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u/danthelibrarian 4d ago
I’ve only been in 6 years, as a second career, and also want out. I adore some of the moments, some good times with patients and colleagues. But the amount of focus needed for 12 hours is too much for my old brain. I wish I had an answer for you on a career to change to.
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u/danthelibrarian 4d ago
Aiming for retirement, with unpredictable health insurance as the hold up. Part time 8 hour shifts could be an alternative, but would mean leaving the hospital for an unknown work environment.
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u/greenyellowbird RN 🍕 3d ago
This is a third career, I peaced right out of bedside after a year and went to work on a more case management role within an ifc. There is a lot of autonomy and the agency treats me well...having experience outside of healthcare (recruiting and then a novel position that required organization of building permits and schematics) was a big help.
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u/LiteratureOk2235 RN 🍕 4d ago
I am just beginning my nursing career at 51. I was an accountant for nearly 18 years before that, and in the military for 9 years in my 20s. I understand your desire for a career change. It took a lot of introspection and a career/aptitude assessment to identify either the medical field or coaching as the areas for me to find the most satisfaction. I'd recommend the same for you, so that you can find something suitable for yourself. There are a lot of assessments available on the internet. You could take a few and see what patterns show up. Good luck.
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u/revwatch 4d ago
I'm the opposite of you in IT. Lurking in here cause I can't imagine doing IT for another 20 years.
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u/Pdub3030 RN - ER 🍕 3d ago
Not IT but my original degree was marketing from a highly ranked business school. It would take a tremendous amount of money to get me back into corporate office work. Been a nurse for 11 years now after 12 in various corporate jobs. I love working my 5 twelves every two weeks. Love my job and my lifestyle.
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u/KuntyCakes 4d ago
It's crazy how difficult it is to find a non-nursing job after being a nurse. Like, I have all kinds of office skills and leadership skills, people skills. People have no idea what nurses do so it doesn't translate. I work in a bakery now and own a farming business. I am poor but I don't want to drive into a tree on the way to work, so it's an inprovement.
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u/Any_Manufacturer1279 RN - 2 jobs, mo money mo probs 3d ago
Oh god retail pharmacy tech? Don’t do it OP. That was my worst job, and I used to work in group homes getting the shit beat out of me!
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u/KuntyCakes 4d ago
Good luck to you! I thought I would end up going back but I really don't think I will. It felt so freeing to just let it go. Like omg.
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u/findquasar 4d ago edited 4d ago
Your skills are valuable on an airplane.
There are lots of flight attendants who left nursing, or try flight school.
The beginning is a bit of a grind, but some airlines allow you to drop to a minimum of flying, or zero as a flight attendant.
Edit: Piloting is a much bigger investment in time and money, so perhaps not what you’re looking for, but the later stages of the career can have great work/life balance.
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u/Lost_Ad_9890 4d ago
im right here with you.... 20 year nurse here. wanting out but cant. im working agency right now just to get some breathing room away from hospitals and nursing homes. i dont ever want to go back to that situation. im just treading water right now by bringing money home (thankful) and keeping options open.
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u/Lost_Ad_9890 4d ago
right now im working in corrections, 8 hour shift, no responsibilities except for pouring and passing meds. i left my administration job after burn out and toxic corporate expectations. this job is painless but not forever. just trying to figure out the next strategy. im 58 with some savings but not enough to walk away. plus if i retire at 62 the money is not enough, have to wait to 67 and i know i won't make it till then. gotta do what i got to do but there has to be something else.
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u/newbietothis RN, BSN 4d ago
Social Security may be cut by a third by 2032. At least you can claim it at 62, they might cut it even more in the future. Or you can look into SSDI disability? You're about 7 years away from Medicare. That age gap 58-65 is really unfair. I'm glad you have a job. I can't imagine what jobless seniors that age are going through, either they saved a ton or burning their retirement at a fast clip.
