What Else Can I Do For A Living?

Accolay · Dec 12, 2017

hrm.... shoe sales?

Lesson learned: get benefits and pay in writing. I actually feel that nurses get paid pretty good working in a hospital setting.

You're going to have to look around and see what else is out there. Unfortunately with a healthcare degree and experience in nursing, a lot of the jobs available to you will be in... healthcare and nursing.

Either you're going to have to reconcile your distaste in what you do to find a job to get paid, or your going to try to find something else. If you decide to buck up and stick it out, then I would recommend a job that doesn't involve patient care. Like in insurance or informatics or similar. If you find a different field to sashay into and are at an interview, when interviewer asks why you don't want to be a nurse probably do not respond with "I hate it."

RNCM123 · Dec 12, 2017

Thanks for the snarky response. Exactly the type of attitude that is widespread in this field and another reason I want to move on.

Atl-Murse · Dec 12, 2017

Hi everyone:
I'm having a rough time with this field. I have been a nurse for 7+ years and have worked in many different settings. I just got another job that I thought I would like, but I absolutely HATE it (and it's not just because I'm new, the job/benefits were complete lies from what I was promised) anyway, The more I think about it, I hate every available job in nursing. I want to quit but I don't know what else I can do with my degree/history.
I'm finishing up a MSN in Leadership/Management which I hoped would open some more doors, but honestly I just don't want to do nursing at all or healthcare. Every job seems like a deadend and the pay is crappy and I'm already in one of the higher paid nursing positions out there.
Has anyone done something else with their nursing background? I don't think I can keep doing this, but at the same time I have to pay my bills... help!

Stop with the drama.If you are in one of the higher pay nursing position. you are likely making 6 figures and you say your pay is crap. How much do you get paid ? Go be a politician for better pay than 6 figures for doing little

RNCM123 · Dec 12, 2017

I don't make six figures, but I also don't consider that a lot of money in today's economy. But whatever, **** me right? I should just keep working with miserable ***** like you because I get paid a semi-livable wage! Go nursing!

ponymom · Dec 12, 2017

I don't make six figures, but I also don't consider that a lot of money in today's economy. But whatever, **** me right? I should just keep working with miserable ***** like you because I get paid a semi-livable wage! Go nursing!

Lol you're funny. But parbly a good idea, keeps ya's all in one place...

beekee · Dec 12, 2017

Well, it'd probably help to know what you do like, what interests you and what you are good at. People who graduate with degrees in English or history have to think outside the box because most job titles don't say "English" or "history." In the same vein, just because a job doesn't have "nursing" in it doesn't mean you are not qualified for it. You just need to get more creative.

Sales and insurance are two options. Management is another idea; perhaps in a treatment center, fitness facility, health food store, chiropractic office, etc.

Atl-Murse · Dec 12, 2017

Thanks for the snarky response. Exactly the type of attitude that is widespread in this field and another reason I want to move on.

I agree with you, you should move on the sooner the better.

Atl-Murse · Dec 12, 2017

I don't make six figures, but I also don't consider that a lot of money in today's economy. But whatever, **** me right? I should just keep working with miserable ***** like you because I get paid a semi-livable wage! Go nursing!

6 figures may not be a lot depending on what part of the country, LA/NY versus Alabama/Miss. Tell us your general location and aprx pay. I don't know any RN that gets paid semi livable wage i.e $10-18/ hr. Your attitude stinks maybe why you feel this way.

SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN · Dec 12, 2017

Are you sure you want to leave nursing because of the job itself or do you want to leave nursing because you struggling with those that work in it, your interactions with co-workers, and maybe personal issues?

Nursing can be one of the best jobs and it can be the worst. When it's bad, sometimes it's the employer environment your in, it's you (general you) and your general outlook, or it its a combination of both. If your home life is stressful, your work life is stressful etc, it's easy to take it on and blame it on the job because that is the easiest factor to fix.

From your responses, your defensive. And we all got like that, it's human nature. But it's when we are over-defensive that we can't see the whole picture KWIM?

To answer your question though, there is school nursing, insurance company positions, safety nursing officers, infection control, research, etc. Many options that will have a different feel than the traditional nursing environment. But if you had a rough time in the last 7 years and haven't yet found the job that you feel is doable for a good length of time, it may not be the career choice that's the issue is what I am trying to kindly point out.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2017

My mom's licensed massage therapist is an RN who worked at the bedside for years. Obviously that would require more schooling, but this woman's nursing knowledge puts her a cut above other LMTs in the area. She also does diabetic foot care in her practice.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2017

You need to think outside the "box" of nursing. I don't even know what a MSN in management could do for you, but one would think it could be a satisfying career.

I make 6 figures sitting on my tookas at home, for an insurance company.

Best wishes in your search.