I'll preface this by saying that I did not write this as a solid pragraph. Having spent some time trying to figure out why it's not keeping my breaks, I'll just have to go and post it as it is changing it. I have decided to post my doubts about a career in nursing. I will present a serious of doubts and drawbacks, and what I am after is some people who may dispel erroneous or self limiting cynicisms. I originally was attracted to three things: 1) The potential to actually help people find or maintain real, lasting health. 2) The high job availability & schedule flexibility, short contracts, etc.... 3) The compensation & related factors - traveling opportunities, bonuses, etc... Having learned more about nursing by reading about it, watching nurses, discussing it, living with a nurse, and so on, I have found #1 to be a total illusion. The only chance I would have to do this whatsoever in the capacity that I am talking about would be either as a nurse practitioner (would have its limitations as well), or in some sort of private practice or other private venture. It appears that any other position would be exactly the opposite of what I want in #1. I have found that the stress and various colossal drawbacks of the job (and the nursing school itself for that matter) grossly outweigh this factors of job availability or compensation. To be honest, I believe that the western medical community and entire health care system is an absolute disaster, more conducive to keeping people ill than to true health and healing. The entire system is designed to manage the mess that people make of their lives through living dangerously (smoking, bad eating habits, sedentary life, etc.....) as well as to deal with emergencies (which I literally could not deal with, due to the toxic level of stress that would put in my life). I thought I woould bring a different perspective and approach to the field of heallth care, and teach patients to live healthy, and show them a degree of compassion and patience and caring that is so woefully absent in America's health care system... But then I watched and listened, and realized that this is probably the same fantasy with which other people approach the career. Any such illusions are smashed on or before the first day of work. Having said that, I am having trouble imagining myself in a position where I run my but off dealing with an absurd patient:nurse ratio and working as what appears to amount to what I now think of as a sort of blood pressure slave..... monitoring machines, giving meds, managing pain, and answering patient requests and complaints as well as doing paperwork - all far beyond the limits of how much of this type of stuff any given nurse should be reasonably expected to deal with.... I have also noted that it is extremely obvious that the majority of the education required for the RN, while it SHOULD be extremely important to the job, is in fact totally useless or superfluous. When it comes down to it, the nurses job is comprised almost entirely of the above list of very exhausting and stressful chores..... Which I could learn how to do in a 1 year program..... doesn't require or justify 4 years of schooling - I've even heard that from R.N.s. Now do that in the typical 12 hour shifts from either 7 pm too 7 am, or from 7 am to 7 pm.... (I would never do either of those shifts, not for a day, let alone indefinitely) ...well let's just say that before we get too that final issue, I have already long since talked myself out of it. Sure, as a travelling nurse, I could make 40K in 6 months and take the rest of the year off to do whatever I pleased. But could I handle even one week of those 6 months? I consider the quality of my life on a day by day basis - I don't make myself suffer for 6 months at a time while looking forward to my time to do what I want. With all those obstacles I have focused on, I have to admit that there could be many opportunities where the majority of those challenges would not be present. These may make up only about 3% of al nursing jobs, but with such a ludicrous shortage, it would be inevitable I could get such a position. Take home care nursing, or administration, or starting a nursing registry, or even working in a doctor's clinic instead of a hospital. Sure, I could do something like that, IF I found such an opportunity before going insane trying to work in a hospital.... but even then, in no case is the registered nurse credentialed or legally allowed to be giving the type of holistic health counseling that I would like to provide. So, this suggests private practice as a nurse practitioner..... but that turns out to be quite a bit more schooling in nursing and much more of a long term, dedicated business venture than I am willing to commit to. I live with an R.N., and I have heard her complaining vehemently about that very shopping list I have mentioned, without me feeding any of this stuff to her first... That's saying a lot considering that she is a person who never complains about anything, or backs down from any challenge. She has just started in the job about 6 weeks ago, and she is talking about leaving already. She comes home looking so excessively exhausted and stressed that she literally looks like she was lucky to make it home at all. Her job is literally dangerous to her health, and too the welfare of her patients, and she is acutely aware of both truths such that she has nightmares about it and dreads going t o work at all. I just kind of nodded and sympathized, wondering how she could possibly have made it all the way into the first day on the job without having figured all that out ahead of the time. In fact, I had already figured out and foreseen the exact things she is complaining about, and many more, when I was only 1/2 way finished with my prerequisites. It's sad and