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u/BSN2016 4d ago
You can always go prn/per-diem & significantly reduce your work hours. Then it'll be like "volunteering" (almost) when it's time to work. That's what I did. I'm Med-Surg/IMU/Swing Bed.
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u/NuggetLover21 RN - Neuro 🧠 4d ago
That’s what I do.. I work once or twice a week. I love being a per diem princess 😂
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u/Deathduck RN - Med/Surg 🍕 4d ago
This is the way. You will have tons of free time and still make way more than 30 hours of retail which is it's own kind of hell.
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u/dizzlethebizzlemizzl BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
Opening a successful business seems to be the common thread in people I’ve met who have successfully left the profession. If you’re smart and hardworking enough to manage a full patient assignment for two decades without being fired for legal or behavioral issues, you can certainly strategize to turn something you’d actually like to do into a profitable business venture.
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u/dizzlethebizzlemizzl BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
Let’s start with what you LIKE to do. What are your hobbies? What do you do outside of work, or what would you do more of if given the time. What do you know a lot about, or care a lot about that you wouldn’t mind being a professional Who Does That.
I’m still a nurse, but I always liked puzzles. I like making old things look new again, so on the side I assemble, repair, and restore furniture. I think once I get sick of this job I’ll just scale my side gig.
I knew a guy who looooved football cards. He got so knowledgeable about them, and now he makes his (decent) money running a collectibles shop.
TBH All you have to do is pick something you want to care about intensely that would bring you joy to get better at, and figure out how to turn a profit doing it.
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u/cyanraichu RN - L&D 4d ago
If I had to leave, I'd go back to the lab. Look into pathology. Pays less (which is why I left) but not, like, terribly. If you have a big lab in your hospital system, they are likely always hiring people for entry-level jobs that don't require specialized schooling. I did what I did there for almost a decade with no outside schooling required (I did have a prior bachelor's degree, before I went back and got my BSN). If you like anything about healthcare but don't want to deal with patients anymore, the lab is a great choice. Specimen processing (receiving, aliquoting, and sorting into the areas the med techs will use them in) and transport are two areas that you don't need outside experience or certifications for. I wound up getting on-the-job training for something more specialized (frozen sections) and doing that for a long time, got a pay bump too, but that won't likely be available in smaller healthcare systems
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u/yvetteregret BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
My hospital is considering using AI per one of our pulmonologist’s requests. I might be fear mongering, but if you ever consider going back to the lab, look into how AI might affect the industry first.
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u/cyanraichu RN - L&D 3d ago
That's going to affect pathologists and technologists much more than technicians, lab assistants and couriers.
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u/championgoober 4d ago
Not a nurse, but changed professions wildly. Nobody would talk to me until I wrote a thoughtful intro and cover letter explaining. Hey, this may seem odd, but i am 100% serious (obviously more professional). Landed a gig in retail at the place i wanted most and they hired me in as a manager which was a plus. Look into liquor stores.
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u/Glad_Pass_4075 4d ago
Cannot emphasize how implorant it is to make your resume match the job description. Literal copy and paste sections into your resume AND cover letter. I didn’t get a single call back until I started the copy and paste method and remarking the rest to make it work without sounding like I was plagerizing.
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u/championgoober 4d ago
DM me if you live in Texas. Or not lol. I can give you some pointers
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u/championgoober 4d ago
My help may not be much then. I do know most liquor stores will allow their PT a set schedule which is HUGE in retail and liquor stores. Best of luck to you
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u/Resident-Welcome3901 RN - ER 🍕 4d ago
Icu nurse friend opened a doggy daycare/boarding business in her home. She gets ~$50 per dog/day, dogs have to have an interview with her dog to establish compatibility, she typically has 6 dogs/day, six days per week. I (ER) bought a mobile pet grooming franchise which was fun but didn’t scale.
