Is nursing "nursing" everywhere?

[Zebrapants77]

I've been a tele nurse for 2 years and am about to switch to ICU nursing in a larger hospital. I'm pretty unhappy with my career choice as a nurse. I'm moving to ICU to give nursing my best chance before quitting altogether. I am a good nurse...I'm smart, and I genuinely care about my patients. I just don't like the person I'm becoming, dealing with administrative bs, getting dumped on by admin, patients, family members, doctors...it is taking a toll on me. I was never sick or anxious until I became a nurse. I'm not as patient & don't have as much to give to my husband. When we have kids, the stress will just compound.

I am hoping that the ICU will be somewhat different, in that the patients will actually be sick (as opposed to drug-seeking "back pain" patients). We get a lot of addicts, and a lot of old people who need placement, so they sit on tele for a week while their families figure out how to deal with grandma. They're jumping out of bed and screaming in confusion, we don't have the staff to watch them safely, and I feel like I went to school to become a close observer. My current job isn't exactly "fulfilling."

My question is, am I being naive? I've only worked at one hospital, so I can't compare. And I do realize that NO hospital will be PERFECT. I've just read nursing boards and have seen the same complaints from nurses over and over again. I can't help but wonder if I should just stay put in my current job, forget the ICU, and focus on getting out of nursing. Switching jobs will mean a lot of commitment on my part, and if it's not worth it, it may be a mistake. I want to at least say that I gave nursing a chance. And I want my family to see that I gave nursing a chance. I worked hard to get through school, but I don't want to spend the rest of my life hating my career, waking up in the morning and feeling negative.

[himilayaneyes]

If you hate nursing, you may dislike it no matter what you do. However, I used to be a tele nurse before becoming an icu nurse. I definitely prefer the ICU for some of the same reasons you mentioned, such as pt's are actually sick. Plus, I only get 2 of them so I have time to care for them the way I desire to. However, ICU can be very hectic as well. And taking crap from families, patients, doctors, administration is something you deal with in every area of nursing. However, it seems like ICU nurses get less of it in my opinion. However, it's not perfect. If you want to learn more, transfer to ICU. If you're just doing it because you're tired of patients, families, and doctors...then get out of bedside nursing. Good luck.

[Zebrapants77]

Thanks very much for this, it is helpful. I do plan on getting out of nursing within the next few years, but until then, I want to do something better...I really hope the ICU is a good fit for me. Thanks again.