pitiful to see her on her days off trying to talk herself into persevering and enduring, with optimism. In fact, the job is crushing her spirit and she needs to get out of it as soon as possible before she destroys herself or burns up 3 years of her life in that suffering. She talks about preparing for her future and so on.... what happened to the present?!?!?!?!?! Inevitably I can see that she will stay in nursing. She'll just keep suffering until she winds up in a position that is also terrible, but not nearly as bad as the the job she is at now.... Perhaps years into the future, she will have gotten into a relatively cushy job at the VA, or in some other unforeseen capacity that is low stress..... I can't imagine doing that to myself. I could see myself eventually doing something useful with nursing..... and it would also be very useful personally in caring for my parents or my own heath... The question is, does that make sense, and could I even endure the clinicals? ....... that was rhetorical... Indeed, I could work as an NP in my own office - just do medication management. But then, I would just loathe peddling medications to people who could drop them id they'd just live healthy, and wouldn't care at all for working in an office - to tell the truth, I'm an outdoors person. I have read that over 40% of all RNs leave the career entirely. For a person with health issues or other challenges going in to it, the career seems like a ludicrous choice, unless the person wants to stay on the academic side of things and just become a professor (where they will need 2-3X the education with about 1/2 the maximum earning potential..... and then they can take part in the system of instructing all that excessive material that I mentioned earlier.... Hmmm...... That's a no-brainer)
Actually, I suspect that many of the things you say are quite true. And the truth hurts sometimes (for those shaking their heads at such "negativity"... Just because the truth is unpleasant doesn't mean it's not true).
I actually found myself nodding at much of the things you write about in your post.
You are being honest with yourself, and trying to make the best decision for yourself - nothing wrong with that.
As for "negativity" - there is a lot to be negative about in nursing, ALONG WITH the positives.
BUT... if the negatives outweigh the positives, and you find you are attracted to other options besides nursing school, then by all means look to those.
You could look into getting a degree in Public Health, or in coordinating clinical research. Lots o' options out there.
i say that floor nursing is a great job, and lots of opportunity for those willing to work. unlimited work :).
this week, i did 84 hours and i made around $4,600. this is a fun and cool job with lots of great people to work with from incredibly diverse backgrounds!
i'm having a lot of fun with this. sure, i find myself in a lot of tough situations... but somehow i've always muddled through.
rather than focusing on the negative... let's look at the bright side! here in a bad economy, i've got incredible opportunity to work. it may be that i only want to do this for another couple of years... but it's always an option to do prn in the future.
i'm very satisfied with this stepping stone in my working career.
Indeed, the kind of person even capable of the sincerity and compassion that I would automatically need to bring with me to nursing, as I bring it with me everywhere, would have their spirit stifled, their health compromised, and their mind torn apart in such an environment of cynicism and apathy. In all the nurses I have encountered on the job, I see only a very rare select few who have the compassion and empathy that the job requires, and yet it is those few with whom I sympathize the most - seeing that their coworkers are so aloof and capable of turning off those sentiments so they can get through the day.
The cynic who cites someones else's doubts or difficulties as the basis for their own judgment and criticism of others and their own lack of compassion or empathy.... those are the nurses who would deal the final blow for me in the career. Those are the people with whom I could never tolerate working. Ironically, I have found some of these nurses to be just as likely to appear to take great pride in their career, and to have nursing ingrained in their identity, as any other nurse.... a professor from last Fall comes to mind... she was judgmental, cynical, and shockingly ignorant on not only the subject she was teaching, but on holistic health overall, not to mention she was clearly not dedicated to her own educational commitment... and yet she was so well established and popular in the profession locally. I might add that she was an N.P., presumably in an ideal position to help others to become healthy and influence others to live well, and yet she was about 350 pounds... an absolute fraud.
Also last year, I observed nurses in action and got a reminder of what I had seen earlier in life when I had occasions to visit a hospital. It was the turning point for me in the nursing career idea.... when I realized I would be surrounded by that in the workplace.
Incidentally, the 40+% of nurses who really do not like the career, and who plan to get out of it - whatever their reasons, obviously would not be well represented among the posters at this forum.
I unintentionally influenced another person to pursue nursing school, only to then decide myself that it is absolutely NOT suited to my health, needs, passions, or personality... How I regret that influence, as I can see that she is even less suited to it than am I. Maybe some potential student, who is as ill-suited to nursing as I can see that my friend is, will see this thread and ultimately wind up choosing against nursing, and I will have helped someone!
