Is nursing a depressing job?

LouisVRN, RN · Oct 18, 2011

I don't think its depressing. I think especially if you choose to work hospice you've accepted that death is a natural part of life. I think we all go home and cry every now and then because we work with people and there will always be people who touch our lives but its not like we cry everyday.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Oct 18, 2011

it is satisfying to know you are able to provide some comfort to the sick and dying. But yes, we grieve for our patients, but we learn to do it with a sense of purpose so that their loss is as easy as possible.

AngelicDarkness · Oct 18, 2011

I find it educational and inspiring....we see people at their best and worst. We make a difference! I've cried and laughed but I never let it too close to me or it effects my care to other patients.

EmergencyNrse · Oct 18, 2011

People get sick and injured. For many it's painful, it's scary, and people hurt.

Who's going to do it?

It's taking patients in the absolute WORST time in their lives and getting a smile.

Depressing? Hell no! I love it!

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2011

The point that you find nursing depressing is when you need to find a new job.

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2011

There's always a balance of patients who die or get worse and those who are seen by you the nurse making fantastic recoveries. To see a patient who was on the brink of death living life again is most rewarding indeed. Deaths are an unpleasant reality, some deaths are less pleasant than others. Nursing is a tough demanding field, yet the rewards outweigh the depressing incidences that one can face on a daily basis.

Remember, as a nurse you define your work. That's the creative aspect to nursing.

No one can really teach you how to be the best nurse you can possibly be. The best nurse is molded by trial and error, self reflection and perseverance.

Taking vacations, visiting with friends outside of work, exercising, and planning a healthy diet-- all can deter one from becoming depressed. Pharmaceuticals would be last on my list of deterrents.

Never discount the counsel and advice from other nurses regarding patient care: this to me is nursing's greatest strength.

mkjh · Oct 18, 2011

Being there for someone's death is as much of an honor as being there for someone's birth. It is very hard sometimes, and I have left work crying (I can ususally hold it together till I'm away from patients), but it's really special too.

jrsmrs · Oct 18, 2011

In my limited experience, it's all about perspective. You can choose to focus on all the things that are wrong with people- chronic illnesses, cancer, addictions, terminal illness, loneliness in LTC, etc- or you can choose to focus on how you're working to provide excellent care, thereby making their day or their life a bit better. Of course it's sad when bad things happen to good people, but if you focus on your job, and your contribution to their life, you realize that you can be a positive influence, even if it is in a small way. Giving someone comfort (physical or otherwise) in their last days, supporting people who are going through a difficult time, having a conversation and showing interest in a person who is separated from their loved ones- these are all ways that we help people in bad situations, and give them something positive to remember or feel or look forward to. Perspective, baby.

Good Morning, Gil · Oct 19, 2011

I have not been a nurse forever by any means, but the reality is: you can't save everyone's life. When you are providing end of life care, you know that you are helping them die with dignity, and helping the families through a difficult time. You just provide the best care you can, and when it gets to the point where the patient most likely is "no longer there" (just alive physically by mechanical means), then the focus of care shifts to the families. You make the patient comfortable, and show compassion. It's rewarding to know that you helped someone in their greatest time of need.

It's not as if everyone dies (unless you work in hospice, and not everyone is cut out for such a job. Hospice nurses must be compassionate (really, all nurses should be). You will save people's lives, prevent them from having complications, and heal them, but all of it is rewarding when you have the proper perspective. You will find an area of nursing that fits you best.

I don't go home and cry, but there are times when I think about patients when I go home (it's impossible not to sometimes), but I try my best to separate work from home so that I don't get emotionally burnt out.

Good luck!

anotherone, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2011

yes, sometimes i think it is depressing. i try to compartamentalize. I try to leave work at work . I still feel though that all the traumatic/crazy stuff i see does affect me in some way even if i don't know how or feel it now. if that makes any sence.

ice cream roll · Oct 19, 2011

in fact, i am not a real nurse, but it seem to become a RN within last 1 week since my pregnant sister has to be in hospital. staying in the hospital nearly whole night make me exhausted.

I admire those who are willing to become an RN. But in fact, i think that RN is a good job not depressing one all time. RN require the deep medial and health care knowledge and interpersonal skills too,:)