This is a second career for me and I am a smidge over 30. First career was to be a psychotherapist. The BS and MS education in psych was amazing. But practicing as a therapist did not turn out well (didn't realize how chronic mental illness is and did not have the patience for it). The same has gone for nursing. I loved my education (got an AAS) and have been an RN since May of 2010. I have gotten jobs in women's health (right where I wanted to be in NICU and postpartum). But I am already looking for something else to do and I am not even sure I know what that is. I keep thinking it's my schedule (I work nights) so I am constantly looking for something else. But the more I think about it, the more I realize I just don't want to be a nurse. The only thing I have discovered about myself is that I like to teach. I don't want to teach kids or high school or anything, but I really enjoy knowing a lot about the body and mind and teaching patients (or anyone for that matter about it as it relates to their own health or a family member or friends health). My problem is I don't know what to do with this knowledge. I already have 3 degrees and was contemplating a BSN because I only have a few classes to take and my hospital would pay for it. But, now I am not so sure.
The state of the economy does not help either. 5-6 years ago I would have thought nothing of dropping my hours as an RN and pursuing some other path, but now...not so much. For one, education is ridiculously expensive and I am not 20 anymore so the idea of going further into debt for another career change is daunting. I don't see a lot out there that I can do with my current education and experience. I dread going to work not because I hate my job necessarily but because I keep feeling like there is something else I am supposed to be doing with my life and this is just something to do in the meantime. I chose nursing not because I have a great passion for it but because I seriously didn't know what else to do and thought since I had the psych degrees doing something in healthcare would be a great bridge.
Again, I am glad for my education and work experience (I worked as a CNA since 2003 while going to school) and the area of healthcare is fascinating to me. I am just really depressed and not sure what my next move should be. BUt, I must admit this is how I have felt since I finished with my BS in 2002. In whatever moment I am in since I graduated college (the first time) I keep looking ahead for the next best thing or what can I work on next or what goal or area can I move onto down the road. I have never been satisfied with whatever it was I was doing. Even when getting my MS, I was already planning on a PhD or a PsyD. Then during nursing school, I was already thinking I'll be applying to NP or PA programs as soon as I can and only planned on getting a year or two of experience at the bedside. It's like no matter what I am doing, I am thinking or looking into the next step I can take.
I have discovered this about myself but am not sure what my next move should be. I keep choosing things I know at the time are only a stepping stone to the next best thing and are things I know I don't want to do for a career. I can specifically remember doing prereq's for nursing and complaining about how I did not look forward to the crap hospital schedules and all the other BS that goes along with being a bedside nurse.
I don't know if I am asking a question here or just rambling (probably rambling) but if anyone cane pick up on something in this post and see what I am obviously not seeing...I need help. I am miserable and not sure what to do.
Go to or call all the nursing agencies near you. Hear me out b4 you stop reading.
Many agencies have different types of jobs, not just nursing ones. One agency used to get nurses just to go shopping or even fishing with patients! You might find ur dream job that way.
I know what u mean about feeling lost. I am studying for my 2nd degree in psych & I am totally bored out of my skull with nursing. I only really lighten up when I'm in the ED, but even that has started to pall. I like teaching but I would have 2 go get another degree for that, & basically start all over again.
Honey, see your PCP. And I hated hospital nursing. HATED it. With your degrees you have many avenues open to you but you must take care of the depression first.
Yes. I have a huge problem with this. I feel like I have all of this knowledge to share but feel more like a glorified waitress. Every time before I leave a room I always ask "Is there anything else I can do for you while I am in here. Or is there anything else that you need?" I swear I said the same thing when I worked as a waitress!!!!!
Maybe try phone triage until you get this issue sorted?
Would hate you to suffer financially and also career wise if you take time off and have a gap in your resume.
All the best to you
Please see your dr ...also step up your nutrition/rest /exercise if needed :heartbeat
Oh, and you're a youngster, just in case you're feeling old. Became a nurse at 53.
Thanks!!! I am having a hard time determining if it's working NOC's that is causing this. Do you know if working nights can cause someone to feel this way mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Thanks!!! I am having a hard time determining if it's working NOC's that is causing this. Do you know if working nights can cause someone to feel this way mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Yes nocs can exacerbate underlying depression
Also can bring about mild depression due to sleep deprivation
Maybe try phone triage until you get this issue sorted?
Would hate you to suffer financially and also career wise if you take time off and have a gap in your resume.
All the best to you
Please see your dr ...also step up your nutrition/rest /exercise if needed :heartbeat
Pedicurn, you are a premium member. Can NOC's cause this? I mean I am not blind to feeling there are some other underlying issues I need to figure out, but when I was on orientation for on days I don't remember hating life this much. And, when I have a few days off in a row and get back onto a little bit of day schedule, I feel better, more motivated, just overall in a better mood. How much of what I am feeling can I attribute to NOC's?
Pedicurn, you are a premium member. Can NOC's cause this? I mean I am not blind to feeling there are some other underlying issues I need to figure out, but when I was on orientation for on days I don't remember hating life this much. And, when I have a few days off in a row and get back onto a little bit of day schedule, I feel better, more motivated, just overall in a better mood. How much of what I am feeling can I attribute to NOC's?
Perhaps quite a lot.
But you really should make an appointment and see your doc. It is quite common for nurses on nocs to experience exacerbation of underlying depression or other mental illness.
At my workplace there are a couple of nurses who don't do any nights - one I suspect has plain depression, the other one has signs of bipolar. I imagine the nocs reduce control of their problems, also many psych meds are best taken nocte and wont work at all with nightshift
PS I'm only a Premium member because I paid the sub - you can do that too
There is currently a clinic day position available that I have applied to. Is there any way I can talk to my NM or HR about being placed in this job considering I am having such difficulties with NOC's? Can they do that? I know seniority is seniority but this is a hospital wide and community wide position posting. What are my options with that? Any thoughts?
carolmaccas66, BSN, RN
2,212 Posts
Go to or call all the nursing agencies near you. Hear me out b4 you stop reading.
Many agencies have different types of jobs, not just nursing ones. One agency used to get nurses just to go shopping or even fishing with patients! You might find ur dream job that way.
I know what u mean about feeling lost. I am studying for my 2nd degree in psych & I am totally bored out of my skull with nursing. I only really lighten up when I'm in the ED, but even that has started to pall. I like teaching but I would have 2 go get another degree for that, & basically start all over again.
I'm totally fed up too