Goodbye fellow nurses

30 Hi, I am happy to announce that after many years of being miserable as a nurse, I am LEAVING! I've worked at crappy, unprofessional, smelly, ghetto, you name it nursing homes the past 5 years.I was just waiting until my kids began school to leave.I worked so long and hard to finish nursing school, and like many others, believed the lies my teachers told me about how great a field it is.Yeah, right.I tried to get a "desk" job as a nurse, they all want years of experience in a hospital.Hospitals don't hire ADN nurses, although I already have a non nursing Bachelors, I did not want to spend more money getting a BSN OR MSN.
My husband doesn't get it really, thinks I'm crazy to leave, but hes not a nurse!
I am interviewing now for some great jobs in the corporate world, no weekends, holidays, nights, urine, CNA's who think they are nurses....need I go on, I'm sure I'm not alone.
Taking a GIANT pay cut, but I am so happy! That's priceless.
Good luck and I hope it's all you want it to be!

Wow. Best wishes as you slip into a different pair of shoes. I hope it goes well for you!

Instead of complaining, you did something about your problems. I hope the new job works out for you. Keep your license active in case you need a little prn nursing work on the side to drum up extra funds.

Goodbye! Best to leave than to stay and be miserable.

I'm at that road right now myself!! Dying to get out of this crappy profession. If I had something else lined up I would be long gone. Debating about heading out west to do some traveling nursing to get debt free and then kiss nursing goodbye! It's a horrible profession and wish I never got into it!

Best of luck in your new career!

Out of curiosity where did/are/you planning on going post nursing ?Ive always wondered what kind of opportunities await if I decide nursing isnt for me

I'm amazed by how many blatantly negative opinions people on this site have about nursing (although working in a nursing home I can't blame you for feeling how you do). Keep in mind though, all of you who hate the job, that it is your experience. Some of us love the job. Arguably this is either because our personalities were more compatible with it or we just had better places of employment, but either way it's a subjective opinion. So please, instead of saying "nursing sucks" and the like, just say it didn't work for you for whatever reason. For me personally, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. To the OP, good luck to you. Sorry you had such a terrible experience in a potentially wonderful field.

Sounds like you limited your options in the field by not pursuing a degree that would give you the job you want. I understand not wanting ro spend more on a degree but dont condemn a profession because of something you chose not to do.Good luck though.

Quote from Mr. MurseKeep in mind though, all of you who hate the job, that it is your experience. Some of us love the job.

Happy sailing!

TheCommuter - I feel your pain. While the OP could have chosen his/her words more thoughtfully, it is his/her right to vent (complain?). My calling was (is?) opera. It is what I initially studied in undergrad and I belonged to Actor's Equity and performed. However, I am NOT starving artist material. So, because of a sincere interest in helping those in need, I left NYC, was a Peace Corps volunteer, and decided to pursue a career (which, for me, is a job) in nursing. I pursued my passion, public health, in graduate school and I am now qualified for low-paying jobs at county health departments. Great! I do my job well...heck, VERY well...but I do it for the money. I'll be back in a NP program in a year to attain a SPECIFIC skill set and, ultimately, make more money. So, OP, don't feel bad. Many of the nurses that I have met don't love their jobs either (like many individuals). Nonetheless, we all have to keep a roof over our heads and food on our tables. As long as you do it with a smile and an open mind, well, what more can they ask of you. Good luck!