Hi there. So I've been a RN for 5 years. I've been in the ED, Paediatrics, School Nursing, Oncology, Hotel Nursing, Private clinic....trying to find my niche. I've switched hospitals 3 times already. Im just about done now. I have no more interest in doing this. I leave for a moment and miss it a bit and then get back into it, remembering why I left it in the first place. I want to get into another career but not sure how to pivot. I'm tired. Frustrated. And I think this career is just making me depressed. I have tried multiple areas but the feeling is still the same. I've just about had it.

Dear Done, I'm sorry to hear you're feeling frustrated and exhausted with your current career as a registered nurse. It can be disheartening when you've tried various areas within nursing and still haven't found your niche or a sense of fulfillment. It's important to prioritize your mental well-being and consider exploring alternative career paths that align better with your interests and passions. Here are some steps you can take to help you pivot into a new career: Self-Reflection: You've spent five years on jobs that made you unhappy. Before you change careers, take some time to reflect on your skills, strengths, and interests. Identify what truly brings you joy and fulfillment outside of nursing. Consider your hobbies, personal values, and the activities that make you feel energized. Research Potential Careers: Explore different industries and professions that align with your identified interests. Look into these careers' qualifications, job prospects, and work environments. This research will help you better understand what might be a good fit for you. Networking and Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in the fields you're considering to gather insights about their experiences and the industry. Networking and informational interviews can provide valuable guidance, help you establish connections, and gain a realistic perspective on potential career paths. Skill Assessment and Development: Identify any skills gaps you may have in your desired career field and explore opportunities to acquire those skills. This could involve taking courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications to enhance your qualifications. Volunteering or Internships: Consider volunteering or taking up internships in your target field to gain practical experience and determine if it fits you. This can also help you build connections and demonstrate your commitment to a new career. Financial Considerations: Assess your financial situation and create a plan to ensure a smooth transition to a new career. This may involve saving money to support yourself during a potential career transition or exploring part-time options while you gain experience in your new field. Seek Professional Guidance: If you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about your career transition, consider seeking guidance from career counselors or coaches who can help you navigate this process and provide personalized advice based on your circumstances. Remember, making a career change is a significant decision, and feeling uncertain or apprehensive is natural. Take your time, gather information, and trust yourself to find a path that brings you fulfillment and happiness. Best wishes, Nurse Beth

Nurse for 5 years wants to quit

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation! Nurses Nurse Beth Nursing Q/A

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Medic2RN72, BSN, RN, EMT-P

44 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Research.

Aug 29, 2023

Clinical research was fun, particularly Phase 1 research. I was a research nurse. For example, I was on a midazolam study with auto-injectors. I ran the IV, another nurse dosed the patient, and I did q15 - q4h blood draws. I monitored O2 sats & HR, and did ekgs. Very easy job, I worked with the Clinical Research Coordinator & I was the coordinator on some studies myself. Really cool. Doesn't pay as much as acute/inpatient/bedside in my area, but it was not a stressful environment. The medical side was lab techs, pharm techs, Physicians, few nurses (RNs), NPs, and PAs. I did the same job as the coordinators, but nurses had a dual role depending on the study!

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