I'm only a newbie in nursing and, already, the thought of leaving this field gives me a strange sense of overwhelming peace. I almost feel odd for admitting it. I feel like I shouldn't even admit that. I'm actually a little nervous to see what kind of replies I receive based off my honesty. I hope that people aren't too harsh. It's a feeling I have been struggling with, yet pushing down deep inside of me.
Don't get me wrong, I am passionate about it, but I just have those days where I daydream of doing pretty much any job, but nursing. The thought of getting out of nursing and accepting a mundane, office desk job actually gives me this overwhelming sense of peace & relief. This means something, because I actually got out of the office environment to go to nursing school. I originally planned on going for my NP..but things don’t look so bright for that field either. I’m wondering if I finish my BSN if it’s even plausible for me to think that I would be able to transition to PharmD, MD, PA, or DDS (programs). I won’t lie, I have my eye on PharmD due to time. I also have a general interest in almost every specialty & health related career, so I wouldn’t be doing something I don’t like. I love science and really love math. I’m ok with fulfilling pre-reqs. I just don’t want to have to start all over again..and at the same time..I’m weighing everything out.
I thoroughly enjoyed (besides the corruption/disorganization) learning the human sciences, nursing process, etc. Dirty work, grumpy patients, and the chaos of it all never bothered me much. It's the fact that I go home feeling "less than". I don't feel like I was able to really reach out to my patients. The conditions that nurses work in..just seem to be going down the drain. Forget the fact that one can move around floors, specialties, states, etc. I have seen this pretty much everywhere. Some are just worse than others, but overall, this field is extraordinarily stressful for the ratio of pay. I'm sorry to say that I am not one of those nurses that thinks "But it makes me heart feel warm to know that maybe I just helped ONE patient". Don't get me wrong, I feel awesome helping others, but I don't think it's enough to keep me in the field. There just seems to be a lot of abuse, harassment, cattiness, bullying, work overload, burnout, and an overall ungrateful attitude towards nurses. I will always be a nurse at heart, but I am also a human being and my happiness is essential. If I had to take a pay cut of $15,000 less (for example) per year, I would..if it meant I would be happier.
I am not sure if this is normal. A few of my nurse friends have expressed the same thoughts. Some are new grads (BSN) and haven't found employment in the last year, so they don't have as strong of opinions. For some strange reason, I feel extremely pressured to stay in this field. Pressured by family, friends, and everyone. You're always hearing that this field is in high demand, has great pay..etc. I feel like everyone else cannot see what I see. So here is my Q...I haven't even finished my BSN yet...and I am hesitating doing so. I don't want to spend another 4 years in school, if I pick a different major..but I don't know of any different majors that I could apply most of my classes to, right now, and finish up a Bachelors in 2 years..so my BSN seems like the most logical choice. If it's not, please speak now! I was looking into a Bachelors in Health Care Administration, but I am unsure if it's even more difficult to find work in that field. I know some of this has to do with the economy.
My question is...if I finish my BSN (as that seems to be my only choice..unless I want to start all over again for a new major) would the transition to PharmD, D.D.S, or M.D. programs be possible? What about P.A.? If I had it my way and could start all over again, I would have gone for Biology, straight out of highschool, and applied to one of the above at the age of 22. Sigh, I just want to live life. I would like to settle down, have a family, buy a home..but at the same time I am trying to be realistic and further my career/education.
Any feedback? Again, I'll be honest with you. I have these moments where I envy people who majored in a different field, and while they aren't making tons of money, they have stability and they are happy. It strikes me as unhealthy for me to already be growing anxious about a field in which I just entered. I'm just trying to find out if there are other options out there. I don't want to be "stuck" in nursing forever. If nursing was different, or improving, then yes...but I feel like I'm ignoring my basic instinct by staying in this field...regardless of the fact that I know I would do the best for my patients and perform well.I really feel sad that I entered a field where I felt I could make a difference in patient's lives and help them..only to find out that nurses are just seen as a way of affordable/cheap health care and many are practically slaved. It is a little upsetting to think of such bright individuals being subject to that. Nurses are intelligent beings, but not always treated as such.
