After 22 years in the same hospital, 15 on the same nursing unit, I've had it. Tomorrow morning I'm going to polish up my resume and apply to the 2 local nursing schools to be an instructor. I feel like a great weight has lifted now that I've made the decision. I almost left a year ago, but it didn't seem quite right. But midway through this evening's shift I realized, that's it.
I'm tired of every day has to be one crisis after another; prima donna nurses who are too good to sign-off orders, restart bad IVs, give immunizations, notify MDs about abnormal vs, or even answer their calls; MDs who don't do their job; family members who demand a private audience with the doc; placating angry patients who are starving, want to go home, or just plain don't like the rude hospitalist.
I'm tired of caring, of change only for the worse, weekends, holidays, coming in early, staying late, feeling guilty for calling in sick.
Good golly, I feel almost giddy. Anyone care to join me?
It is interesting to click on this post when I am on the verge of entering nursing school, and it all seems so far away. I hope that your long career was more rewarding than this posts depicts, I am sure it was, but reading this was a little disheartening
There are many good moments in nursing, but unfortunately, as the OP described, these can be the never ending frustrations that burn you out, day in and day out.
Bravo to you!! All the best on your fresh start. One great advantage to nursing is the many different career options. I think you would make a great instructor!
OP, I can identify with so many things you've said. I'm in school now to improve my education so I can do something different as well. Good luck in your future as an instructor!
It is interesting to click on this post when I am on the verge of entering nursing school, and it all seems so far away. I hope that your long career was more rewarding than this posts depicts, I am sure it was, but reading this was a little disheartening
One's nursing career is like life. It has its ups and downs. Sometimes you need to make a change and sometimes you have to make a change. It's all good.
It is interesting to click on this post when I am on the verge of entering nursing school, and it all seems so far away. I hope that your long career was more rewarding than this posts depicts, I am sure it was, but reading this was a little disheartening
Sorry, ani, I don't mean to discourage you. I just don't have the stamina for the floor and I'm not cut out to be charge all the time. Time for a change and holidays with my family.
You have paid your dues and paved the way for new nurses. Job well done, now it is time to move on and enjoy your new journey. I hope to be half the nurse you are and other wonderful seasoned nurses that I have the pleasure of working with. I'm 5 years in and have plenty more to go.
I think it's sad that we judge each other's career choices but I see why it happens (but it's sad that you felt that instinct to flinch when you posted this). That said, it would be a mark on nursing fellowship if we shamed you, someone who has put in 20+ years at the bedside and now wants to switch to giving back to nursing (and benefiting yourself) by teaching. Please keep us updated on the job search.
Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg, DOU/Step-Down.
good decision!
I wish to become an educator soon as well! :)
Small piece of positive advice though, please don't go into educating with this sour taste for nursing. Students should not have to hear the gripes of an ex-floor nurse, but the positivity and fulfilment nursing brings.
You have TONS of experience to offer and Im sure any class you find yourself in front of will be greatly blessed by your knowledge!
anilos81
123 Posts
It is interesting to click on this post when I am on the verge of entering nursing school, and it all seems so far away. I hope that your long career was more rewarding than this posts depicts, I am sure it was, but reading this was a little disheartening