If You Changed Careers

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm coming up on my 4th graduation anniversary, which is a drop in the bucket in terms of an adult career, but I often find myself thinking "wow, I don't love nursing as much as I thought I did."  I stay in it because I don't have the time or money to go back to school for a degree/license in another field that affords me the same income as nursing does.  It's not a matter of not liking my specialty either, I just don't love being a nurse.  This year is a license renewal year for me, and I briefly (and not seriously) thought, "what if I just.... let it lapse?" ?

Anyone here ever considered hanging the proverbial cap at any point in this career to start anew with something else?  My heart tells me I eventually need to in order to feel truly happy, but I'd be forfeiting 4 years of school, OTJ trainings, time and money spent on my degree and license, etc.  Plus, I don't know what else I'd do.  I decided on this career when I was 16...I don't even know what else I'm good at.

If money were no object and I could do it all over again, I'd go to culinary school.  I love cooking, watching cooking shows, trying new recipes.  

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
1 hour ago, Mavnurse17 said:

I can't say I "hate" being a nurse, though I've certainly been in situations where I hate the circumstances around me (poor staffing and resources, disgruntled patients that I seemingly can't do anything right for, yelled at by doctors for inconveniencing them but doing my job, etc.)  I get your point, though. 

I posted upthread that I have a family now, and thus less time and resource ($) to freely explore my options.  Can't save up because daycare costs in my area eat away the rest of my discretionary income.  I feel stuck, but it's not dire.  

It's a tough spot to be in when you don't hate it bad enough to dumpster-dive, but the whole thing is unpleasant enough that there's little to enjoy.  Add in a family dependent on your income and it isn't an easy fix.  Hope something serendipitous happens soon.  ?

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Specializes in retired LTC.
1 minute ago, TriciaJ said:

It's a tough spot to be in when you don't hate it bad enough to dumpster-dive, but the whole thing is unpleasant enough that there's little to enjoy.  Add in a family dependent on your income and it isn't an easy fix.  Hope something serendipitous happens soon.  ?

This ^^^ and what I posted a little before also acts as a deterrent to changing careers. Also if you're just a single and resp for everything all by yourself, that monthly mortgage payt yells real LOUD at you!!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
20 hours ago, SilverBells said:

Still trying to figure out how to fit in the teaching role. 

Nurses have opportunities to teach on a daily basis! Patient education is one of our primary job duties,

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Specializes in ER, Pre-Op, PACU.

I don’t at all hate being a nurse and even dislike it. However, I would at some point like to get into an area I am more passionate about. Pediatric genetics clinic, pediatric GI, etc. I would love to work in a genetics company or a rare disease clinic.....

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"  It feels selfish to continue on just to pay the bills."  We  all work to pay the bills. Otherwise we would work for free.

Think outside the box.

You have plenty of experience to find a nursing job that is not hospital based. Search here and scour the job boards. I found a utilization management job.. sitting on my tookas at home and still using my brain.

 

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13 minutes ago, Been there,done that said:

nce to find a nursing job that is not hospital based. Search here and scour the job boards. I found a utilization management job.. sitting on my tookas at home and still using my brain.

 

I'm no longer hospital-based, thank God!  I legitimately felt suicidal as a new grad doing shift work in the hospital.  I work a M-F 0830-1630 now, making even a little more than at the hospital.  My mental health has greatly improved, enough to finally function as a human.  I guess it's just that when people ask me what I do for a living, I no longer feel pride or passion behind responding "I'm a nurse."  

How did you land your utilization job?  All of the postings I've come across require experience, usually 3-5 years before they'll consider an applicant. 

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6 hours ago, Mavnurse17 said:

I'm no longer hospital-based, thank God!  I legitimately felt suicidal as a new grad doing shift work in the hospital.  I work a M-F 0830-1630 now, making even a little more than at the hospital.  My mental health has greatly improved, enough to finally function as a human.  I guess it's just that when people ask me what I do for a living, I no longer feel pride or passion behind responding "I'm a nurse."  

How did you land your utilization job?  All of the postings I've come across require experience, usually 3-5 years before they'll consider an applicant. 

Appears you have 4 years experience. I researched the job boards. Actually got in through a contract agency. I had to work one year before I became on board.

Apply with any and all companies.  Don't forget to use key words in your resume. Always network. Good luck.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Probably a trade or something in healthcare like CT/MRI tech, nuclear medicine. 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Well I always wanted to run away and joined the circus, I'm already trained due to performing the "Dog and pony show" I do daily at work.

 

 

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Can you please provide the location and name of facility in California that will hire nurses on probation? I am unable to private message you

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