Is Nursing as Stressful as Nursing School?

gatoraims RN · Sep 16, 2012

I think it is a different kind of stress. I will say that I never left PN school so stressed that I cried. I however left my first job a number of times in tears. Real life nursing is stressful, I think the stress of nursing school may help prepare you for effecting stress management.

pinkfish333 · Sep 16, 2012

I think it is just as stressful but at least once you are working , you are getting PAID

imjustme123 · Sep 16, 2012

Much of it depends on the person, as to which type is "easy".
And when I say "easy", I have to cough a wee bit into my hanky, because there really isn't an "easy" nursing job.
There may be many different areas, but it is the very nature of what a nurse does-- period-- that makes it stressful.
Personally, I think Psych is comparatively easy to Med-Surg.
But that's because my personality and interests make it a good fit for me.
It is not stress free and I still have to deal with all the things other nurses do, because, like I said, it is the nature of what nurses do that make it stressful.
Other nurses thrive in the ICU... which is universally recognized as not for babies!
I would not touch their job with a 10ft pole... and you would not want me to.
However, some of those same nurses, who deal with the delicate balance of life and death every day... would go running and screaming from my Geri-Psych unit.
So when I think of "easy", what I really am thinking is "good fit".
"Easy" does not really exist, be it Psych, Home Health, ER, LTC, etc. etc.
What you want to look for is what you are truly interested in.
What subjects can you read about for hours, just because you like them?
What diseases, problems, situations, etc. compel you to want to learn more?
What types of pts do you like to interact with and how much do you want to interact?
You will have more satisfaction if you have a real passion or true interest in what you do.
While it won't be stress free, I do believe the positive of being in an area of great interest will make that stress more bearable and manageable... a good fit.
Don't look for "easy", you will be disappointed.
P.S.
OP: I know you didn't say "easy" and I'm not sure why I went off in that direction so much. Sorry, but maybe I should have more coffee in the morning before I post.

That's okay, HQ, I understand why you said "easy". Here is the deal. I am 45 years old. I worked in the ministry and in domestic violence before. I know stress and although I need a challenging job that keeps my mind busy and on it's toes, I also need a job that is not too physically challenging and I can't handle crisis type situations too much anymore. I want a nursing job that is pretty routine. I almost cringe to say that because I know someone will probably jump on me for even saying it. But I know those jobs are out there. That said, I would probably rather work as a clinic nurse than a hospital one. I will not thrive in the ICU or emergency. My days of the adrenaline rush working in crisis are over. I am willing to work part-time or doing whatever in order to find my way into something that is a good fit. I like medication. I like paperwork. I like interacting with people on a limited basis meaning I want some people interaction but I really would enjoy charting and paperwork too. I would probably enjoy a 50/50 mix. I would love any input. (But please don't yell at me for saying my days of major crisis type stress are pretty much over......I believe there is a place for me.) :)

imjustme123 · Sep 16, 2012

During school I had multiple break downs and cried repeatedly due to stress. In 2 years of practice, I've had only one episode that still wasn't on the level I had in school. If I ever don't feel comfortable doing something, I grab a more experienced nurse who assists me. Life is so much more pleasant now.

Boy, that's good to hear. I've had one breakdown in nursing school (at home!). Now, I am going to TRY to just enjoy the journey and try not to take it so seriously.

imjustme123 · Sep 16, 2012

^^ In agreement here. Steep learning curve and you never really stop learning. I had a big learning curve this morning and just try to take it all in and become a better nurse.

How much do you get yelled at by people and doctors for not being perfect?

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Sep 16, 2012

I'm in public health, which is generally less stressful than acute care. Also, I did an accelerated program, which I found extremely stressful. The answer to your question, from my experience & perspective, is no. It probably won't be true for many other areas of nursing.

imjustme123 · Sep 16, 2012

I'm in public health, which is generally less stressful than acute care. Also, I did an accelerated program, which I found extremely stressful. The answer to your question, from my experience & perspective, is no. It probably won't be true for many other areas of nursing.

What is your level of education?

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Sep 16, 2012

What is your level of education?

RN-MS

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2012

Nursing school is taught by stark raving madwoman who seem intent on driving you nuts. Nursing is physically and emotionally demanding and comes with great responsibility and little down time in the job. I think nursing is easier. There is the reward of providing good patient care and the sense of accomplishment from operating autonomously. There are still mad women in management but if you stay out of their way, they stay out of yours usually.

Music in My Heart · Sep 16, 2012

Is nursing as stressful as nursing school? :)

Much more so.

Nursing school was a safe environment set up to permit learning and catch serious mistakes before they can hurt anybody.

Now, it's my patient and my responsibility... mine alone. If something goes wrong, not only does the patient suffer harm, I will be held accountable for my actions or inactions. If I make a mistake, it's for real and can have serious or even deadly results, and I don't have anybody looking over my shoulder to help catch them... it's all on me.

Nursing is far more stressful than nursing school... and far more stressful than any other professional activity in which I've engaged (and there've been a number of 'em)

Marshall1 · Sep 16, 2012

Being a nurse is more stressful, in my opinion, than being in nursing school ever was.

NenjaRN · Sep 16, 2012

YES, but a different kind and level of stress. Although, I do think at the end of the day I feel I've made more of a difference than anything I've done in school. It's worth it. :)