Would you do it all again?

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Nurses, experienced and new grads, would you do it all again?

Considering the current economic climate, the "churning" out of new grads, limited job opportunities (at least compared to the past) and simply knowing all you do now, would you go to school for nursing again? If you answer YES, do you regret your decision to ever enter in the first place OR do you just think that considering all the challenges faced by nurses today you would probably choose a different career path? Why?

What frustrates you most about the profession?

What do you love the most--in other words, what keeps you going?

What is ONE thing, the most important thing, you would tell someone who is considering entering the nursing profession?

I know you can find responses to these types of questions all over the board, but I really wanted to get a good sampling considering today's climate.

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I would absolutely in a heartbeat become a nurse again. I'm not working now d/t disability, but nursing is still a huge part of who I am. I worked for 19 years, and have kept my license current since then - CEUs, and learning in various situations.

It can be frustrating, but all jobs have that component. It's stressful- but most jobs have it to some degree (probably doesn't effect people's actual lives as much if not in healthcare- but I think air traffic controllers have us beat!).

Dealing with people can be incredibly frustrating, but I'd have to remind myself that they were at a point in their lives, for whatever reasons, were needing to be cared for in a facility of some sort (acute, LTC, drug/alcohol rehab, psych, coma stim). They weren't at their best- and MOST were great to take care of. The 'duds' made for some interesting memories as well :)

If I had to narrow down ONE thing (sort of ONE !!) to tell a prospective/new nurse, I'd tell them to always remember that the patient is more than likely doing the best they can with what they know, and their illness doesn't define all of who they are. Nurses (and other healthcare workers of course) only see a limited view of the person. They are much more complex than the assessments we focus on. How they interact is often based on crisis (even if a relatively 'minor' one, it's a big deal to them). That can help understand how amazing it is to take care of them- or remind me of how much they're going through. The vast majority are simply trying to get through what they're dealing with as best they can :)

:nurse:

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1 year out from school and I can't even remember my previous life before nursing. My only regret is that I waited until my late 30's to do it. I went to a two year school, where only 2/3 of my class made it to graduation, put out over 70+ applications and went to 8 interviews before I landed my first job. I have suffered the confusion of orientation, the fury of experienced nurses taking me to task, and the realization that my family has to share me with 127 residents at my LTC facility.

I would do it all again without a moment of hesitation just to be called "Nurse"

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

7 months out of school and no I wouldn't do it again. I can't get hired. What a waste of my time. I have all this experience and today I got 3 (more) rejections and the jobs are still posted. I've done everything "right". Sorry just stopped crying from reading the rejections and I'm feeling very dejected right now.

:banghead::banghead::crying2::crying2:

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Hopefully I'll change my mind and be happy to be a nurse *again* once (if) I get a job.

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7 months out of school and no I wouldn't do it again. I can't get hired. What a waste of my time. I have all this experience and today I got 3 (more) rejections and the jobs are still posted. I've done everything "right". Sorry just stopped crying from reading the rejections and I'm feeling very dejected right now.

:banghead::banghead::crying2::crying2:

((((DizzyLizzyNurse))))) I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. :heartbeat

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Specializes in ICU.

NO

I took one year off because the stress was affecting my health. 12 years experience and I can't find a job.

NO.

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Specializes in Oncology, Psych, Corrections.
7 months out of school and no I wouldn't do it again. I can't get hired. What a waste of my time. I have all this experience and today I got 3 (more) rejections and the jobs are still posted. I've done everything "right". Sorry just stopped crying from reading the rejections and I'm feeling very dejected right now.

:banghead::banghead::crying2::crying2:

I feel so bad for you. Keep your head up...you will get a job. Don't stop trying :(

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Specializes in ICU.

Come on over to my house this afternoon ... I'll be working on my "walk on water" skills to add to my resume. Everyone welcome! sandwitch.gif

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilites,.

No. I would not do it again. I never expected to have such a hard time getting a job. I was happy once I got it, but I am frustrated again about the lack of respect in the workplace. They can call us off of work any time they please, force us to float to areas outside of our speacality and staff us to unsafe levels. I expected more out of nursing.

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Yes - but after 2 years out of school i finally feel like I have my opportunity!

Worked outpatient for 2 years doing no clinical skills at all. Phone traige. It SUCKED. I have applied for thousands for positions and have only had a few interviews. Finally i took another out patient position within a hospital system hoping to be able to transfer. Was then told by HR that they werent hiring inpatient nurses that didnt have inpatient experince as a nurse.....BUTTTT...I made some connections FINALLY and got a position to start in the ED next week!!!!!!

I seriously was bawling my eyes out because this is what I've been waiting for! Just find a job where you may be able to make some connections and hope for the best!

There was seriously some pretty bad times where i thought it was a stupid move to become a nurse, and that i should have just stayed a medical assistant.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Got my 4th rejection of the day....:confused::confused:

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I loved being an LPN and I'm sure I'll love being an RN once I get a chance!

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