Nursing is so incredibly tough. And there are not many jobs out there, I've been searching since I left ICU 2 years ago. I worked in the hospital 20 years. I love my job that I'm doing now, but again its midnights, holidays and weekends and I only make $15 an hour, and I have my BSN!!
I have thought seriously about physical therapy lately. I just don't know about NP. I throw around the idea of getting my NP, but I just don't know. When looking at all the job openings it seems that NP and PT are predominantly the most out of all the fields in health care in my area anyway.
Only $15/hour and you work those crazy times and hours?? Why did you leave ICU nursing for something "better"?
I agree with RevolutioN, since I'm also a career changer and have a different perspective on the nursing field. It sounds like the same things that are drawing RevolutioN are the same things that are drawing me to this field: the variety of options, which I haven't found in corporate America. The opportunities for nurses are nearly endless! But I also second that even "boring desk jobs" come with high levels of stress. I know because I work at a boring desk job and am constantly subjected to high levels of stress, but this stress produces little good in the world, except to line the investors' pockets (not that I have anything against investors).
Before choosing nursing, I spent a day in my friend's urban classroom, since I remembered how much I enjoyed substitute teaching in the suburbs, but knew I had NO desire to ever live in the suburbs again. I was more anxious for that day to end than my regular work day, even though her school day was several hours shorter! As I told her, her job is stressful but it's a different kind of stress.
I also spent several years pursuing a career in the arts and found that my "dream job" also brought with it high levels of stress and was not quite as amazing as I thought it would be. Not that I didn't love it, but I knew it wouldn't be a long-term option. I know I'll find aspects of nursing that I dislike, but the endless options appeal to my short attention span. Plus, I've also explored enough career options at this point to know what my strengths and weaknesses are, how my interests shift, and what I want from a career.
Sigh, I just want to live life. I would like to settle down, have a family, buy a home..but at the same time I am trying to be realistic and further my career/education
.
You have your entire life to do these things, so don't rush into anything. You can still do a career change while settling down or after you've settled down. I think you're quite young, but I assure you - as someone who once thought as you do - you have plenty of time to do everything. The more varied your life, the more interesting it will be anyway. Don't rush it and enjoy the ride! I can't imagine how much I wouldn't have experienced had I not taken the long winding path I've taken. But I'm also really looking forward to all the possibilities that nursing will open to me, so I can continue on my winding path and experience even more of what life has to offer. Take your time and see what happens. And keep in mind that your outlook on the situation is half the battle. If you envision it being as bleak as you say, it will be just as bleak if not worse.
By the way, with a BSN you can get a boring desk job at a pharma company or elsewhere. Complete the degree and explore all your options before embarking on another one.
You sound exactly like me. Nursing is sooooo much not for me that I've been applying to every job that isn't health care related. I don't care to take a pay cut. I plan on doing PRN in psych nursing (I've only done med surg and ER) and doing a 9-5 job elsewhere. My happiness and sanity is on the line. I've been so down in the dumps about my job/nursing lately that I'm not eating, having terrible crying spells, and wish for me to be sick so I'll actually have an excuse not to go into work. I've only been doing nursing for about 10 months, but I already know it's not for me! If I do this for much longer, I may just go over the deep end and do something crazy to myself.
Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.
Only $15/hour and you work those crazy times and hours?? Why did you leave ICU nursing for something "better"?
My job that I have right now, I love with all my heart, soul, and strength. Its fantastic, its rewarding, I connect with my patients' hearts, I help patients. But the pay stinks bad, and no benefits except that I get to work from home in my house slippers!!! THis job that I have now, made it worth all the hell I went through working in ICU for sure. I'm so very happy. I just wish I could make a leeetle bit more money, hence is why I am looking for a daytime job or something to supplement my income. Hubby and I have always "acted our wage" and never had any debt except our dumb house. And we have 3 more years left on it and then we'll be debt FREE!!!!