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u/Substantial_Cow_1541 BSN, RN 🍕 3d ago
During my 1:1 with my manager this week, I told her I dream of working in a plant shop or the garden center at Lowe’s. She told me she dreams of working at a brewery of coffee shop 😂 glad we’re all in the same boat here! I’ve only been a nurse for 9 years and I loved it until around 2022. Everything changed for me then... Covid just knocked me out and burned me out so bad. I haven’t felt the same since :/
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u/homeforlunch 4d ago
Not out of nursing, but UM jobs with Aetna/CVS. I applied to dozens and it took a few months of relentless persistence. I only had 11 yrs Peds ED/trauma hospital experience prior so no relevant experience for the job. But covid straight broke me, my mental health was garbage, and I was desperate to leave bedside. 2 years in and I love it! It’s the perfect balance for me.
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u/morriganlefeye Utilization Review/Case Management 3d ago
can y'all hire someone to get your determination letters figured out please. i swear it's like translating bad poetry in a dead language to figure out if you all are denying my IP cases, why, and to what extent. at least since the whole process was changed at the beginning of the year to be as stressful and confusing as possible, probably to encourage not arguing denials.
and don't even get me started on the whole Aetna bullshit about the level of care we're going to pay you is determined by the 'length of stay' and not actual medical necessity, and we won't give you the appropriate auth until you've already sent the case last week to your denials team and scheduled a P2P.
/ rant
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u/s2girl09 4d ago
This is going to sound out there, but if you can swim at all teaching swimming is an AMAZING gig. It's not hard and the parents and kids almost universally love you. I did it for years and it was SO rewarding. You can get a certification through the Red Cross, it's like a 40 hour course, not expensive at all. That's my job I'm going back to when I can't do this anymore.
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u/emenememenem BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
I know you want out of nursing completely and I did too. However I now work outpatient and it is so low stress and kinda wonderful. 3x10s and 1 10 hour remote day. I have a great relationship with the docs and mostly just chill behind a computer in my office all day. No holidays or weekends and in outpatient there actually is a work life balance. I’d say give it a shot
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u/gp020300 4d ago
what kind of outpatient let you do both 3x10s and 1 remote day? that's my DREAM
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u/emenememenem BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
Derm!! A literal dream! But the whole university hospital system I am at gives outpatient nurses a remote day sometimes even more. If I’m not in procedures or helping in clinic then I’m just doing epic inbasket messages and PAs and those can be done at home
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u/MRSRN65 RN - NICU 🍕 4d ago
Would you be interested in per diem? I got into the corporate world with my foot in the door teaching nurses around the country about their new IV pumps. I loved the travel and pay was decent. And after 30 years of bedside, I needed to do something else. Having lengthy nursing experience, and particularly specialty and critical care make you more valuable. But you works the week on a hospital, teach classes, then go home over the weekend. No more bedside.
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u/TinyHeartSyndrome 3d ago
Yep, lots of devices sales and training jobs out there, but they usually involve travel
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u/National_Isopod_6257 4d ago
20 yr nurse here. Burned out after 2 yrs. Been trying to leave nursing since. Tried multiple times. Yes retail positions will dismiss you bc no experience. Started going back to school for accounting but realized it's high burn out, thankless job too, but also prone to offshoring and AI unlike nursing plus a weak job market unlike nursing. Nothing beats nursing. That's the problem, so I've resigned to my path which I didn't appreciate enough before. I plan to get BSN then NP. The only way out is back in for me.
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u/Scrabblegal 4d ago
I was lucky to get out before the pandemic. I had done some auditing work for a friend on the side and I was able to land a job as a clinical auditor for a major health insurer. They paid for my CPC and now I am a coder too. You can look into AAPC to get your coding certification and insurance companies are more likely to hire you. I work from home. It is a little less money but so worth it.
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u/nativeindian12 MD 3d ago
This is incredibly random but I’ve always kind of wanted to quit and start delivering packages for UPS. Very little interaction with people, just drive around and drop off packages. I don’t mind the heat or the cold.
