Who's leaving nursing?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2008

Since I invested too much time and money into entering nursing, I do not plan to leave. However, I do intend to change the scenery, even if it means less money for me. The mere thought of my current job makes me feel physically sick and emotionally warped with anxiety, palpitations, dread, and GI symptoms.

I have been working at the same facility for 2 years, but have accepted a full-time job offer at my PRN workplace (which is typically less stressful).

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 20, 2008

I have been working at the same facility for 2 years, but have accepted a full-time job offer at my PRN workplace (which is typically less stressful).

Commuter, when do you make the change? I hope this new job is a lot better for you. The place you've been sounds just horrible.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2008

Commuter, when do you make the change? I hope this new job is a lot better for you. The place you've been sounds just horrible.

The change takes place during the early part of next month, if all proceeds exactly as planned.

skittlebear · Jan 20, 2008

Just wondering if anyone else is actively leaving or contemplating leaving the profession altogether. If so, I'm also curious as to what other fields/careers you're pursuing. I'm seriously considering returning to school to get my master's in library science. Anyone else in similar circumstances??

I've only been an LPN since 2005 and had every desire to go back to school and get my RN while I was still in LPN school, and even immediately after I graduated. I even had all the pre-requesites completed for the RN program. Now, after working as a nurse for several years, the thought of becoming an RN is not so exciting to me anymore. Instead, I want to get in the Physical Therapy Asst program. My friends think I'm crazy because they think I should go back and get my RN (1 yr) vs the PTA program (2 years). The great thing about the PTA program is that the pre-requisites are almost the same as the RN program (at my college anyway). The only classes I have to take is Physics :eek: (which scares the crap out of me), and I may have to retake my Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 over again due to the fact that they will expire after 5 years.

I am still questioning whether I want to persue this route, but I've spoken with a few PTAs and they all seem happy with their jobs. I know the stress is still there, but I can't help but feel it would be a little less stressful than an RNs job. NEED LESS STRESS!!!

I would still like to work as an LPN about 1 or 2 days a week, but a PTA the rest. I know that sounds crazy, and it did to a lot of my friends...but I think I would be happier in the long-run.

Good luck in whatever career you choose!

SICU Queen · Jan 20, 2008

Just wondering if anyone else is actively leaving or contemplating leaving the profession altogether. If so, I'm also curious as to what other fields/careers you're pursuing. I'm seriously considering returning to school to get my master's in library science. Anyone else in similar circumstances??

Yep, leaving. Definitely.

What will I do? I am still contemplating that. I have an ASN so I'm in a bit more of a predicament when it comes to making a decision. Either way, though... I'm out.

Overland1, RN · Jan 20, 2008

I plan to hang in there until I retire, which is less than ten years from now. After that, I will probably work per diem for a while.

Back in 2000, I was so close to burning out as a RN (after only five frustrating years), I actually considered doing something else, but I took a few weeks off and reorganized my priorities, which culminated in finding the employment I now have.

Lexxie, LPN · Jan 20, 2008

I want to get out of the LTC facility I'm currently at, but not nursing itself. I'm working on my RN. Travel nursing is what I want to do. Hoping that the constant change of travel will offset any burnout. We'll see in a few years!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jan 20, 2008

Not leaving nursing, but do plan on getting on seeking adventures away from medical surgical nursing.........

defeatedcreek · Jan 20, 2008

I will be shifting from the ward to the laboratory in the next couple years. Always be willing to change.

allnurses Guide · Jan 20, 2008

Not me, not at this point, but I am right now contemplating a job far, far away from bedside nursing. I am about to put in for a school nurse position. It's my dream job. I'm crossing my fingers that I get the job AND that it isn't too terribly much of a pay cut.

Since becoming a nurse, I have definately contemplated leaving. I've thought about becoming a full time freelance artist (PIPE DREAAAAM!). I've considered going back to school and obtaining a degree in computer aided drafting, web design, computer graphics, or anything similar. I've thought about going back and getting my teaching certificate to teach art. I've even thought about pharmacy school! All of that just since becoming an RN.

elliejayRN · Jan 20, 2008

Leaving I can't get in!!! I'm so addicted to the smiles, and the thrill of seeing people get better and I helped!! I could do without the political mumble jumble though. For those who will not get better, I enjoy being a bright portion of their day and just let them know I care. In some relationships I care too much and get burned, nursing I can care transiently, I love it. Acute care settings works best for me. I've heard rumors there were far too many opportunities in nursing to just leave it, ie., library vs Nursing Informatics. Good luck in whatever you decide.:w00t: