Not sure if I want to be a nurse anymore

[oscarpleco]

I've been a nurse for only 2 months and I already realise that this is not going to be a long-term career. Truth is, I actually find nursing really satisfying, and the majority, if not all, of my patients, are satisfied with the care I provide. But it's the politics that surrounds the field that I can't stand. Ever noticed when a doctor makes a mistake their supervisors discuss things maturely and provide guidance, but when a nurse makes a mistake the nurse managers make it feel like it's the end of the world? Been to various hospitals throughout clinical placements, and it's the same thing everywhere, just at various levels of intensity. So I know it's not just the hospital I work at. I guess if I want to feel appreciated by not just the patients but also the hospital then medicine is my only option.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

2 months is far too early to be making such a huge assumption/decision. Try another specialty.... seriously...you are in a Med surg floor ? Correct me if I'm wrong--- but it's not for everyone... try another area, give it a solid year, then decide

[oscarpleco]

How did you know?

[oscarpleco]

How did you know I'm in med/surg?

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

How did you know I'm in med/surg?

Just a guess.... honest... try another area, don't quit after 2 lousy months in a pit from hell of a med surg floor!!!

[oscarpleco]

I am going to look into other areas. But it's the lack of respect and understanding from senior nurses and managers that's really frustrating.

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

Respect has to be earned, 2 months barely enough. It takes 6 to 12 months to get the floor routine. You need 1 yr to 2 yrs med surg before any other area will consider you. Do that and you can get in pretty much any other areas. Lay low and avoid the floor politics.

[Libby1987]

Where do you work that the doctors have supervisors counseling them in your presence? Are you referring to first year interns? I'd imagine they probably hear some lecturing tones at times and equivalency wise, that's about where you are in your stage of experience.

[Wuzzie]

I guess if I want to feel appreciated by not just the patients but also the hospital then medicine is my only option.

You need to get your self-validation from someplace else other than work or you will never be happy.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

The fact that you came here, to a nursing message board, speaks volumes. I think you *do* want to be a nurse. I also don't think MedSurg in of itself is the problem. Sounds like your floor sucks. If you worked in banking, you might end up at a bank with low morale, too. Negative work environments are far from unique to our profession.