Admittedly my own original post smacks of cynicism and doubt.... what I did not mention is that I myself have an ongoing chronic health condition that makes further pursuit of nursing so unrealistic at this time. I need peace, relaxation, and a healthy dedication to my own health - time for these things not only every day, but every month, and every year - a life of things that nursing is so utterly non-conducive to..... need I say more? One of the biggest things I was doing wrong for my own health was the phenomenal stress of preparing for a career in nursing.... I took 44 credits in one year; no more work or effort than would be expected in nursing school or in most nursing jobs, and how I paid the awful price for that self neglect. Since I abandoned nursing, I can have my life back now. If I continue it, I might perish.
Thank you very much to the people who gave the sincere and helpful feedback. For all who are sticking with nursing, I would like to remind each person of the profound, deep compassion and empathy, a refresher of which is required every day to see what really matters in such a stressful job, so heavily piled with complexities and rules that have no relevance to patient welfare. As a patient or a visitor, I am immediately reminded of the apparent absence of this understanding in the individual nurse, just as it is absent in the average patient. Healing takes place in the heart/mind of the individual and the social consciousness that influences their own.... not in a hospital.
The cynic who cites someones else's doubts or difficulties as the basis for their own judgment and criticism of others and their own lack of compassion or empathy....
I was also a little surprised by the negativity among the responses on this thread.
I mean, if someone professes doubts about a career they're contemplating - nothing wrong with that. No reason to jump on the person. Migosh.
Why can't the responders just say, "Looks as though you don't really want to go to nursing school. I understand some of your concerns. (INSERT POLITE COUNTERPOINTS). There are many options out there besides nursing if nursing does not appeal to you."
I can see how some people, like myself, may have some negative responses to this thread because its hard not to feel a bit defensive when someone is criticizing your profession and making such WIDE GENERALIZATIONS about nurses in general. Sheesh.
my comments in blue, not trying to be mean but just stating facts here:
indeed, the kind of person even capable of the sincerity and compassion that i would automatically need to bring with me to nursing, as i bring it with me everywhere, would have their spirit stifled, their health compromised, and their mind torn apart in such an environment of cynicism and apathy. in all the nurses i have encountered on the job, i see only a very rare select few who have the compassion and empathy that the job requires, and yet it is those few with whom i sympathize the most - seeing that their coworkers are so aloof and capable of turning off those sentiments so they can get through the day. not every work environment is so stifling and unbearable that it requires nurses to turn off their emotions in order to function. this is a rash generalization.
i unintentionally influenced another person to pursue nursing school, only to then decide myself that it is absolutely not suited to my health, needs, passions, or personality... how i regret that influence, as i can see that she is even less suited to it than am i. maybe some potential student, who is as ill-suited to nursing as i can see that my friend is, will see this thread and ultimately wind up choosing against nursing, and i will have helped someone! hopefully your friend will be able to see for herself if she is suited for nursing or not. a nurse's personality is not just something you can fit in a box. there are many types of people who are "suited" for nursing. i disagree with people who think that there is some magic formula that makes a good nurse; many of the traits a "good" nurse possess can be learned.
admittedly my own original post smacks of cynicism and doubt.... what i did not mention is that i myself have an ongoing chronic health condition that makes further pursuit of nursing so unrealistic at this time. i need peace, relaxation, and a healthy dedication to my own health - time for these things not only every day, but every month, and every year - a life of things that nursing is so utterly non-conducive to..... need i say more? good for you in choosing to put your health and self first, it is true that not everyone is physically able to do a stressful job like nursing. one of the biggest things i was doing wrong for my own health was the phenomenal stress of preparing for a career in nursing.... i took 44 credits in one year; no more work or effort than would be expected in nursing school or in most nursing jobs, and how i paid the awful price for that self neglect. since i abandoned nursing, i can have my life back now. if i continue it, i might perish.
thank you very much to the people who gave the sincere and helpful feedback. for all who are sticking with nursing, i would like to remind each person of the profound, deep compassion and empathy, a refresher of which is required every day to see what really matters in such a stressful job, so heavily piled with complexities and rules that have no relevance to patient welfare. as a patient or a visitor, i am immediately reminded of the apparent absence of this understanding in the individual nurse, just as it is absent in the average patient. once again, i'm sorry to see you generalizing that nurses are so devoid of compassion and empathy, you must have had some bad experiences with nurses in the past healing takes place in the heart/mind of the individual and the social consciousness that influences their own.... not in a hospital. it is true that the patient must be treated as a whole person and that we can't just focus on the physical needs, but i think we can all agree that hospitals are a necessity in healthcare.
Specializes in Telemetry, Med Surg, Pediatrics, ER.
