What do you think about negative comments from exp nurses about nursing?

MICU RN · Sep 11, 2003

List all the things you want from a career and see if nursing can offer that; in addition, try shadowing as many nurses in the real world as you can. I was also told all the negative stuff and I found plenty of it to be true, for me. I am back in school because I did not feel that bedside nursing offered enough autonomy or income potential. However, I am still in nursing b/c I am pursuing an APN role. However, I know many nurses who enjoy the bedside role or nursing managemnet. So if you really think it is for you go for it.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2003

Originally posted by LauraLou
I am in my mid-30's and am making a career change to nursing. I have done a lot of research into the field and have also heard the negative comments from experienced nurses.

My theory is to learn what I can from their comments without getting too discouraged. I try to understand what specific circumstances have led them to become bitter about nursing. I want to use that information to guide my own career.

My observations have been:

1. Do not work on a Med/Surg floor. Workload is overwhelming and causes burn-out quickly.

2. Be very careful what hospital you go to work for. You want one with a very good new graduate orientation program lasting 3 months plus. Avoid hospitals where you will be floated your second week and charge nurse your third.

3. If you have a job that makes you miserable, leave and find a new one. There are too many opportunities for nurses to stay somewhere you hate.

4. Nursing offers a wide variety of work settings. Take the time to find what area is best for you: ED, ICU, LD, home health, research, insurance company, etc.

No matter what career you choose, you will have nasty coworkers, unreasonable clients, unpleasable bosses, budget cuts and poor management decisions.

Listening to the experienced nurses, I know burn-out is a career hazard. I will be careful to watch for signs of it in myself and make changes as needed.

Good luck everyone!

I like your perspective, LauraLou. I've been a nurse for ten years, and it IS a tough, tough job. However, I think your observations will help you to be prepared for what it's like out there.

As a nurse, I've been torn between wanting to encourage future nurses, and warn them about the realities of nursing. I mean, I don't want to discourage anyone from persuing a dream, BUT...Nursing is in a crisis for a reason. No other profession is currently in such a state of turmoil.

The dissatisfaction that many nurses feel goes far, far deeper than the comments of "every profession has its problems, the grass is always greener," etc.

Here is a link to my student site, for anyone who wishes to view it.

http://groups.msn.com/TheStudentNursesLounge/doyouwanttobeanursereadthis.msnw

Best of luck to all the students!:kiss