Whether you’ve been nursing for 5 years or 50, I am sure there have been times where you thought to yourself, ‘I don’t want to be a nurse anymore‘.
The healthcare industry has taken a hit in the last two years of the pandemic. Between being overworked, hazardous conditions, and the emotional toll of patient care, it can be easy to question your decision to enter the nursing profession.
If this sounds like you, keep reading!
You may feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit even uttering those words. If it was anyone else in your family, you would want them to be happy and choose a career they can feel fulfilled and content with, so why not want the same for yourself?
In a 2017 study by Kronos, 41% of nurses admitted that burnout was the cause that motivated them from changing jobs.
Another study conducted revealed that 29% of nurses have more of a desire than pre-pandemic at Cross Country Healthcare in Boca Raton Florida.
More now than ever before are nurses saying, ‘I don’t want to be a nurse anymore‘.
There are multiple things to consider before walking away from nursing.
If you are feeling burnt out about nursing, identify what specific aspects are making you feel that way. Ask yourself these questions when thinking of quitting.
It is important to understand your non-negotiables in order to help spot a more positive career move for yourself. Identify what your nursing job stressors are, and avoid those when looking for a different job.
Making a change in specialties can make all the difference. Different specialties can come with their own work schedules and responsibilities.
This would be a great consideration for someone looking to leave bedside or 12-hour shifts.
An example could be an out-patient surgery center that works 7-3 M-F, no weekends, no holidays.
Other facilities such as clinics and doctors’ offices work similar schedules. The different patient populations you encounter may be a refreshing change and challenge you in a less stressful way.
This article has additional examples of other nursing jobs that serve in unique capacities you may never have thought of exploring.
Maybe the lack of organizational support or benefits is a reason you are wanting to leave your current job.
A simple change could be switching to a hospital that has a better reputation for supporting its nursing staff. Look for organizations who are known for being progressive with their policies.
Another idea would be to consider travel nursing. You take a contract for a few weeks, then you are on to the next one. You don’t feel stuck to one hospital and you are hardly there long enough to be a victim of poor management and policies.
Travel nursing can give you a variety of different experiences that can help you see what else is out there.
This is a hefty decision and not one to take lightly. Think about it a bit before making a rash decision.
Talk it over with your spouse, loved ones, and even fellow nurses.
Maybe you’ve always had a passion for something else, and this is the perfect time to take that leap of faith.
Ultimately, if the solution is to leave healthcare completely, go for it! Find whatever makes you happy and provides you with a good work-life balance.
Just know that your dedication to the profession was appreciated, and we thank you!
You’ll need to do this in a stepwise manner. Secure a new job or have a solid plan before putting in your notice.
You never know when you may need a reference from your employer, so it is important to keep a good rapport with your supervisor. Here is a guide from Indeed.com that you can use to gracefully exit your current job!
Whether the phrase ‘I don’t want to be a nurse anymore‘ was said flippantly after a chaotic shift, or one you’ve repeated every day for two years, you are not alone. Many nurses have found themselves saying the same thing.
There are various factors to consider before deciding if a change is necessary in your career. Whatever the outcome, there are plenty of options to explore.
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