IT'S OFFICIAL #676

[She Is Raging]

I hate my job.

I hate being a nurse.

Why did I ever do this?

 

[Angela Harlem]

I would think its because of your nature. Unfortuantely, nurses are like Welfare Workers - they burn out. And are left to feel like you do. You may be at the end of your giving, but never ever forget that you have given. Its ok to not be able to continue, you've already been a nurse and done it all. Are you afraid to leave what you know?

 

[She Is Raging]

I think that the big thing is that I've worked so long to get where I am, to be 25 and already have four years of ICU experience in a newborn intensive care unit is really unusual, I'm actually the first new graduate ever to be hired here. I busted my ass for YEARS to get this job and now I just dont have the heart for it anymore. It's really distressing because I look at how far I've come and what I've accomplished and I'm just not happy where I am. There are days that I still love it, but I'm constantly burned out and the thought of having to do this for another 40 years makes me sick. I think the thing that scares me the most is the concept of possibly starting over and going back to school, etc... I'm making really good money right now too, and I cant rationalize (or afford) to work anywhere where I'd take a pay cut. I know if I'm going to do it, now is the time to. It's not like this is new thing either ...over the last year or so I keep saying to myself, give it another few months, see how things go - and my feeling havent changed. I guess I'm just scared of what's next! Ugh! This is just so frustrating.

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Holy Jesus, Holy rock and roll...

 

[Angela Harlem]

Wow, 25 with 4 years NICU? That is an awful lot for someone so young. Over ehere NICU is a souhgt after field, they are one of those 'specialist elite' kinda nurses. Maybe an actual break from it will help? Could you venture over to the admin side of a hospital for 6 months? A year? Whatever is necessary? I noticed you mention this before, you seem torn. If you are like me, you may stay too long and when you do quit it, it will be forever. Maybe even a different nursing unit, like emergency or geriatric, or even something dull like orthopeadic (sp?). Failing that, do you have roots? Could you take off overseas to work for a bit? Maybe a foreign hospital is a change you could look at. At this stage of your already successful career, any foray into another area is only going to make you more qualified and may renew your love for the job.
But I guess you've already been over this a 1000 times. I hope you find what you need to do matie.

 

[Mrs. Edge]

Wow Kathleen, I had no idea!!! I am going through a similar career crisis, so I know exactly how you feel. It's a really, really hard decision, especially when you feel trapped, and can't afford to leave the full time job to go back to school, etc. At least you obviously have enough education that switching to another field in the sciences would probably be no problem. Do you have any idea what you'd like to do?

 

[~LadyLemon~]

{{{Kathleen!}}}

Hey, I know you're upset, and it's going to take a lot of soul-searching to figure out what to do next...why don't we just move to the UK together?

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You will believe in me
And I can never be ignored

 

[LarryMullen's POPAngel]

(((((HUGS)))))

I know you've been feeling this way for awhile, I just hope that everything is ok in the end and you end up doing something that makes you truly happy.

PS-Can I move to the UK too?! Please??

 

[~LadyLemon~]

Naw, April...we'd be happier without you!

Just kidding!!

That would be so fun!!

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You will believe in me
And I can never be ignored

 

[LarryMullen's POPAngel]

Like, omg, I totally hate you now.

(j/k, Lemon Sis!)

Hehe, wouldn't that totally rock?

 

[She Is Raging]

Thank you to everyone that has been so nice!!

Jess you pretty much nailed it right on the head... the problem is, what I want to do is totally unrelated to science and I would literally have to start over completely. All through my life I was really into music, with the piano, I player for well over 10 years and I sang as well... and when I went into college, it was a choice between nursing and this. When thinking back, I always remember my parents encouraging me to go to nursing school - although they NEVER pressured me and it seemed like a good idea. I just never remember having the burning desire to be a nurse. The thing is now that I really reall miss is playing and I'm out of practice compared to how I used to be. I've just got to really sit down and think about things and decide what I want to do. I've still got time but it's all just so much to think about. Thank you all for listening to my rambling!
Btw Kris- that sounds really tempting!!

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Holy Jesus, Holy rock and roll...