8 replies to this topic

[lpnlimbo]

Hello everyone. I've been a LPN for about 2 1/2 yrs now and I've working in nursing homes and I've recently tried hospice and I believe that even in the short times I've worked as a nurse in place to place I have completed whatever task I was to complete there before moving on. I am finding myself just not interested in nursing as I thought I'd be. I know that most people in all professions go through a phase of asking themselves of whether their happy doing what the do or not. But I am a 33 yr old woman, no children and single and I don't feel excited/happy with my choice of job. I think I might have just did the whole thing just to prove to myself (and others) that I could be a intelligent, respectable, responsible and dependable person. I equated nursing with success and the truth is the jobs I've had in the past before nursing didn't pay much and I had a very difficult time scrapping by, with nursing I don't have to sweat it, yet that doesn't seem to be enough to motivate me, I want the real deal (happiness). I want to get up in the morning knowing basically what my day is going to be like (I liked working in offices) and I miss sitting at a desk for the majority of the day and just getting absorbed in desk work. I liked the routine of things even when I found myself watching the clock as we do as nurses but for entirely different reasons (we just want to make sure we're managing our time wisely). I get excited when I think of working in human resources but I also have an interest in accounting. My job track record isn't all that great (serial job jumper). And if I had more personal responsiblity like a family to support I'm sure I wouldn't even play with this idea of leaving the nursing field, but since I don't I feel like a free bird who wants to just be happy and if need be, working more than one job to pay the bills then doing it. I feel like I've already been conditioned to work overtime anyway just from being a nurse. What I want to know out there is what advice would you give a undecided person such as me on this topic. And as far as continuing my education goes, I have no more interest in studing science any more. I appreciate all the help I can get!

[jan/spn]

I don't know if I am qualified to help you as I am a student lpn right now, but I am 50 and haven't worked in over 20 years (children). Before children I worked as a legal assistant - I loved it - loved the pressure - worked wonderful under pressure. Then kids. . . enough pressure. Youngest in 2nd year of college. Last year I decided to give the legal thing a try - yuck - HATED IT - people whining about nothing "real". I decided to go back to school because I realized I like "making the difference"/knowing that I helped make a real difference in someone's life.

I think my point is don't give up. Why not try a private dr.'s. office. I know my dr.'s nurse has a nice desk - she does phone work, banking/payroll, etc. She is also a wonderful nurse. Also, why not try an insurance company? I am learning that nursing can be applied to so manner different industries - check them out!

Hope I helped you in some small way.

[3boyzmom]

jan's right- there are other types of nursing you can try that involve more of a routine, and deskwork. It sounds like you like the organizational skills that you can use in doing paperwork, plus maybe you aren't crazy about the direct contact with so many people and their families. That's OK, we all have our preferences. But, even if you decide to leave nursing, I really urge you to keep your license active, "just in case." You never know!

[NawlinsGirl]

Hi,
I just read your dilema and i think its very important for people to do what makes them happy. If you feel nursing isnt for you , you should seek and find what is your niche in life. I work with people who are in the Nursing profession just for the money, and its not fair to themselves nor the patients if their heart is not in it.
Later on if you change your mind you can always return to nursing.

Good luck in finding what makes you happy...

[mattsmom]

I agree with Nawlinsgirl...life is too short to do something that makes you unhappy, and if you're truly unhappy as a nurse you should move on.

There are however lots of options in nursing. Have you tried office/clinic work??? After all your hard work in nursing school, consider trying a few things.

Another option: An LPN I know took a surgery scheduling position in a hospital, and LOVES it...she's at her desk on the phone insterad of running the halls!!

Good luck to you and hope you find what makes you happy!

[HeatherG]

How about working for a medical supply company demonstrating their products. I know of quite a few nurses who went into this field. Or how about considering being an Occupational Health Nurse in a hospital or company.

[struggling nurse2b]

It is a great benefit for you, to not have any children. Sometimes I wish I didn't. Sometimes I wish I had made better choices. Let me know what you end up doing. I wrote a new post. Please read it. Tell me what you think I should do.

[struggling nurse2b]

This message is for jan/spn. You are 50 years of age! That is great. Here I am concerned about going back to school at my age. You have motivated me. I have been divorced and had my children and don't know what to do with myself.
How is nursing school going for you? If You read my first mesage you will know I can't do math very well and I want to try for midwife again. Praise God and I wish you the best as a nurse.

[rottmommie]

Have you considered working with mentally ill or developmentally disabled?
This is part desk, part contact , and always rewarding.
I love the developmentally disabled crowd....they reward me daily. I dont lift, I dont sweat......might swear a bit but oh well!
Where are you located? Consider it, I work for mosaic, formerly dungarvin (which is still operating in some areas) and I love it!
i have also worked for aventis and international bioresources as a physician sub at a plasma procurement center. you can find them online. That is also an enjoyable place to work for. be assertive`....... nursing homes can burn you out in a matter of months, I avoid them.