Leaving nursing. Has anyone else done it? How?

[NurseCard]

Well, I've now been a nurse for thirteen years, and I'm ready to call it a career. I truly, truly am.

I honestly don't want to hear "oh please don't leave, nursing needs you". I'd rather hear from anyone who has left nursing; what did you do next? I'm considering starting my own business. I'm considering living off my artistic talent, which isn't bad. I have an art degree and worked as a graphic designer before becoming a nurse.

I even put in an application with the local school system to drive a bus.

I guess I could go work at Wal Mart. Im just afraid that I won't make enough money to sustain us.

As far as why I'm leaving... I've had so many nursing jobs in the past thirteen years, I've lost count. I'm tired. I'm tired of jumping from job to job. I dislike everything about the field at this point. Everything. I don't even want a desk job. About the only job I would consider at this point is school nurse, and that job is hard to come by around here. I can't teach because I only have an associate's degree. Going back to school is not an option.

Thanks.

[Labmom1118]

8 years in. If I can get my stuff together and take the Praxis (find my ACT scores from 15 years ago to not have to take the Core Praxis) then I hope to start school to get my post-baccalaureate certificate and become a high school science teacher. It's scary thinking about starting over but you're not doing yourself or anybody else any favors if you hate your job. Hopefully this new job makes you happy. If not, do what you have to do.

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

I was lucky enough to take a break when I was burnt out and stay home with my kids. I told my husband I wanted to work at speedway and drink slushies all day lol it just sounded stress free and nice. I took a year break, it did me good, I really thought I was done with nursing at that point. I hope you find something that makes you happy!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

There are MANY things you can do with your licensure and experience.

I have an ASN. I work from home making 6 figures in the insurance industry. Research your options.

[Maevish, ASN, RN]

Well, I've now been a nurse for thirteen years, and I'm ready to call it a career. I truly, truly am.

I honestly don't want to hear "oh please don't leave, nursing needs you". I'd rather hear from anyone who has left nursing; what did you do next? I'm considering starting my own business. I'm considering living off my artistic talent, which isn't bad. I have an art degree and worked as a graphic designer before becoming a nurse.

I even put in an application with the local school system to drive a bus.

I guess I could go work at Wal Mart. Im just afraid that I won't make enough money to sustain us.

As far as why I'm leaving... I've had so many nursing jobs in the past thirteen years, I've lost count. I'm tired. I'm tired of jumping from job to job. I dislike everything about the field at this point. Everything. I don't even want a desk job. About the only job I would consider at this point is school nurse, and that job is hard to come by around here. I can't teach because I only have an associate's degree. Going back to school is not an option.

Thanks.

I'm confused by you saying you're "calling it a career" because I thought that's what we all did. However, I get the feeling. I've been trying for so long to get a staff job somewhere and going from place to place with travel nursing is souring me (deeply) on wanting to stay in the field for another 10 years. I just want a job I love before it's too late and I leave forever.

Luck to you

xo

[GenieToBe]

I left nursing last year as i could not take it anymore (the lack of leave, bad work environment, lack of staffing.... just to name a few)

I soon found myself in a different environment where I actually am making a difference.

Put yourself first, find a job that makes you happy not one that drains your mental health.

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

I left nursing last year as i could not take it anymore (the lack of leave, bad work environment, lack of staffing.... just to name a few)

I soon found myself in a different environment where I actually am making a difference.

Put yourself first, find a job that makes you happy not one that drains your mental health.

I know there are nurses that find employment in insurance and are able to leave. But these jobs don't come about easily. I can't imagine doing anything other than nursing with a nursing education. I have applied to non nursing call center jobs and so far, no luck. I know the pay is less, but they don't even bother calling a nurse. How does a nurse get out of nursing and make a living? Sometimes, we have to choose to put food on the table instead of our mental health. The idea that somebody succeeded is wonderful, but the reality of doing so is not so easily achieved.