Really want to get out of nursing...

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jul 20, 2017

I'm sorry that you're feeling burned out. Any interest in the business area? I worked in financial services before nursing. It's almost exactly the way you described.

If you're young enough (early 30s or below), good at math, are a strong standardized test taker, and have good GPA, you can consider a MBA. You'll have a good chance of getting into a good school with nursing experience because it makes you stand out among a sea of applicants coming from business, IT, and engineering.

PM me if you want to explore it more. I was accepted to Emory's MBA years ago but ended up not going, so I know the application process and that field quite well. The good thing about being a nurse is that you can always come back and/or work per-diem.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 20, 2017

What is your level of experience and expertise? Many options are available to you as a nurse.

pixierose, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2017

No, Zyprexa! Say it ain't so :unsure:

I always enjoy reading your posts ...

Hangin'On,RN · Jul 20, 2017

I feel you, Zyprexa. I've felt for many years that nursing isn't for me. I just got laid off (school nurse for three years) and it's given me time to mull it over. Maybe going back to school is an option for you? I've thought about that as well.

This may seem odd, but have you taken a Myers Briggs personalty test? I kept hearing about INFJ, ESTP, etc. personalities on book podcasts I listen too and had no clue what they were talking about. I just recently took one online and everything I've felt career wise for 13 years (plus 2 more for nursing school) totally makes sense now. Most of the good websites will describe your work personality and give you the top most common occupations for each career category and that could be a starting point. BUT actually finding a non-nursing job is going to be tough without either getting the right education or knowing the right people unless you have related experience. I've applied to various non-nursing jobs this summer, some I felt I was definitely qualified for, and no results. I think most employers see "nurse" on applications and toss them in the circular file, either because they think I'll want too much money or that I'll quit within a couple of weeks. Of course the town or city you live in can also play a role too. Nursing makes the most financial sense where I live and employers probably just think I'm nuts. So I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place, but I won't give up. If I do have to get another nursing job, I may go to school on the side.

My advice is to figure out what you want to do and job search and research during your days off. It doesn't hurt to apply to a job that sounds like a good fit for you. There will more than likely be a pay cut to get your foot in the door, but if your gut says it's time to do something else, then listen to it.

WanderlustR.N. · Apr 14, 2018

I understand exactly what you mean... I have been a nurse for about eight years. Don't get me wrong, I care about my fellow man as much as he next person. I don't have a personality disorder, and I'm fairly well adjusted. I just don't like being a nurse. I find all the boondoggle and extra crap we are expected to do mind numbing. I never dreamed of taking care of people, I'm a horrible "back rubber/sugar coater". The only thing I really do like about nursing is I'm almost out of debt. I got my BSN in order to get out of nursing. I don't really have any advice honestly, other then if your not happy, get out before it's to late life is to short to do something you hate or be married to someone to don't like being around.