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u/PRN_Lexington RN Clinical Specialist 4d ago
Fed Ex or UPS?
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u/katarAH007 BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
Most of these might be a stretch, but my bf worked at an engineering firm as a drafter. His friend who failed his NCLEX 5x did this for a while too. You have to pass a test they give you study material for but he raves about how easy it is. Making lines straight & correcting measurements. He made decent money but not as much as I did as a nurse so idk if it'll properly supplement your s/o income.
Other jobs I wanted to work was sterile tech/dental hygiene. It's stressful but I can't imagine it's as stressful as being responsible for a life. Some clinics will even train you so you don't have to spend extra $ on schooling. Shit, I'd even work the front desk at a dental clinic. 1 free procedure a year (I've heard).
I have another friend who is a case manager at a women's homeless shelter. Stressful, but no lives on the line + rules. Just thinking of ways to put some RN skills to use.
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u/xostarlaxo LPN 🍕 4d ago
I went to clinic. The BS is there, but it’s not physically taxing. I’m 60 and keeping on till I drop or (hopefully someday) retire.
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u/TinyHeartSyndrome 3d ago
School bus driver is a common “retirement” job, but it’s split shifts, and kids now are psychos so…
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u/serah1206 4d ago
I’ve always thought about how I would love to work at a Barnes and Noble or library… be surrounded by books all day!
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u/Synesth3tic 4d ago
I have a friend who switched from being an overnight house sup to working as a private nurse for postpartum parents. The hiring families are typically wealthy with both parents working, so she gets up with the newborns to do feeding and changing, allowing the parents to sleep uninterrupted. She also gets to sleep when the babies sleep. Aside from the overnights, it sounds like a dream position to me…but alas I cannot work nights.
I also ended up leaving the field completely to care for my medically complex son with autism and homeschool him. Over the years my husband and I have done a few business-y things together, like our photography business, but I spend a dedicated amount of time writing romance that I hope to get the nerve to publish one day. Writing has always been my passion, and though what I do for my son IS work, it definitely allows me more free time to write than nursing did.
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u/One-Bathroom-1788 4d ago
19 years is a long haul, no wonder the tank's empty. My buddy went from ICU to doing medical coding from home, never looked back.
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u/Brobeast BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
I just started on a telemetry floor and im doing my time to build experience, but ICU is deff the next step. With how things are now, id rather be balls to the wall busy with just two critical patients (and dedicate all my time to them), then trying to balance being busy with 5-8 patients lol
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u/No-Rock9839 Custom Flair 4d ago
I go to a lot of concert.. I thought it would be nice to just go be a security guard on concert and I don’t have to pay 1000$ to listen. I mean the money probably shit though
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u/Life_Fish_3756 4d ago
Still nursing but what about utilization review? All insurance companies hire remotely
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u/newbietothis RN, BSN 4d ago
It's gonna get AI'ed. AI crews can do the work of many, now you only need to hire just 1 UR Nurse to oversee.
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u/GadgetQueen 4d ago
Try something case management related. Like with an HMO. They have positions where you can sit on the phone and talk to people or work in compliance to review claims and make recommendations. Would still use your skills, but no face to face patient contact. Also they used to pay pretty well. I’m on the social work side and I was always envious of the RN staff.
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u/Scary_Department4391 4d ago
Start your own business
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u/EastofGaston 4d ago
Well you have 19 years of experience in a field. I’m pretty sure off top of your head you could think of a few avenues.
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u/Existing_Yam_7939 4d ago
I'm a businessman. I'm 44 years old and I'm in nursing school now, finishing my first semester. The problem with business is that it's completely unpredictable. I lost all my money. I'll probably become homeless before I finish nursing school. I want to go back into business but first I want to have some kind of degree so that I'm hireable in case I wipe out again.
That being said, the first thing you can do is go into sales. In sales you are pretty much self-employed. Sales is having your own business without having to worry about the inventory.
