1 year in and I want out

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Jan 26, 2008

I'm sorry BloomGIrl. Hope you find the career that is right for you. In the meantime, I see you're specialty is oncology-could you switch to something more tolerable and less stressful for you? Oncology is a great specialty, but not for everyone.

LadyQT · Jan 26, 2008

Hey Bloom Girl,

I'm sorry to hear about your feelings towards the nursing profession. However, I hope you find satisfaction in your calling, whatever that may be. Are you sure that ECD is something that you really want to do? I would hate for you go into that profession as well feeling the same way you do about nursing. Whatever, your plans, I suggest that you probably try to find another job while you go to school in the fall. If your yelling at your family, continuing in nursing will just add to the stress if thats something that you really don't want to do. If your family is suffering I would hate for your patients be treated the same or worse. How about trying to talk to your school and see if there are any opportunities that would allow you to gain experience in the ECD workforce while in school.

Although the money may be good in nursing, don't continue now, just because of the money. Remember "your stress beyond belief...and all you do is yell at your family". Do you think thats something that you want to continue doing until you graduate from school? Can't wait until you get out? Well being in school may be longer than you expect and you may not want to continue in the profession if its something that you don't care for.

Whatever your plans, I wish you the best and remember that money doesn't bring happiness.

Agenyc · Jan 26, 2008

Hi,

Sounds like you're not very happy right now. I feel for you..

I don't know how old you are, but gathering from the details in your post you are relatively young. It took me until I was like 32 to realize what I wanted to do with my life and I am in N.school with MANY students with previous degrees making carreer changes ( your career change would just be in the oposite direction...).

The positive thing is that you have a completed nursing degree with the ability to support yourself and your family while you figure out what you want to do.

I agree with one of the previous posts that you should probably not stay where you are. since you are so miserable it would not be fair to the patients, your family or your own wellbeing.

But instead of quitting, why don't you transfer to another unit where you might be happier, work part time and you could buy some time and work there while you're in school and maybe even get some experience working with kids. I know it isn't the same as ECEd but why not try Peds?

Do what you need to do and what is possible in your particular situation to follow your heart!

Good luck!

nursecher · Jan 26, 2008

I know there are alot of opportunities in nursing but in my heart I just don't like being a nurse. I have been hoping I would feel differently once I was out of school and on my own but I don't. I am planning on going back to school in the fall and going into early childhood development. I should have switched my major during nursing school when I realized I didn't care for nursing but with a young son I just wanted a job that paid more than minimum wage. I am now stressed beyond belief and all I do is yell at my family. I will continue working as a nurse while I continue my education but I can't wait to get out.

Do you think you may be giving up to easily?

I just think with all of the options for nurses you have to be able to find somewhere you fit in. I mean, I can name just about any job and there is something similar that pertains to nursing.

Ok, so your interested in early childhood? Well.....what about a school nurse? What about a nurse at a daycare? Pediatrician office? There are alot of jobs that would give you interaction with children and oppurtunities to do teaching while using your nursing degree you already have. Just a thought. Best of luck.

mendu · Jan 26, 2008

did you think to try some other area? i did additionally home health for a while with my current job, loved it but as for pat time it does not pay (gas, mileages); also some doctor offices if this would be easier and you do not have to deal with lots of things you do at hospital bedside nursing. just look around and ask. but good luck in anything you choose to attend and complete...

:pumpiron:

TitanicNurse · Jan 26, 2008

I don't like nursing much , either. My friend was an RN for 9 years, then she took drawing classes and now illustrates books!

I'm an LPN, I work at a doctor's office and also at a personal care home. Both of those places are fun but they pay less.

When my kids were little, I only worked part-time. We didn't have new stuff, but my kids thank me now that I was home for them most of the time. (They are now in their 20's) Of course I yelled at them sometimes, too. When you yell it means you are either hungry, tired, or lonely. Try taking a nreak when you fell stressed with the kids. Call an adult friend, fix a snack, and get enought rest.

I know, easy to say but hard to do.

Good Luck!

oramar · Jan 27, 2008

If I recall correctly you were recently assulted by patient. Is it possible that you are suffering from post-tramatic stress?

CNAinNeb · Jan 27, 2008

Have you considerd working for a repsite care center that is part of a children's hospital? The nurses who do this at a hospital near me get paid top dollar, but have responsibilites more similar to a early childhood educator or childcare worker, plus light med passes. You would be caring for children with developmental disabilities whose families need a short break and cannot rely on a regular babysitter or daycare setting.

You might also consider beoming a school nurse at a traditional school or at a school for children with severe disabilites. Some schools need full-time staff nurses. :twocents:

Fiona59 · Jan 27, 2008

Congratulations for having the guts to figure out that it's not for you.

I work with nurses who have tried different areas, hospitals, and clinics and still hate nursing. A year here, six months there, hoping it would get better. Along the way the car loan happens, the mortgage, etc. They can't afford to get out.

Work casual or a very low FTE part time while you go back to school.

It's a wise woman who knows when to walk away.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2008

Sorry to see another one leave the profession. No doubt about it, nursing is a tough field. I think many of us had our doubts in school. I know I did. I have to say that my first year was pretty stinky. The second year was better when I changed specialties and got out of the toxic hospital environment. (Toxic for me that is.) Not that I'm trying to change your mind. If you know that you know that you know that nursing is simply out, then be blessed and move on to a more tolerable profession. I have to give you credit. A classroom of little ones scares the bejeebers out of me. You sound like you know what you want. The very best to you!!

GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN · Jan 27, 2008

A dear friend use to say -- " There's an ass for every seat ", best of luck in finding 'your' seat !!!!