who has left nursing ?

Nurses Retired

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wanting to hear from those that have left nursing....because I have.

Things like , reason you left, how long since the change, and do you think about returning to nursing.

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... it is so good to know that I am at the end of the line and it's been a long one too.

Congrats, Isabelle!

Just how long has it been?

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
I do chime in and try to contribute to threads where I feel I have something to say. What do you mean by "mentoring" students? Sounds interesting.

I was thinking you could offer mentoring to the occasional struggling student or new nurse. Via e-mail or something. You have a lot to offer....

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health.

CrunchRN, thanks. That's a good idea, something to think about.

Thanks for the kind words, too. Needed them today. :)

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Specializes in med/surg.

I let nursing in October of 2012 after 4 years working med-surg. I was becoming burnt out and I tried to get another job, but after 5 interviews and a year and a half of putting in applications and still nothing, I lost my confidence and decided I needed to try something else before I either messed up at work or had a nervous breakdown. So I am now a stay at home mom of 4 and I just finished my BSN and started a grad program in health care law, so I've not been idle. I tried to go back to a nursing home last summer part time, but I made it through 3 days of orientation and realized that I had quit bedside nursing for a reason, and those reasons are still there. I do miss parts of it-the critical thinking parts, the education parts, and my coworkers, but when I really think of what the day-to-day was like on my floor, I don't regret quitting at all, and I don't anticipate going back to hospital-style bedside nursing ever. Maybe home health or hospice. I fell in love with public health and the legal aspect of health care, and I figure I can bring a unique skill set to a new career with my nursing training and legal training-not just a legal nurse consultant certificate, but actual legal training. Maybe risk management, board of nursing, health department or something else where I can work on the bigger picture. I'd like to solve some of the problems I saw with bedside nursing both with the nursing work environment and the patients by advocating for nurses and working on policy changes to make our communities healthier. I'm excited-I think it'll be great! Now, if I can just figure out how to make actual money in public service...maybe I'll end up working with lawyers on cases for a while and save the world in my spare time?!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

All of us would appreciate your help in improving floor and bedside nursing, Nay!

Somebody's gotta do it.

Good luck!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

nayRN, i almost would pay your tuition, I so admire you

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Specializes in med/surg.

Oh, not if you saw my Sallie Mae account you wouldn't! But thanks :)

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Read all the reviews, I'm there with some of you, 38 years of nursing, many specialties, but now with minor disabilities and age it is hard getting back on my feet. No one or nothing to lean on; but not giving up. Unless unique, hold the suggestions, I have aquired allergies, asthma(RADS) and stenosis in neck and lower back so I need a clean environment with limited sitting, standing and no co-workers that smoke. Seeking part time work and decent affordable housing in Virginia or northeast MD-trying to stay closer to family. I want to keep my licensure active, I worked too hard to get it. And my nurse resume is nearly impeccable. But I also now want to work at something that gives me more joy in life without physical hardship.

Good wishes and prayers to all in "situations".

Travel nursing

While I am here, I tried two recent contracts in psych nursing and the system has changed so very much and the company that got me out here in NC I find has contracts with the dregs of hospitals throughout the country. After some searching they are all under fire for abuse and neglect; fyi, my last jobs were peds homecare. What has happened to hospitals?????? I'd be a walmart greeter if it weren't for smoke, perfume and standing !!

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Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Nurse.

Still in it, after 15 years in end of life work (middle management), I was downsized. So....after much reflection, a great distaste for having to work under constant Medicare cuts....(drum roll). I am seriously thinking of changing lanes from sickness to wellness. I am going to move to aesthetics. Botox, laser, etc...I have a friend that has been in the field for ten years and if I invest in the training she will precept me. I am also considering going forward with school, I currently have an AS degree. Oh, and I will get a discount on botox....way cool. I can be really mad and have no expression :)

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I am considering retiring, although I have not reached full retirement age. This is a very hard decision. I let myself get way too burned out and 2 months off has not helped at all. Anyone taken ss @ 63 years old? Did it work out ok? Or did you regret it?

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

If your health is decent, you may wish to reconsider filing at 63. The cut you take now may affect your lifestyle for so many of the future years.

Believe me I know how crappy nursing practice can be, and how difficult it is to continue at it many days.

Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I left clinical nursing on December 31, 2013, and after a lot of soul-searching have decided not to try to return. I just don't have anything left to give to it. I loved being a nurse, and I wish I could still do it. But I can't. Every time I even think about attempting to come back, I feel anxious, nauseated, and sweaty---all of which are a prelude to a panic attack. I wonder if there's such a thing as PTSD from nursing? :confused:

At any rate, I have just filed for disability through Social Security. I hate to do it.....it feels like I'm giving up, and I do not give up with any grace. But between the physical and psychological damage I've sustained over the years, I don't think there's much of a choice.

This is NOT how I planned to "retire". But life happens, and it's best to accept reality.

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