13 months left...quitting due to mental health, is that stupid?

[CardiacRNLA, BSN]

I know that is probably TMI or too personal to post, but I'd like to know if anyone has been in my shoes. I have been a nurse for over 3 years now. In full honesty, nursing has been very difficult for me. Especially since I have depression and anxiety disorder. I have taken leave twice in 3 years. I also relocated due to my partner and job to Florida, where I have no friends or family. This has definitely taken a toll on me.

Because I was unhappy at the bedside, admittedly, I rushed into an online NP program. I have managed along. However, I have 13.5 months left, and I just don't know if I can do it. The loneliness, plus toll from school (studying AND having to find preceptors) and job have been quite a bit for me.

I have wondered about moving closer to friends/family to have a support system. Is this is a stupid idea? My mental health issues have also been there, but this is the worst. I realize I could lose money, time and the prospect of not being an NP. But I just don't know if my mental health can take it. Just wondering what people think. Mental health issues are real and they suck:cry:

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I think too many new nurses rush to the NP route because they're unhappy at the bedside without realizing that the first year is miserable and very few folks are actually happy the first year no matter what their job. The extra stress of school plus their first real full time nursing job is often too much.

If you're thinking about moving closer to friends and family, is this because things haven't worked out with the partner for whom you moved to Florida? How long have you been in Florida and have you made a concerted effort to go out and meet people and make friends?

Taking a break from school sounds like a very reasonable thing. It doesn't mean that you're giving up -- although you may find that in time, you actually enjoy being at the bedside. Take a semester off and concentrate on the job you're doing, on finding a support system in Florida and on your relationship if you're still in it. Then you may be in a better position to figure out what you want going forward. Good luck.

Mental health issues suck big time. I hope you can find your way through it.