ultimate goal is to be an NP, however, I have to work in the trenches for a few years before I can make that a reality.