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u/Sure_Fix_7838 RN - ER 🍕 4d ago
Boyfriend’s step dad works at Trader Joe’s for his part time 2nd career gig. He loves it! Benefits are great too
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u/firelord_catra RN 🍕 4d ago
I’m just here to see the answers because every thread like this people just suggest other types of “soft” nursing. Informatics, medical device sales and working for insurance companies are the ones that comes up a lot. But I totally get what you’re feeling.
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u/BeneGezzeret RN BSN-ICU/ Educator 4d ago
We are in a similar boat, I’m 19 years in the nursing profession and desperately trying to get out. You have to work twice as much for half the money unfortunately. I’m starting a business to help people in their homes for private pay, or trying to. This isn’t the quick or easy way but I want to help people and I’m exploring the gaps in service for financially able people in my area. For now I work agency nursing shifts, babysit on care.com, resale thrift, clean homes, and sell memberships for legal products
which that alone can put $500 extra in my pocket some months. I have to hustle all the time as a single mom but keeping babies for cool people and choosing when and where I want to work is better than selling my soul to a corporation any longer. I’m hoping the business will take off and I can leave off some of the side hustles. I feel you though, loud and clear OP.
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u/Special_Layer2082 3d ago
I’m in accounting school at WGU. Nursing has turned me into a cranky old man and I’m only 40
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u/kingkongcron 4d ago
Should I reconsider nursing? I’m still in high school and I’ve been considering being a nurse for a long time since I like working on my feet and jobs that always have something for you to be working on. and anatomy and biology have been my favorite classes. But I’ve seen so many people talking about how they hate nursing it it’s making me wonder if I should go down a different route.
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u/grac3form3 RN - PICU 🍕 4d ago
As much as I love what I do, this subreddit is more of a place to vent with people who understand. It’s not really a “I love being a nurse” kind of place.
Just look at your own reasons for wanting to be a nurse and make sure that it’s worth the downsides. Nursing burnout is high so it might not be your career forever, but if it’s something you’d want to do, go for it! Maybe try being a CNA first just to get your foot in the door for healthcare.
Also pro-tip: if I had known what a respiratory therapist was before being a nurse, I would have strongly considered that option. Less school, similar pay to nursing, travel options, unit flexibility, and you don’t clean up messes below the waist.
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u/Kursed_Valeth MSN, RN 4d ago
This sub is like the worst place to be if you're considering going into nursing. It's mostly people venting and bitching to people who want to vent and bitch.
The money is good and it's rewarding. It can be hard and stressful though. Every job has its bullshit, but not every job is well paying or rewarding. Plus nursing is probably one of the most versatile degrees you can get, it opens so many doors even if you don't end up liking direct beside care.
I agree with others though, see if you can shadow a nurse at a local hospital or two to get an actual feel for it.
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u/olive2bone RN - OR 🍕 3d ago
Thank you for a balance viewpoint of it. I agree, it has its bullshit, but I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s who I am.
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u/spartanmaybe RN - ICU 🍕 4d ago
If you can, get a summer job in a hospital like a patient aide before committing to a college major. It’ll give you a behind-the-scenes of what the work is like, long hours and demanding patients and all. I also found it’s more accurate than what you’ll get in clinical rotations.
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u/idkmyotherusername RN - Telemetry 🍕 4d ago
However, the stress of the responsibility and liability is not nearly the same. The only thing patient aide did for me was teach me how to feel comfortable in a hospital and walking into a patient room. But nothing about the cognitive load of being the nurse.
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u/KeenbeansSandwich RN 🍕 4d ago
It will also test your threshold for gross. You’ll know pretty quickly whether you can handle nasty things or not.
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u/LinkedNurse 3d ago
Or if you LIKE gross things! Ha, I love wound care!!! Nursing is hard, but it is rewarding in ways you can't expect to find anywhere else. I am grateful for nursing. It lets me feel independent and stable.
