If you had a reset button, would you choose nursing again?

[amazingme]

I often hear conversations with nurses old and new discussing whether or not they would choose nursing as a career again if they had the opportunity. Some even have children in college now whom they haven't quite steered away from nursing, but strongly suggest they may want to choose an alternative career path. For me nursing wasn't my first career choice, but I'm glad I ended up here, and would definitely choose it again,

[NewGradRN114]

I'm going to have to say no. I thought there was a nursing shortage when I first started nursing school four years ago but now that I have graduated and cannot find a job I realize there is no shortage. Or there is one and the government just doesn't want to spend the money to provide proper staffing. I still love being a nurse though and I like working with patients but it's a little discouraging to not be able to find a job.

[Orion81RN]

After each shift I would have a different answer to this question. Some days I'm at my limit and say out loud to my coworkers, "I'm DONE."

Other days I can't imagine doing anything else.

[Marshall1]

No. Nope. Nada.

[peabozzle]

depends on the day....I really do like my job & I am good at it. It provides me with financial stability & independence. I didn't become a nurse until my early 30's. I am 15 years in & am exhausted. Its physically, emotionally, & mentally exhausting. I am a Team Leader & am responsible for about 30 people & my director has checked out. Nursing was never my "dream". I wanted a job I could do anywhere so I never had to depend on anyone. Ultimately, I guess I wish I had started earlier & gone a little farther....maybe an NP. Or, maybe I should have followed that instinct in 1st year nursing school to change my major to pharmacy.....

[dawniepoo]

No. Bad choice on my part, although I love the idea of nursing and I love the science. In today's healthcare state, it's a miserable profession. I know I would have felt different 30 years ago.

[SunnyPupRN]

No. Or maybe if I had gone to a better school, one that I felt prepared me better for the real job.

[Shortnurse1283]

Not sure, to be honest. I love the patients most of the time, but sooo many things keep you from being the nurse you want to be that it can be so disappointing. And more just gets piled on... I keep hoping I just haven't found "my place" in the nursing world yet.