Think Twice Before Becoming a "NURSE"

SRDAVIS · Mar 16, 2012

Sometimes it's time to move on, I understand that we have all worked hard to get where we are but if you feel this way that energy is passed to others and we are here to help patients and most time the new generation of nurses. And I can't see you having any positive light shining from you. Take the pay cut and leave for your own peace of mind.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 16, 2012

Sorry that you are frustrated, but no one ever promised that nursing is all hearts and roses. Only in the movies/TV is it like that. It's a lot harder in the real world.

No one is forcing you to continue working in a profession that you clearly dislike. If you've found that nursing isn't for you, you are free to move on. Maybe you just woke up in a bad mood today, or you came off a bad shift, and tomorrow will be better. But if you find yourself in more bad than good moods, perhaps it's time to rethink where you work or even your career choice.

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

jcampbe7 · Mar 16, 2012

First post - WOW!!

Nurse Kratchet maybe it's time you look at yourself and see what changes you could make to make the situtation or your life better. All to often we always want to scream about how this and that needs to change, (and while that may be true) we never want to look in the mirror and ask "what can I do or change to improve my quality of life". With the outlook you have no doubt nothing will change. In fact it will probably only get worse. If you don't like being a nurse then don't. People usually go into nursing much as the same reason as a fire fighter or teacher. They want something different than the boring desk job. Or they want to make a difference in someone's lives. No, it is not always a walk in the park, but what in life is, really.

What goes around comes around. One day you will rely on someone to take care of you, change your depends and help you use the toliet. You may just get the same type of person that you are. Think about it!!

If you are looking for a job where you are constantly told how great you are, and constantly need a pat on the back, then nursing is not for you. Go get a corporate job where corruption is even worse....BELIEVE ME!!

martymoose, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2012

You know, I dont blame this person for sounding off. makes sense to sound off here rather than on facebook, or radtech.com,no?

I mean, if tey went into this cause lets face it, the media potrays this as the "it" job now, schools push how much money you will make, schools push you thru like an assembly line( only to find out you might not even get a job after d/t saturation), the hours, bla bla bla. I even was a tech before i became a nurse, and still didnt see the light until i was in it too deep. I shadowed many depts, its not like i didnt do some research ahead of time.So I can somewhat relate to OP.

It does seem that OP might be working with some less than desireable co- workers. I must say not every floor is like that- many are, but not all. Maybe after you blow off the steam( im with you on that) maybe you could see if anything else different can be done. Or at least evaluate how to get into a different profession ( like I am trying to figure out) Pm me if you want..

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2012

the "momma said there'll be days like this..." poster got it right. in every job you ever do, from babysitting as a teenager to being a grey-haired pink lady at the hospital in your 80s, you will have days where you will be walking on air as you go to your car or bus or train because everything was so perfect, your interventions worked out so well, you got recognized for the thoughtfulness with which you do your job, and (better than all of that) you feel great about it all.

you will also have days when you cut corners, cheat yourself out of knowing you did your best, drop things, break things, make mindless errors, and loathe yourself at the end of the day. you will have days when somebody you worked with and trusted did something that made your head whip around so fast you got a glimpse of evil. or days when just nothing seems right, you just aren't even comfortable in your own skin, and dangitol anyway, why am i here?

but mostly you will realize that your job is just your job, that no one job defines you (unless, perhaps, you're mother teresa reincarnated, and even she had long periods of depression and doubt), that a true friend or two will understand the real you and it really doesn't matter what the rest of them think. sometimes you try to keep your head down so the arrows go past you; sometimes you try to keep your head up so you can see where you're going. you do your best, and you keep putting one foot in front of the other.

good luck to you, whatever you choose.

aCRNAhopeful · Mar 16, 2012

Go work in another institution in another setting. Sounds like your coworkers don't like you or don't like new nurses in general and you are having a hard time with it. Become a male nurse if you're not already. I seem to always get better treatment from colleagues, managers, supervisors, physicians than a lot of my female counterparts. Most of the male nurses I talk to feel the same way. That's the best piece of advice I can give you!

GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 16, 2012

unquestionably, for this being your first post i must say it's not a very uplifting one to say the least. furthermore, it seems to me that you are going through some difficult times, and your outlet is through the nursing profession. therefore, have you consider going in another direction with your nursing? having said that,the nursing career has many branches that one can follow the sky is the limit, if you're not satisfied with your actual situation explore your options. consequently, if you were looking to let out some steam i hope you have accomplished that. lastly, keep in mind that you're living someone else's dream.

roemerr · Mar 16, 2012

nursing in general is like being locked in the monkey cage at the zoo and their all throwing Poo at you.

So based on this description, my career as a public school teacher has prepared me well for the transition into nursing;) Teachers get it from all directions, too!

redhead_NURSE98!, ADN, BSN · Mar 16, 2012

I've been an RN for only a year. I disagree with your little picture. Guess everyone's experience is different.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 16, 2012

Nurses are not "change agents"? I respectfully disagree with those who have this opinion of nurses.

Remember the parable of the little girl frantically racing up and down the beach picking up starfish and throwing them back into the ocean? A man walks up and tells her not to bother - it won't make a difference in the long run because there are too many to save. She picks up another one and says "it will make a difference to this one" and tosses it iinto the ocean.

Well, our work is like that. We impact one life at a time - for better or worse -- with our expertise and attitude. Holding a hand and "being present" when needed may not seem noteworthy from our perspective, but it frequently means everything to our patients. We can change anxiety to calm, fear to acceptance, ignorance to understanding, helplessness to empowerment. .

We are superheros and call lights are our bat signals.

loriangel14, RN · Mar 16, 2012

That's a shame that anyone feels like that.I love my job.Becoming a nurse is the best move I've ever made.

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Mar 16, 2012

No offense to the old-timers
Face reality- Nurses are change resistors, not game changers. Working in the worst conditions surrounded by medical money. Making ends meet and supporting their significant others. Thinking they help others. Sorry Johnson & Johnson, we don't make the difference you think we do.
New Graduates struggling to gain experience and settle a career- they might as well give up before they even start. Because every nurse who has been around awhile knows that only they know it all. And these new rookies, they can eat it.
I am far from alone on this one. I'm not an LPN making 15 bucks an hour either. I just see through this nursing crap.
After interacting with enough nurses, its become pretty clear. RUN away before you think you may want to enter the nursing world. It only gets worse.

It's being so cheerful that keeps you going isn't it dear.