I used to be a bartender and decided that the stress of being a woman in her late 30's competing with barly 20 yr. old's who wore less clothing was too much to bear (no pun intended). Now? I'm seriously considering going back! I got my LPN lic. about 5 years ago and the nursing jobs I've had have been thankless, friendless, and downright harmful to my pyschological well-being. I am punished when I've done nothing wrong and given work assignments that are way too much for one nurse to handle. The people who come after my shift to relieve me are condescending and think they are much more important than me in every way. I have become clinically depressed and it's already begun to affect my social life and marriage. I really really regret going into the Nursing profession. It doens't seem to matter how far up the food chain you get in it, it's damned if you do and damned if you don't! Just yesterday I had a co-worker who I thought was a friend tell me that my med cart was a mess and he personally blamed me for it being that way! I'm only one nurse out of three that works it, we all stock our own meds for ou shifts (respectively), I couldn't believe he not only held me responsible for the cart, but ruined my day and trashed my friendship over it?!! Who cares that I'd just lost a resident the night before and that I just worked the last 8 hours and had been through hell! I cannot get over the lack of sensitivity and kinsmanship nurses have for one another. Dog eat dog is putting it mildly! I have read other posts, I know I am not alone...but I worked so hard for this lic. I've already looked into another Nursing jobs at other facilities, but after reading other posts from nurses out there? ...Sadly, I suspect it will just be more of the same. Is starting over again in a bad economy really an option for me? Any thoughts? My Husband and I have a mortgage that requires 2 incomes. In this economy, selling isn't even an option. Any thoughts? ...And please don't respond that I'm a bad Nurse, I assure you, I'm one of the few out there who still care. But I can see how the bitterness of all this can build and ruin an otherwise good person.
I would encourage you to go back to school for your RN if that is an option for you. It will open many more doors. I haven't always worked in the best of places or worked with the best of people but being an RN has allowed me the opportunity to go anywhere I want! If you are contemplating starting over, just continue where you are and go for your RN! I don't think you will regret it. There will never be a day when I regret the career path I have chosen :) Good luck to you!
I applaud you for venting. I am sorry that you are dealing with this. It gets to you on a personal level. I get often that i should find a way to "disconnect", a job is just a job. I want to just clock in and out but no I dwell and sometimes that the dark work clouds home. I have become a shopaholic, spending like crazy since the rush felt good at the moment and then once again dwell on my retail damage. Very bad cycle nevertheless. You do wonder why are so many bitter, backbiting people make it through the doors as RN but it's life. We have to deal with the lemons this field throw at us because it's part of it. Just the other day I had an ultrasound done and was just looking at the tech's infectious smile and felt her good vibes. Her work envirorement wasn't as hecked as mine and secretly I envied her. Sometimes it's good just to change careers when the time is right. Follow your passion and not your wallet. I know the economy is bad but there is only one you. I just take it day by day. Count your blessings and just say to yourself it can be worse. Dust off your resume and start putting it out there. When you are at home you are "disconnected" .
nursemichelle80, BSN, RN
96 Posts
I would encourage you to go back to school for your RN if that is an option for you. It will open many more doors. I haven't always worked in the best of places or worked with the best of people but being an RN has allowed me the opportunity to go anywhere I want! If you are contemplating starting over, just continue where you are and go for your RN! I don't think you will regret it. There will never be a day when I regret the career path I have chosen :) Good luck to you!