Anyway, I have been doing this job for 2 years, its almost on the tip of the edge of doing advanced practice at times, VERY challenging and I get to exercise my critical thinking. I really love it as much as I really hated doing ICU for 10 years and med/surg 7 years. With this job, I don't have to wear a leg bag, and I don't come home crying my eyes out every single night, and I can actually sleep because I'm not depressed anymore and sad hating life. Like I said, all those years in ICU made it worth it now to have a job I love.
My job that I have right now, I love with all my heart, soul, and strength. Its fantastic, its rewarding, I connect with my patients' hearts, I help patients. But the pay stinks bad, and no benefits except that I get to work from home in my house slippers!!! THis job that I have now, made it worth all the hell I went through working in ICU for sure. I'm so very happy. I just wish I could make a leeetle bit more money, hence is why I am looking for a daytime job or something to supplement my income. Hubby and I have always "acted our wage" and never had any debt except our dumb house. And we have 3 more years left on it and then we'll be debt FREE!!!!
Anyway, I have been doing this job for 2 years, its almost on the tip of the edge of doing advanced practice at times, VERY challenging and I get to exercise my critical thinking. I really love it as much as I really hated doing ICU for 10 years and med/surg 7 years. With this job, I don't have to wear a leg bag, and I don't come home crying my eyes out every single night, and I can actually sleep because I'm not depressed anymore and sad hating life. Like I said, all those years in ICU made it worth it now to have a job I love.
Glad that there truly is a pay-off (sanity, etc. -totally get that :)). Was just curious since a huge pay cut should have the positives you mentioned. For me, no weekends, holidays, or nights would have to happen to have a huge pay cut like that . Everyone's balance is different.
Good luck finding that daytime for a little extra $.
Specializes in Hospice, Education, Critical Care Peds.
Funny how things work out. I didn't want to be a nurse, wanted to go to med school, then found out I was going to be a single parent of two kids. Went ahead and got my nursing, "settling for" something that was at least medical. Began working in NICU after school, absolutely loved it, except for the territorial staff who were truly awful to new grads. Switched to pulmonary ICU, and loved that, except for a psychotic HN who liked me, but systematically went through the staff, emotionally disemboweling each of them. I taught for a year, enjoyed that a lot, then my hours were cut, and I had to make another change. When a friend suggested hospice, I thought, "toooooo depressing," but went to the orientation anyway, and within a half hour knew I'd found my niche. Lots of orientation, incredible team support, knowledge I'm doing a good job, and the opportunity to learn new things every single day. Maybe it's attitude, but the universe seems to have put me where I need to be, and it feels right. I wish you the best of luck and an open mind to find the place you need to be.
Long question, so here's a long answer :). I'm in the midst of a career change myself, but in the opposite direction (into nursing). I did quite a bit of research prior to deciding my new path, so here's my advice:
First, finish your BSN. A Bachelor's degree of any variety will help you on your way, and it appears to be the path of least resistance in your situation.
In the meantime shadow and heavily research all the options you're considering, you don't want to put in the substantial time/money investment pursing another career only to be in this spot again. Plus you'll need to be able to explain exactly why you want to be a , not just a "medical professional". Learn as much as you can about the field: what are the major issues confronting the profession? what's the current and future job market? etc.
Once you complete your BSN, take a look at post-bacc pre-med programs (google it, you'll find dozens). These allow you to complete the needed pre-reqs (1 year each bio, chem, physics, & orgo w/ lab) in 1-2 years, typically part-time. These pre-reqs are pretty standard for all of the career options you are considering, but you might have to add a few (think calc, biochem, etc). Some of the post-bacc programs are formal and you need to apply, others allow you to take classes through open enrollment (just pay and go).
If you're currently a full-time student you might be able to complete some or all of the pre-reqs as you finish your BSN without added cost. Also, each career path you mentioned requires a different entrance exam. You need to decide which path you're going to pursue and do very well on the associated exam.
