What Else Can I Do For A Living?

Nurses Career Support

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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!

I can only think of one nurse I know who left nursing. She remarried, went back to her home country and opened a beauty salon.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

It would be much easier to give you suggestions if you let us know what you have tried and the general salary range you have rec'd. I work in a "non-traditional" setting and may have some ideas.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Somebody's an angry elf.

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It seems to me that you might have to "start over". Before becoming a nurse I had another career that paid about twice as much as I now make. I was miserable. I had to decide if I was going to be miserable for the rest of my life or start anew. I went from a german car and a huge house in the suburbs to an efficiency apartment close to my nursing school so my old, crappy car would get me there. I had to wait until my kids were out of school to do this because I owed then better but once that happened I was gone. So you have to decide if the money's worth it. If you have kids and a family depending on you maybe it is but don't use your decision to have a family be a reason for you to be miserable to others as that was your choice. If you on your own you really got no impediments to starting over. Maybe selling shoes isn't so bad. It honest work & maybe there are happy shoe salespeople out there. Good Luck & Happy Holidays

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I agree with the OP 99%. The last remaining 1% is because I finally found a position that reminds me of the Nursing Jobs of old. Jobs that I used to routinely get, but are scarce now. I don't get paid much, but i am in an office mostly working alone and I love it. The problem is that the pay is very low, but it was a good trade off for my mental health. I only work 2 days a week. You may just have to rearrange things. Find out how much substitute teachers get paid in your area. It can vary but is usually low, but it's easy. If you do that awhile, you will find all kinds of accelerated teaching certificate pathways. You might hate that also, but I found it a refreshing change. I am currently looking for a night shift position to do part-time in a hospital to supplement my income. I find working full time as an RN very stressful. Sensory overload. Good luck on your journey and don't take the negative comments to heart.

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Education, marketing, sports medicine, advocacy, reseach--I think nursing is such a unique field so much you can do. I bet you can even work your way into film as an advisor.

Met a man who once worked in the industry who told me that nurses who work on film/TV sets enjoy their jobs.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
Met a man who once worked in the industry who told me that nurses who work on film/TV sets enjoy their jobs.

Who are these nurses and why do they let TV shows have such silly medical errors and TV hospitals entirely run by doctors?

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Somebody's an angry elf.

:lol2::lol2::lol2:

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I work in the medical "industry" side of things and make over 6 figures, some of my colleagues make over $200k salary before benefits like pension, stock options, etc.

Now I strongly feel as though I am still working in nursing, my work has a real and measurable impact upon healthcare throughout the world. I love the fact that my input shapes the standards and guidelines we all follow as nurses.

I know nurses who work as statisticians, clinical researchers, clinical writers, product developers, marketers, etc, etc. They all make well over 6 figures, especially when you consider the bonuses, sometimes commissions, pensions, stock options, and all the rest. Their clinical impact individually is huge, which is odd to think when they have not physically touched a patient but yet their work physically and dramatically benefits that patient.

The career options for you are only limited by your imagination.

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What is your role in this insurance company?

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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.

What is your role in the insurance company?

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Specializes in ER.
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!

I can see why you are struggling. You sound miserable.

How's your life outside of work? Do you have fulfilling relationships and past times?

Yes, there are difficult people in nursing. I find that challenge easier to deal with when I feel better about my life. I have a lot of hobbies, talents, projects, etc. I'm thankful for a career that pays well, that is interesting, and provides funds to accomplish my goals.

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