Ive been doing nursing for about 7 months only and I'm pretty sure I hate nursing. I have been contemplating of getting out since my university days but I pursued to continue anyway just so I have a degree. I have worked in various floors and did not find any that interest me. I get very anxious and stressed out for my next shift. Just a couple of days ago, I had a meltdown I really want out. What are other careers that you guys can suggest after nursing?
Hi, I figured I would add to this post, because I was thinking about this in the middle of the night, and came up with some more ideas. I have pondered nusing spin off type jobs, not because I don't like nursing, but because I would like more 9-5 hours or 8hr shifts, and may one day want a change anyway. But it all would require more education. In fact with some creativity (and not doom & gloom,) I am sure you could use your degree in another area, and a nursing background may compliment it. For example: ultrasound technician. I have looked into this, some schools require a health care background before you are admitted. (Or other allied health technician types jobs.) Also, if you get further into a business background, possibly a sales rep. for a pharmaceutical or health company? Could a law clerk or paralegal (with a nursing background) be useful to a lawyer specializing in health care cases? A career counselor specializing in nursing fields?
I'm very new on this site.I got interested and learned a lot from all the post/comments....I thought it was only me who's getting confused or having a second thought to continue working as a nurse....I always have questions on my mind....how important it is to be happy with your work???.....There are lots of people that are impressed that you are a nurse....that you have a good/high salary....that you spent lots/long time to be an RN....that u are thinking what will others will say if u change job or change career...is ur husband will be dissappointed and ur family....but how about yourself? What if u are not happy anymore while working as a nurse....do u have to stick on it because of the good salary?.......how about yourself and your real feelings that u are hiding for a long time now???........an advise would be much appreciated.TY.
Not sure if you would be interested in this type of work, but where I'm from (Edmonton, AB) I've seen job postings for office-type positions (documents control, administration at post-secondary schools, etc.) that require a scientific bachelor's degree (either in nursing, pharmacy, etc.)
well said, sounds about right & adequately describes many of my days. lol...funny to read this, is so right! not so funny though to have to live it. hate is a strong word...but I do hate many nursing environments. and the pay/excuses by management/refusal to pay overtime & provide enough staffing are b.s. work conditions to have to put up with, especially for people who have worked years for a degree...then when you realize you hate this profession you're stuck with it anyway, because guess what, you're stuck with debt now, too bad! quit and have fun paying for a place to live, feed your kids or pets or support anyone else, or find good benefits, etc. 'screwed' is a good word to describe how I feel many days...
I feel like I am stuck on a situation......I am so depressed and asking myself why I feel "unhappy" working as an RN....and feel like nobody understand me especially my husband.....
I hear you, loud and clear........I've been in nursing since 1985. It wasn't like that in the beginning but it sure is degrading and abusive toward the nurse now. I'm still young enough and I am going for a career change strictly out of nursing. Why suffer from burnout , poor health and abuse when there is a life out there besides nursing......thank you for shedding a light, I though I was wrong but I'm seeing and hearing more people are feeling the same
I don't dislike the actual bedside care or the knowledge base. It's the politics, and the fact that every year nursing continues to feel more demoralizing due to endless cutbacks.Clearly, nurses are not highly valued, nor are the patients who access healthcare services. Everywhere is the same....they all expect more for less. Having a life outside of work is not easy either due to the extended shifts and phone calls.My solution is a change of environment, finding a lower FTE and eventually leaving the bedside for research and/ or education. Determine your personal values and go from there.
Specializes in AC, LTC, Community, Northern Nursing.
I can agree its not the bedside patient care but its the politics that drives me to drink and makes me question my career choice. I have done a variety of areas and starting to really miss community health. I miss the independence and lack of supervisor involvement in my day to day practice. Yes there is politics too but not in my face everyday.
Recently i have been contemplating leaving remote nursing and going back to rural community health.
Speaking with our PHN the other day, she echoed similar thoughts. She said, "After 20 years of acute, ICU and emerg and all the politics, I'll never go back. I enjoy my job now."
I really want out. What are other careers that you guys can suggest after nursing? 
ruralgirl08
274 Posts
Hi, I figured I would add to this post, because I was thinking about this in the middle of the night, and came up with some more ideas. I have pondered nusing spin off type jobs, not because I don't like nursing, but because I would like more 9-5 hours or 8hr shifts, and may one day want a change anyway. But it all would require more education. In fact with some creativity (and not doom & gloom,) I am sure you could use your degree in another area, and a nursing background may compliment it. For example: ultrasound technician. I have looked into this, some schools require a health care background before you are admitted. (Or other allied health technician types jobs.) Also, if you get further into a business background, possibly a sales rep. for a pharmaceutical or health company? Could a law clerk or paralegal (with a nursing background) be useful to a lawyer specializing in health care cases? A career counselor specializing in nursing fields?