slb66

I became and RN in 1999 with AAS degree. This is where I learned to be a nurse. Attended the pinning ceremony but not the graduation ceremony. Earned my BSN in 2007 on my employer's dime and took my time. Went VERY part-time, 3 1/2 years. This is where I achieved my education goal. Attended the graduation ceremony but not the pinning (they did not teach me to be a nurse). A bachelor's degree was just my personal definition of getting a "college education". I don't regret the way I did it at all. I believe taking my time with the BSN allowed me to focus on "concepts" (as that is the bulk of the BSN) in small increments, and had I gone for the BSN from the start, many of the papers and projects would have been a distraction to the real clinical knowledge I needed at the bedside. I only became a better clinical nurse due to the Health Assessment class which cemented those things I did not hold on to the first time around, and Nursing Research which helped me critically think about statistical information. I managed to learn something from every class I took even if it did not align with my future goals. I would always promote furthering one's education. There is great personal reward and, according to some research, better patient outcomes. If you think it will make you a better nurse, then it most likely will.

I look at nursing like a pro athlete looks at their career. Bedside nursing in the hospital is not realistically something I can do until the age of retirement. It is too physically and emotionally demanding. I did not become and RN until age 32. Prior to that I worked in office jobs, 8-5, M-F, no holidays, no weekends. I have never worked harder in my life. Keep your eyes and your options open for positions that are more fitting for your later career years. Secondly, I applaud any nurse that can identify they are burned out and take steps to remedy their situation. I have worked with burned out nurses. They have said and done things that jeopardize their jobs and licenses and they don't even see it! They can also bring down unit morale, student morale, and the profession in general. I am not directing this to anyone that has shared their feelings in this thread, however. You have fought the good fight. Thank you for your service and the best of luck in your new endeavors. I'll most likely be with you on the other side someday!