Why did I go into nursing?

[whydididothis?]

I am scared to death of everything related to nursing! Patients, med admin, doing something wrong, not knowing what to do in an emergency, etc. It's a second career and I am miserable. I went into nursing because I have always been intrigued with the medical field and I love taking care of people. I was hoping and praying that nursing school would desensitize my fears and let me do something I really want to do but it hasn't. I can't take being afraid to go to work every single day much longer. What else can I do with this degree? (BSN.) I love the medical field, just the non-clinical aspect. Please help.

[Wave Watcher]

Trust me you are not alone. You remind me of........me. i worked for 1 yr nights on an ortho/neuro floor. The last 4 months I cried in my car sitting outside not wanting to in, I was physically sick, my thyroid decided to over work itself, my anxiety was maxed, I couldn't enjoy my days off because I was so worked up over knowing I had to go back to work the next day. My ability to function was dwindling. It got so bad I was praying to have a wreck on the way to work so I could call out! That's bad. So........i quit. Plain and simple. Burden lifted, spirits lifted, my health lifted and I felt human again. Protect your sanity, your health and your license as a nurse.......that's all you have. Best wishes!

[whydididothis?]

Trust me you are not alone. You remind me of........me. i worked for 1 yr nights on an ortho/neuro floor. The last 4 months I cried in my car sitting outside not wanting to in I was physically sick, my thyroid decided to over work itself, my anxiety was maxed, I couldn't enjoy my days off because I was so worked up over knowing I had to go back to work the next day. My ability to function was dwindling. It got so bad I was praying to have a wreck on the way to work so I could call out! That's bad. So........i quit. Plain and simple. Burden lifted, spirits lifted, my health lifted and I felt human again. Protect your sanity, your health and your license as a nurse.......that's all you have. Best wishes![/quote']

Wow...I'm ashamed to say I've prayed for similar misfortunes for myself because of the stress. I respect you so much for doing what you had to do. Do you mind me asking, are you still in the medical field or did you move to something completely different?

I feel so ashamed at where I am and therefore I'm timid to ask for advice...so thanks again for your kindness and for sharing your experience.

[Wave Watcher]

Yes, I am still in the medical field.......school nursing! I LOVE MY JOB! I worked 2 yrs agency nurse doing school nursing prn for the school system. Finally an opening came up. I emailed one of the supervisors in the school system and I went through the hiring process and here I am today. :).

But before that.....I was on Xanax for 3 months.....it helped!! I'm not ashamed to tell my story because I am not alone in this. Nurses will always feel over worked, under paid, and on the edge of a melt down at times. Please either get help or get out of your job. 2 rules in nursing: 1. Protect your license 2. Protect your sanity.......that's all you have.

[whydididothis?]

Thanks for the advice! Take care and good luck.

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

I felt the same way in school and when i first started. still do , sometimes. part of me has become more apathetic in every aspect and i get through the dislike with the pay check. what else am i going to do? if i knew , i woukd do it myself. i have 2 years med surg experience and a bsn

[Marston3s]

I would say try and get a job in the community setting or a doctor's office. You could also look into dialysis.