Retirement from Nursing to Employment of Another Type

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I retired from bedside nursing within the past year. I was very dedicated and was the type of nurse that you would want for yourself or for a family member. I left because the increasing unrealistic expectations demanded of staff nurses, which were aggravated by nurse understaffing, had become too much for me.

I am financially poorer now, but so much better off in so many other ways--both physically and mentally.

Since the cost of health insurance is high and with a few years till Medicare, I may go back to some type of part-time employment. But not nursing, including home health or any type of nursing.

So, has anyone out there returned to work in any area removed from nursing? AND this could be most anything, from waitressing, security guard, retail clerk, etc. My husband has cautioned me, saying he has worked in the retail area and that I would not like it(as compared to nursing), that I would get little respect, be hounded to stay busy, and that I would not be permitted to sit down while on the job. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.

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I'm an RN, going to school for accounting. I'm not working right now, I'll be finished with school at the end of the year. I am so glad to be out of nursing. I never want to go back. If your husband thinks retail is bad, he should try nursing! I've worked in retail before, it isn't that bad. I don't have a job yet, maybe the economy will be in better shape at the end of the year. Good Luck!

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Thanks for your reply, Cindy.

Hope you find a great job!

Take care and good luck.

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I retired from bedside nursing within the past year. I was very dedicated and was the type of nurse that you would want for yourself or for a family member. I left because the increasing unrealistic expectations demanded of staff nurses, which were aggravated by nurse understaffing, had become too much for me.

I am financially poorer now, but so much better off in so many other ways--both physically and mentally.

Since the cost of health insurance is high and with a few years till Medicare, I may go back to some type of part-time employment. But not nursing, including home health or any type of nursing.

So, has anyone out there returned to work in any area removed from nursing? AND this could be most anything, from waitressing, security guard, retail clerk, etc. My husband has cautioned me, saying he has worked in the retail area and that I would not like it(as compared to nursing), that I would get little respect, be hounded to stay busy, and that I would not be permitted to sit down while on the job. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.

I have been away from bedside for way over a year, love it. Can't give you any advice about working in other fields, just decided to not work period. Best of luck to you. PS I am just one year away from collecting SSI.
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:scrying: :scrying: :scrying: :scrying: :scrying:
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Just wanted to say thanks for your reply, Oramar. :thankya:

I read several other of your posts on this site, so I have a hunch we both worked in the same geographic area of the Keystone State.

Did you ever work at the Mecca (the Mothership)?

Hope you have a beautiful retirement. We deserve it!!

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Specializes in Home Health, LTC.

Read your post and am happy for you - maybe even a little jealous. I need to find something other than nursing but the problem in my area is there are others losing there jobs and I think that no one feels sorry for me because I can always work as a nurse and the unemployed can't. I don't just dislike it, I'm afraid of it now. Been away from bedside about 5 years. Good luck to you.

nrswrk

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

I know this is an old post, but I just wanted to say thank you for posting what I'm feeling. I started becoming burnt out about 3 years ago, but this year just took the cake. I had a nervous breakdown directly and indirectly due to working as a nurse and I've been on disability for 9 months. Although I have recovered my mental health, I'm afraid that my zeal for nursing was a casualty. I've been looking to see if there are maybe some low-stress nursing jobs, but the fact is, I don't want to be a nurse anymore. And I feel so guilty! I'm fortunate to have a dear devoted husband who looks after my best interests. He is very much against my returning to nursing in ANY capacity.

So now the question is, what to do with my time? I think I'm going to contact a local agency which provides disaster relief and food pantry. There's also a ministry which provides relief and support for homeless women & children, ESOL classes, workshops on how to interview, what to wear, what to say, how to fill out the papers,etc. I think i would bring a lot to that kind of job. And if I forget something, nobody dies!

Argh. I never thought I would retire at 53, but here I am and it feels weird.

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Have you considered using your skills and networking to go into medical sales? I look for clinical people all the time and can never find enough good medical people to fill the slots. I think it is a shame to have "salesmen" doing medical sales instead of quality clinical minded caring people.

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Dont forget medical sales, it will blend retail, patient care and sales into one. I look for quality medical minded people to fill open slots. Just an idea, good luck.

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Dont forget medical sales, it will blend retail, patient care and sales into one. I look for quality medical minded people to fill open slots. Just an idea, good luck.

Hi Mr. Rehab ATP,

I am a high quality medically-minded person so how do I contact you for more information on medical sales?Thanks!

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Have you thought about being a nurse recruiter?

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