While I commend you for thinking through your career decision, I do think you have some misconceptions, vague generalizations, and insults in your post. It has generated negative response, and rightly so. I would never mislead anyone and tell them nursing is a perfect career. If you find one then maybe you can share it with the rest of us.
I actually agreed w/about 85% of the OP's perception.
However, it was disingenuous to post as if the career dilemma was either still ongoing or as an open request for info.
It is irritating to post for no other reason that to say, "hey look, I'm way cool because I know this and you, unless you're already "one of them", don't.
Besides, there really weren't even that many negative responders. In fact, they appafrently seemed to reinforce OP's opinion anyway. So, good on them.
I relish some truth-telling.....just not the side of snot it sometimes come with...
maybe its just my experience, but i don't see the misery that alot of people on this site complain about in their nursing careers. most nurses that i know love what they do and are very happy with their salaries (especially in this economy). nursing is not for everyone. some specialties are better than other ones, some workplace environments are better than other ones. i personally don't plan to stay at the bedside until i retire but for now i like it, make a comfortable living and i work at a great place. when you focus to much on the negative its pretty hard to notice the positives.
There really are many roads to follow and don't be afraid to leave one if it isn't going where you need to go.
Thanks for the encouraging thought!
To the OP... it sounds like you may have already reached your judgement about your future in nursing. It sounds like that personal judgement is solidly based on first-hand observation and experience as well as first-hand descriptions for those in the field. Is there more to nursing than that? Yes. But your concerns are not unfounded and are based on your own knowledge of your own tolerance and desired lifestyle. Perhaps as you explore your desires and goals and possible career directions, you might again come across nursing as a way to make that happen and then you might feel more motivated and find it more promising for you, but until then, from my perspective of having read your initial post, it sounds like you might be ready to move on in your explorations of how to create the life you want.
Personally, I, too wanted to be involved in the health field, but wasn't up for the intense clinical arena of today's nursing in many (not all) settings. So I looked at health-related jobs that WEREN'T specifically nursing jobs... jobs that I was interested in and that would get me in a direction that might lead to future opportunities or exposure to other possibilities. So, if you're interested in patient education or preventative care, there might be some non-profit organization out there or hospital-based program that needs non-nursing personnel to man tables at health fairs or to organize patient support groups or some other something that would fit with your desires to be involved with health care even without earning a nursing degree.
Good luck to you!!
I think it can be useful for someone who is in the OPs situation, pondering what she's pondering, to put it down for reflection and to share her thoughts, fears, perceptions, understandings... as opposed to either stifling her doubts with cheery encouragements "You can do it!" and promising rewards "You can't get better flexibilty with any other career!" or choosing against nursing without taking an opportunity to bounce her thoughts off others who have experience in and knowledge of the field.
I dislike overly cheerly encouragement to become a nurse and I dislike judgemental, condescending dismissals of another's future in nursing.
In the first case, everyone is singing the praises of nursing... and then I want those things, too! Who wouldn't want such a challenging, meaningful, and flexible career? Especially if you're interested in helping people? And with so many different avenues, nursing looks like a great opportunity for most anyone who cares about people and is willing to put in day's honest work.
In the second case, people offer condescending-sounding condolences that 'nursing isn't for everyone; it takes a special person' which makes me feel rebelious and defensive... are you saying I'm not good enough (smart enough, strong enough, etc) to be a nurse; I've many a nurse who isn't that great... if they can do it, why can't I (and then I try to talk myself back into making nursing work for me)?... or... Hey, I AM a special person who is responsible, hard-working, caring, intelligent, etc - so why isn't nursing for me?!' So I appreciate when folks have a more balanced response.
healing takes place in the heart/mind of the individual and the social consciousness that influences their own.... not in a hospital. it is true that the patient must be treated as a whole person and that we can't just focus on the physical needs, but i think we can all agree that hospitals are a necessity in healthcare.
I really needed to hear that tonoc thank you.
marie-francoise
286 Posts
Actually, I suspect that many of the things you say are quite true. And the truth hurts sometimes (for those shaking their heads at such "negativity"... Just because the truth is unpleasant doesn't mean it's not true).
I actually found myself nodding at much of the things you write about in your post.
You are being honest with yourself, and trying to make the best decision for yourself - nothing wrong with that.
As for "negativity" - there is a lot to be negative about in nursing, ALONG WITH the positives.
BUT... if the negatives outweigh the positives, and you find you are attracted to other options besides nursing school, then by all means look to those.
You could look into getting a degree in Public Health, or in coordinating clinical research. Lots o' options out there.