Stressed Depressed is Looking for a Mentor/pen-pal

Ruby Vee, BSN · Apr 20, 2018

I cannot claim to be unbiased -- I think nursing has been an interesting, challenging and flexible career with good pay and and benefits. But I remember when I was brand new and hated nursing, hated my life and was prone to burst into tears at the drop of a hat. Mentoring and penpal are both right up my alley. When you have a few more posts under your belt -- I think you need 5 to use the PM function -- feel free to contact me.

PhillyRN92 · Apr 20, 2018

Hi Ruby Vee! Thanks for replying to my post. I guess what I meant by un-biased is that I don't feel comfortable discussing my fears/sadness with people that I know. I just feel like everyone is so proud of me and I don't want to ruin that picture for them. I'm looking for some career advice but I need to make sure I am happy to be most successful.

elkpark · Apr 20, 2018

If you are truly laying in bed and crying on your days off, you might want to talk to your PCP or look for some professional counseling/therapy.

Best wishes!

PhillyRN92 · Apr 20, 2018

I feel very isolated on my days off. Everyone else is working and I feel very lonely.

vthwaits · Apr 25, 2018

You are not alone here. Keep reaching out to people who will listen. Also it may help to get involved in some activities that are not in anyway related to nursing. Something fun that makes you happy. You also may want to consider looking at other areas of nursing that may be more in alignment with what you love. Do not give up home. Take Care. Vivian

amzyRN · May 8, 2018

I think you should speak with a specialist. It might be biochemical versus situational. I have depression and anxiety too so I understand. There are meds you can take that might help you. I am depressed most of the time regardless of when I'm working or not. In fact, I find that when I am more mentally engaged and stressed at work that it distracts me from my problems. The easier my job is the more depressed I become, as weird as that sounds. I think that if you really dislike nursing you should do something else while you are still young. I was disappointed that nursing did not bring me the emotional fulfillment I thought it would when I first started, but it sure has helped me financially and for that I am grateful. I urge you to see someone about your depression. You don't have to suffer that way, there are treatments for it.

SaltineQueen · May 15, 2018

Maybe you could volunteer on your days off. Like animals? Try a local rescue or shelter. Like kids? Most school systems have mentor programs where you can read or just be with an at-risk kiddo. I'm sure there's lots of things you could find to do.

martymoose, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2018

You are not alone. I realize I made the biggest mistake of choosing this profession a few years ago. I do do my job, and I am told I do it well, but I absolutely can't stand it.i want something non patient care, but not available where I live.im old, so really getting loans for another degree are not an option. I have no money because my spouse is a lazy sponge, and makes hardly above min. wage.

You are young enough to go back and do something else.i hope this encourages you.

martymoose, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2018

I am also envious of the younger people who tolerate this job baloney, and actually enjoy it. I wish I could enjoy it.but everyday they add some more nonsense to the job. What a joke. Get out while you can ! Unless u can learn to enjoy it.....

Reginarus · Jun 5, 2018

I feel the same. But I'm in my middle 30's and less than a year in a hospital. I don't wanna see people anymore wheather they are sick or healthy. I feel like I wanna live in a forest. I think it was a big mistake ... I didn't come to nursing for money, I wanted to do smth meaningful. Probably feel myself useful and worth of living. I am thinking go back to school again, and become a lab rat, work with tubes and objects. Just scared to make another mistake...