I Don't Like Nursing. What Else Can I Do With My Degree?

[toniasday7]

I am a huge over-achiever and find this very difficult for me to let go of which leads to increased stress levels, no time for myself or family because I am constantly reading or researching nursing articles and doubting myself in my skills and competency.

I know I am a good nurse but feel that I chose the wrong profession basically because of family pressure of the to good to be true stigma of nursing....I like home health, I mean it's OK at its best and less stressful than the hospital but definitely the pay sucks and gas at $4.00 a gallon with only .40$ per mileage!

I was wondering if my nursing degree could actually be applied to something I may actually enjoy more..I originally wanted to be a social worker but changed degrees because my husband said that it was a dead end job and minimum wage at the best..which I came to find out was mostly true for our area.

I feel at odds because I just want to make a decent living without having to deal with the Dr's crap like in a hospital setting. I am very smart but tend to be swayed by what other people want instead of what I want. BIG TIME PEOPLE PLEASER and equals more stress.

I considered continuing my education in nursing to become a PA but the more I think about it I just don't think I want that kinda life either. I keep coming back to this same thing that pops in my head....a counselor/psychologist and yes I know they definitely don't make much money either but I think its a better fit possibly...any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! ?

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I think another poster already said it, but I'd recommend school while continuing your career. Use up that after work energy while pursuing a higher degree and you get to stay employed (the best part).

[PrettyWingsFNP, BSN, MSN, RN, NP]

Nurse Case Management! NCMs work in many different settings-- hospitals, clinics, urgent cares, etc. I work at an HIV clinic and I get to combine my nursing knowledge with social work and mental health support. I think you would like it :)

[toniasday7, ADN, BSN, RN]

I forgot to mention Im 7 mths pregnant..lol maybe this has something to do with thse feelings Im having.

[toniasday7, ADN, BSN, RN]

PrettyWingsRN said:

Nurse Case Management! NCMs work in many different settings-- hospitals, clinics, urgent cares, etc. I work at an HIV clinic and I get to combine my nursing knowledge with social work and mental health support. I think you would like it ?

Wow that would be awesome and right up my alley! Thanks so much for the reply ?

[caliotter3]

Sounds like you would like to try mental health nursing or the counseling field. You could get your counseling credentials and might find that you enjoy that aspect of health care. Gosh knows, there is a need for mental health workers who are good at what they do. But don't get so wrapped up in people's problems that they send you down the river! I often hear that joke from people in the field. Best wishes. And do not make any decisions until after the little one shows up. You want to have a clear head before deciding on a career change.

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

PrettyWingsRN said:

Nurse Case Management! NCMs work in many different settings-- hospitals, clinics, urgent cares, etc. I work at an HIV clinic and I get to combine my nursing knowledge with social work and mental health support. I think you would like it ?

But how hard is it to break into that line of work?

[elprup, BSN, RN]

ScottE said:

You can roll it up and smoke it. That's what I've done with my BSEd degree along with my old textbooks.

Freakin hilarious! So how I feel right now.

[gaylord22]

Do you still have the names of those case management/telephonic companies?

[cactus111288]

So what are all the things we can do with a nursing degree? I feel I need some sort of list- because everyone tells me, "there are so many things you can do with nursing, don't give up" but then no one really has that many ideas?

[bamacherub]

Could you share the companies with me please? I'm suffering from compassion exhaustion and needed to take a break from the ccu

[Worky Quirky, BSN, RN]

Hello, looks like you have a lot of great feedback to work with. Hope you are on to a new path. The opportunities are plenty in behavioral health. I have a question, if you did switch professions / roles, and you are still a licensed nurse, would you use your secondary role as a nurse in emergency situations? Would you be expected to perform, or would your new employer if non-medical prohibit you from carrying out your nursing role if it and your credentials were current? Just a thought, and also the last time I read about IRS mileage reimbursement it went up to .55 cents in 2012. Can employers / agencies not pay the current amount? Do they pocket the extra .15 cents a mile if the client pays for it?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

You really can't have it all, so quit trying. Specifically, learn to set boundaries with people and stop trying to please everyone. Think about your own well being.

It sounds like you need to reflect on what is important to you. As far as work goes, if you enjoy mental health, look for postings. Or consider signing up for PRN somewhere.