Leaving Nursing??

Have you spent all 8 years in the same type of nursing, or have you tried different types/specialties? Nursing is such a broad field...it would seem like there would be some areas that would be a good fit for you.

I've done mostly bedside nursing: med-surg, stepdown, acute rehab, a couple of travel assignments, and then I've also done a year of home health. I've applied for several office positions, they either want an LPN or an RN with a bachelor's degree. I've tried case management/insurance companies, same thing...BSN. I just don't have the money (or the desire at this point) to finish my BSN.

I've done mostly bedside nursing: med-surg, stepdown, acute rehab, a couple of travel assignments, and then I've also done a year of home health. I've applied for several office positions, they either want an LPN or an RN with a bachelor's degree. I've tried case management/insurance companies, same thing...BSN. I just don't have the money (or the desire at this point) to finish my BSN.

I have heard of RNs working in pharmaceutical companies either as sales reps or some helping in the research dept. Or corporate nurses, or telephone nurses giving advice over the phone. I think there are many other options for nursing careers, but you are right that many require a bachelor's. I think even school nursing requires a BSN in many states, some even a teaching degree. But other kind of work would you want to do? I don't think your nursing degree and experience away completely.

If you look around, most good or well paying jobs in other fields require some type of bachelors or masters degree anyway. Unless it's a technical degree and the person has considerable experience. Or positions where the person has gone up the ladder even w/o a degree, but that can take time. Or having your own business. Any other field option, I think will require some type of training, preparation and time, and I think if there are many options in nursing already, then it can benefit you to get the BSN.

Unless you can find an interesting RN job that doesn't require a BSN. What about something like cruise ship nursing? I think there are nurses in many places that you may not have considered.

Not sure if you like working with children but many of the school systems hire RN's to do substitute teaching for Health classes. Doesnt pay as well but it pays. I know in Florida an ADN is acceptable for same.

It is difficult in some areas of the country to get into different types of settings and positions without a BSN. However, nursing so far has been such a reliable profession I'd hate for you to flat out give it up. Even if you pursue something different, I would try to hold on to an active RN license. I really would consider looking into an accelerated BSN program. As others have indicated, having a BSN opens more doors for you in nontraditional settings.

As I suggested to another person who was discontent with his/her job, I think you should consider a career assessment if you've never had one before. I find this to be helpful in determining your abilities, values, and interests. You may find that you just need another nursing job in another area of interest. Best wishes.

Thanks for all the replies! After this weekend, however, I've decided that a career change is in order. Ended up in the hospital because it's all taking a physical toll on me now. Some are cut out for this but I just ain't...I want to be around for my son in 5/10 years....