Leaving nursing

NeuroICURN · Jun 3, 2004

This is my first post, but I have been reading the boards for about 2 months now. I need some advice- I am considering leaving nursing after only being out for 2 years. The reasons I'm considering leaving are numerous. I just don't know if I'm smart enough to be a nurse, and I've been fired from two nursing jobs in a row now- within the space of 3 months. And I can't find another job in the area I'm currently in- after moving accross 3 states to be closer to my family. I'm just so very depressed right now, don't mean to throw myself a pity party. Just wanted to get some suggestions or advice. Thanks

{{{{{{{{{{{{ HUG }}}}}}}}}} Sounds like you needed that!

You don't have to answer this next question.....why were you fired? Perhaps it's a matter of you not being suited for the type of nursing that you were doing, not nursing in general.

See, that's the wonderful thing about nursing...you don't like one area, you do another! Perhaps you can work in a Dr's office, or work for an insurance company, or work in a clinic, or some other non-traditional form of nursing.

Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life and it's ok if you're feeling a little overwhelmed right now!

Don't know if any of that helped, but I gave it a shot! :)

Take care,

NeuroICURN

wandering_rn · Jun 3, 2004

Thank you for your kind words. I'm just so overwhelmed right now- not sure what to do next. I have done hospital nursing only- SICU and ICU stepdown. I was fired by my last employeer after 6 weeks for not meeting their standards- that firing has me doubting my ability to even assess a patient- much less give any kind of quality care. The problem with finding a job is that when potential employeers go to check my references- they hear very negative things about me- and won't give me a chance. Again- thanks for your kind words.

{{{{{{{{{{{{ HUG }}}}}}}}}} Sounds like you needed that!
You don't have to answer this next question.....why were you fired? Perhaps it's a matter of you not being suited for the type of nursing that you were doing, not nursing in general.
See, that's the wonderful thing about nursing...you don't like one area, you do another! Perhaps you can work in a Dr's office, or work for an insurance company, or work in a clinic, or some other non-traditional form of nursing.
Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life and it's ok if you're feeling a little overwhelmed right now!
Don't know if any of that helped, but I gave it a shot! :)
Take care,
NeuroICURN

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2004

Good luck and don't give up. There's lots of jobs in nursing, different areas, different specialities. If you were smart enough to be graduate and pass NCLEX, you're smart enough to be a nurse. Don't be so hard on yourself. Good luck!

suzanne4, RN · Jun 3, 2004

Thank you for your kind words. I'm just so overwhelmed right now- not sure what to do next. I have done hospital nursing only- SICU and ICU stepdown. I was fired by my last employeer after 6 weeks for not meeting their standards- that firing has me doubting my ability to even assess a patient- much less give any kind of quality care. The problem with finding a job is that when potential employeers go to check my references- they hear very negative things about me- and won't give me a chance. Again- thanks for your kind words.

Not all nurses are cut out to be ICU nurses. Perhaps you are one of them, at least for now. If you are determined that this is what you want to do, after all you did go to school for it and pass NCLEX, try a different area where you won't be so hard on yourself.

Good luck :balloons:

J. B. · Jun 3, 2004

Not all nurses are cut out to be ICU nurses. Perhaps you are one of them, at least for now. If you aredetermined that htis is what you want to do, after all you did go to school for it and pass NCLEX, try a different area where you won't be so hard on yourself.
Good luck :balloons:

You have achomplished more than you are giving yourself credit for.

It can be a hard world out there and heaven know there is too much negitive influence bonbbarding us everyday.

Please remember that not matter how hard it gets It has not come to saty it has come to pass!!!!!

Keep searching you are a success and have all the skills to make it to bigger and better things to come.

Self talk is one of our most influencial mediums and because it is what we think plays a great part in how we feel.

You have made it happen..You have become a nurse. You aint no dummy and dont let anyone especially yourself tell you other wise.

Hold on you are being prepared for something bigger and more special.

Keep looking and you will find your passion..be brave enough to follow it.

Terry Mason

AKA John Bosco

All the best...You deserve it.

gomedina · Jun 3, 2004

Nursing is such a broad industry that you can actually have more options that just working in a hospital. Try to identify what you enjoy the most in this profession and pursue a career doin that first.

No one's immune from failures and mistakes. You just need to identify your weaknesses as well and overcome it eventually. Stick on maximizing your strengths first. I know you have a lot.

Look at your past experiences as a warning telling you that things could have been done differently. Learn from it and move on.

IMustBeCrazy · Jun 3, 2004

Everyone learns differently. Remember those tests that you probably took in psych class on learning modalities? Maybe you are a visual learner. Maybe you are better with 'hands-on'. Maybe you learn best by reading over procedures and then performing them.

However you learn best, it sounds as though you need to find a position that has a GOOD mentor. Not one that walks you through the floor, points you to the breakroom and bathroom and then says 'atta girl, go forth and do your stuff'. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions and call upon those around you with experience you may not have. You have to be able to advocate for yourself as well.

I think once you identify the way you best learn, and find a position with a knowledgeable mentor that *enjoys* helping you learn, you will find that things are looking up. Good luck to you!!!! :)

chronicTX · Jun 3, 2004

Please don't quit! Being fired twice in a row won't make you less of an efficient nurse. You would'nt be a nurse right now if nothing from it interests you, am I correct? Try to figure out what you can do best as a nurse and start from it. Do'nt be afraid to try new things and discover what is in store for you. Just like the others have said, Nursing is a versatile job. There's one nursing job out there for you...

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jun 3, 2004

When I graduated, the local Step-down Unit hired four of us from my class. Three did quite well. One new grad did not. Never quite got into the swing of things, had multiple med errors. I was new also then so I can't really say what was going on, I was trying to keep my head above water. The manager tried many things, but eventually she had med administration taken away from her and she resigned. She sought our advice and went to work LTC. She has thrived there for over 10 years, doing well and earning the respect of her co-workers. It was just a much better fit for her. As all the others have said, there are so many different areas to work in Nursing, don't give up yet!

missmercy · Jun 3, 2004

Nursing (as so many wise souls have posted already) has so many variations -- if one doesn't fit, look into another! Don't put yourself down -- you are obviously and intelligent person (having chosen nursing in the first place, passing boards etc) just check out some different options!! School nursing, geriatrics, med-surg, legal advising, occ health.... etc. Don't give up on yourself!!! And if after you look into your options -- you still don't feel like nursing is for you -- don't beat yourself up over it!! A nursing education is never lost or useless -- it gives you skills and knowledge that can be used no matter what profession you end up in!! Do what's best for you!! But no matter what -- remember that you have already done great things -- choosing a fulfilling area to work, live etc. in is a must!

wandering_rn · Jun 3, 2004

Thanks to everyone who has been supportive- your words mean a lot right now. I am going to try and apply for something I never saw myself doing- hospice. They seem very receptive to me- supportive in fact- despite my recent troubles. We'll see if they actually offer me a job after they check with my latest former employeer- after hearing what she has to say though- I'm not going to hold my breath.

Thanks again to everyone- when I try to talk to my family about this- they just tell me to suck it up- it's nice to have a sympthatic ear!