Remember, all of these options are extremely competitive. You need to be the total package (grades, experience, etc) to have a strong chance. And any of these options will require a lot of time, money and effort to get in and even more once you're there. But if it's something you really want and you're truly passionate about, you'll find a way to make it happen.
I can totally understand what you are feeling. I am currently in a BSN program and I just left my job at a nursing home because it was 60:1 and insane. I felt that after being in the bsn program and learning about ethics and morals I was going against all of that in the nursing home. I often dreamt of going into another profession while I was still there. Now I am back to square one trying to land a job in a hospital. I will probably end up back in a nursing home. I am trying to give nursing another chance but like you I am having trouble. I say give nursing a chance. This economy is not allowing us to venture out and try and find the "right" fit. We are stuck where we are. This doesnt mean you should just say "oh well I am lucky to have ANYTHING" That is not what life is about. We are on this Earth for such a short time. Its unfortunate that as new nurses we are unable to have "the world as our oyster" like the nurses did a few years ago. I understand EVERYTHING YOU ARE GOING THROUGH!! You are NOT alone!
To the OP, just wanted to let you know that I can relate to the feelings you're describing, just exactly what your title says...
I eventually decided to go a different direction, and who knows what would've happened otherwise. I still sometimes wonder if I should go back and try clinical nursing on some level again. But I find the usual working conditions for nurses to be overwhelming to me. I like to think I could be a good clinician with just the right kind of support; but I don't want it badly enough to suffer through the current process of getting there. I'm not saying everyone always suffers through it; it apparently works for many. But for me, it felt like swimming upstream fighting a very, very strong current. I figure if I really wanted it badly enough, I'd be more willing to soldier on despite discouraging experiences.
Instead, I'm now working in health information. I do spend time in patient care areas and just the other day witnessed a code. I was very interested to see how it all went down but wasn't wishing I was in on the action. On the other hand, when the computer information system had a glitch and the clinical staff all groaned, I was eager to step in and figure out what was wrong. So while I question my choices at times, I think I'm heading the right direction for me.
I hope you find a direction for you, be it in nursing or something else!
Since working in healthcare for the past 20 years (at least 15 diff jobs) in a multitude of positions and areas I've
A. Never been fired and always had excellent references
B. Never been so stressed that I hate my job
C. Never encountered other nurses that eat their young
I feel very fortunate to have had great supportive co-workers no matter where I've worked and I do realize there are probably some bad apples out there.
Nursing is a stressful occupation no matter where you are but I think a lot depends on your personal outlook on life in general. If you are at a place where you're unhappy in your life than make a change it's no good to be misreable, life is too short.
I too have looked into other careers specifically a PharmD program but weighed the pros and cons. It didn't seem worth it for me as I'd have at least 3 years of FT pre-reqs to be able to apply. I thought about it and fixed what was within me that was unhappy and figured I'd better stick it out at where I'm at since I don't really have it that bad in my current position.
since working in healthcare for the past 20 years (at least 15 diff jobs) in a multitude of positions and areas i've
a. never been fired and always had excellent references
b. never been so stressed that i hate my job
c. never encountered other nurses that eat their young
i feel very fortunate to have had great supportive co-workers no matter where i've worked and i do realize there are probably some bad apples out there.
nursing is a stressful occupation no matter where you are but i think a lot depends on your personal outlook on life in general. if you are at a place where you're unhappy in your life than make a change it's no good to be misreable, life is too short.
i too have looked into other careers specifically a pharmd program but weighed the pros and cons. it didn't seem worth it for me as i'd have at least 3 years of ft pre-reqs to be able to apply. i thought about it and fixed what was within me that was unhappy and figured i'd better stick it out at where i'm at since i don't really have it that bad in my current position.
while i realize that your post states that you have never had the had the problems and issues that the op and many others on this board have had, may i ask why you have had 15 jobs in 20 years? that's changing jobs about every 15 months or so. what is so good about that? no disrespect intended, just curious.
Otessa, BSN, RN
1,601 Posts
Only $15/hour and you work those crazy times and hours?? Why did you leave ICU nursing for something "better"?