aima12

"...is this what i really want? i can't help but constantly think about quitting nursing altogether and going back to school to get another undergrad degree in something else that could be more enjoyable, less stressful, and does not include the lives of other people in my hands. I don't believe there are enough good to balance out the bad in nursing. I think if I had known what nursing was really like, I would've never gone into the field." I can completely relate. I am half way into the infamous first year of nursing, working in a medsurg/cardiac ICU, and still unsure about it, somewhat anxious, and ready to quit before during and after every shift, but I dont want to let my coworkers down, and im not sure if id be letting myself down too. Im not sure if a year or more will really make a difference honestly. I also dont think I paid enough attention maybe to the details that make up being an RN and working in healthcare when I was in nursing school, IDK. There is of course adifference between what you learn in school and the real world. I got good grades but I also never had a particular unit i liked and i dont think i really understood what itd be like. But, Im holding on to the idea that nursing can open up a variety of doors. Also trying to pay attention to things i do and don't want to do in the future to see if there's a way to incorporate my interests with my degree in nursing and work something out or work towards something without completely starting over. I think nursing is a very viable career, if you start trying to make it work for you, and I think you can go almost anywhere with it...Or at least try. I think about quitting but the thing is we worked hard for our degrees. Maybe we shouldn't give up on them too soon you know?

I was you 6 months ago. Someone I respect adviced me to stick with it (my job) for at least 3 months. She said by 3 months if I was still as an emotional and scared glass ball then we'd re-evaluate the situation. 3 months in and I was still nervous, but not crying before and after every shift. and Now, Im kind of able to figure out what's what without having major anxiety...most of the time. Give it 3 months and then re-eval.

oops, this year not last year

I have never broken a contract before, but Im in a similar situation. I realize this was posted last year so I am curious as to what you decided to do!...Alot of the comments here however Im not sure if I agree with. I understand the serious nature of contracts, however I also share the mentality that it is not worth it to dread going to work everyday, it affects your health and the quality of work you provide, life is too too short. Anywho, just wondering what route you ended up taking.