Quitting Nursing

Updated:   Published

quitting-nursing.jpg.8d1c34792c808406b9c7a76103ac63b8.jpg

This may sound bad but I really want to quit nursing. I’m in my second semester and just feel burnt out. I think a lot of this burn out also stems from the 3+ years I spent working as a CNA in healthcare. Healthcare can be both physically and psychologically exhausting. I originally went into nursing because I wanted to be a CRNA but honestly I don't think I can put up with the 2 years of grueling ICU experience. Nurses as a whole go through so much *** and new grad pay can be very discouraging especially if you are older. Yes there are other jobs outside bedside but that usually requires many years of experience and the pay in the hospital is the highest. I’m not saying everything is about money but with all the debt we go into for this degree, we deserve to make a nice living. I’m considering doing a software engineering boot camp and pursing a career in tech instead. Does anyone have any advice or have been in a similar situation ? 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pharmacy Technician.

This is totally normal !

Get your RN- work for a few years and see how  you feel about CRNA. You might find being a FNP a better fit. I want to work in managed care with people who have long term health conditions. Or even home health !  None of which are crazy busy and pay well too. 

Some nurses even work in Data Informatics. 

Tech is really hot right now, but I feel you need a background in it first. Hear some programs only accept people who have some experience, because they want to ensure there are no drop outs. It's misleading and some people have sued/written articles because of how deep in debt they are/ unable to find work. 

Good luck

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello 

I hope that your situation gets better and you reach your goal 

that being said, about reaching what you like as CRNA, do not let burnout drag you out. My supervisor once told me that the Roman Empire was not built in one day. So build your empire by climbing the stairs of hierarchy to the CRNA. If CRNA is not feasible for you with your current situation, I suggest you think about Nursing Informatics.  

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care/Acute Care.

I'm currently in my third year of nursing. Along the way there have been moments in which you describe where I feel burnt out. I usually push on or make a change. I'm now looking to quit nursing. This is my second career so I'm currently weighing my options so that I can possibly do something that is not at the bedside, but none of the work has been worth the meager pay. And if you find yourself in a position where you make a lot of pay (like travel nursing) then it's generally not worth it because it's a lot of bedside nursing and patient care suffers. I see it now first hand all of the time. Nursing informatics is something that I think I now have enough experience to achieve, but this is really the one thing that I truly wish I could take back and do all over again. I had zero experience with healthcare when I got into it. You already have three years experience and have a solid understanding of what it's like. It's not likely to get better. You see it in the news everyday and how we have "nursing shortages." I've also met other CNA's who have flat out told me that they will never be nurses and that actively worked towards something else. Stick with it if you want, but believe in yourself if you already know what you know. Best of luck!

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
On 12/16/2021 at 1:22 AM, Stefyxox said:

I’m considering doing a software engineering boot camp and pursing a career in tech instead. Does anyone have any advice or have been in a similar situation ? 

Techs are a dime a dozen these days,with nursing you will always have a job,stick to basic nursing dump that advanced degree if it is making your life look worthless.You can always try it later on.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello

Please anyone trying for UTTYLER Texas? I applied and l am looking for other applicants

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Stefy!

Thinking about quitting nursing doesn't "sound bad" at all! In fact, it can sound positive if you think about the opportunities that exist on the other side of that decision. I left nursing after 10 years of being burnt out by the profession (including 1 year of being a nurse in NYC during the height of the pandemic). I can't lie and say it wasn't a hugely scary decision at the time, because it was! But life has opened so many doors for me since! I now work with clients who are interested in making career transitions because I'm passionate about helping people discover their true potential. Happy to offer more advice - reach out if interested. And know that there is a whole world of opportunity out there for you, whether that means staying in nursing and exploring other roles, or doing something entirely different. Good luck!!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

This should help...

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

You’re feeling this way for a reason.  If you were truly happy with nursing you wouldn’t be thinking about a career change.  I know everyone here is saying to stick it out, but it’s been my experience when you do this, in the end, you end up more miserable and it affects you in more ways than one.  Go for the tech job.  If it’s not for you, you can always go back to nursing, but at least you’ll know.  I left nursing for a tech job and am so thankful I did and I’ve never looked back.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.

Just started ICU about a month ago, was so excited. The bubble has officially burst. It's not worth it. Sticking it out for about 6 months if I can tolerate it and then running back to public health. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.

actually I will say that procedure based nursing isn't bad. For example, while my specific department was toxic and I needed to leave, IR nursing itself was fine and I actually liked my job. I sedated patients (moderate sedation) and managed them during procedures. Interesting and it's one patient at a time. If I could transition back to IR from ICU right now I probably would but my current hospital requires a couple years ICU experience (my other didn't, started IR as a new grad). However, procedure areas typically do not count toward CRNA school experience requirements.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 16 Year in various medical fields.

Yes ICU is kinda depressing you def have to love it and its not crazy to want to quite. Go for what your passionate about also there are other areas to work over ICU so it all depends what you want to do that will satisfy your heart.

No matter what decision you make as long your happy 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion