littleyappingpom

I am a high school science teacher (life science, physical science and environmental science) who has "burned out". There are several reasons for this. The new trend in schools is to shut down the self-contained units for the emotional/behavior disorder students and put them in the regular population. I have classes of about 30- 15 high needs special ed kids, 3 or 4 BD kids and the rest regular ed. I'm tired of breaking up fights, getting cussed out and assaulted. I'm tired of having to pay out of pocket for lab supplies. I'm tired of the stress headaches that make me feel like my skull is splitting. I'm tired of the dean allowing kids to skip out on administrative detention. I'm tired of the kids being allowed to come to class so high they can hardly walk and not paying any consequences. I'm tired of being blown off by my principal. I'm tired of teaching the test. I'm tired of being expected to take kids who were born and raised in drug-riddled abusive families and neighborhoods and turn them into Rhodes scholars who watch Masterpiece Theatre- and then being punished when I don't. OK- sorry I'm starting to rant. I realize that nursing has its own problems. I'd like to hear some of your ideas and thoughts on what might be best. Would it be a huge mistake to become a nurse? What are your experiences? BTW- I have worked in a corporate setting- I used to do DNA synthesis for a big biotech company. That was stressful- but not like this is! Thanks!