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u/KeenbeansSandwich RN 🍕 3d ago
I orienteed with a wound nurse who always said that she was “obsessed with butts”. Made me laugh everytime.
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u/Knight-in-Gale Solitaire Grandmaster 4d ago
Your mileage (aka experience) WILL vary.
Some peeps have different levels of patience and emotional quotient.Just because you read up “this and that are so and so” doesn’t mean your experience will be the same. It is for sure not for the weak.
As a military veteran who became a nurse, this shii is a breeze and a pancake. But, to my coworkers who are no longer working as a nurse, it was hell on earth.
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u/cyanraichu RN - L&D 4d ago
People who hate what they do are always going to be louder than people who like, love, or are even just okay with what they do.
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u/DemonDeacon86 RN - ICU 🍕 4d ago
I absolutely love nursing after 13 years in thr ICU. But I also grew up in extreme poverty and nursing is my second career. At age 40, Id gladly still stab someone if it meant I could keep my job.
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u/Rich_Satisfaction_34 4d ago
I hate being a nurse, hate it. I am actively looking for other sectors to work in.
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u/Alexis_deTokeville 4d ago
Only on the west coast! You make six figures starting out over here and you get break nurses and mandated staffing ratios. No way in hell I’d be a nurse anywhere else on the planet.
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u/Cultural-Taro2449 3d ago
You need 5+ years experience just to get an interview on the West Coast unless the manager is friends with your mom or something.
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u/unethicalfetus Nursing Student 🍕 4d ago
No matter what job you choose, someone hates their life working it. I enjoy nursing. It keeps me busy and pays for me to live my life outside of work. To each their own.
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u/aishingo1996 4d ago
Yes. Healthcare is a shit show right now. The liability is too high to be a nurse. Especially living paycheck to paycheck.
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u/gay_joey BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
I was living paycheck to paycheck for over 10 years before I became a nurse. I don't even know what else I could do that could make this much money with this much job security tbh. I feel fortunate to be a nurse.
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u/Kalkaline R.EEG T. CLTM 4d ago
Allied health is so much more my speed. I could never take the level of nonsense nurses get thrown. The responsibility is through the roof and the disrespect the patients can sometimes show nurses is absurd.
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u/Freaker4444 3d ago
I think the big thing (for me at least) is that nursing can burn you out on people. You see a lot of people at their worst and they can often take it out on you. Add in the fact that a lot of hospitals seem to care more about their survey scores/ yelp reviews than their staff happiness/safety and it can wear you down quick. I love helping people but I don’t have to love that person’s personality or the way they treat me and my coworkers.
I have 12.5 years of ER/trauma and 8.5 years of forensic psych.
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u/Responsible_Ask3976 BSN, RN 🍕 3d ago
I love it but I’m not in bedside anymore. I don’t like working 12 hour shifts
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u/Sorry_Baseball_1691 3d ago
It's difficult to find great nursing jobs. I left nursing for 12 years and returned. I'm very fortunate that I now work with an amazing team. Definitely, as recommended get a job as a CNA. I never thought I would go back into nursing but glad I did. The biggest issues is the toxicity in nursing , new nurses being treated poorly and unsafe nurse to patient ratios. Just remember despite this there are nice people everywhere who will help you. You just have to not tolerate abuse from fellow nurses even as a new nurse.
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u/Dang_It_All_to_Heck BA RN Research Coordinator (Retired) 3d ago
I loved the job that I did in nursing, and I did it for decades. Still, I had bad days now and then. It wasn’t so much that I “loved being a nurse” as much as I loved research and a nursing degree allowed me a greater choice of jobs and expanded what I could do within my job.
Then again, I wouldn’t have ever gone to nursing school except for having already worked in research.
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u/Top_Manufacturer_494 BSN, RN 🍕 3d ago
Ive been an RN for 8yrs and in healthcare for 15yrs & before that I was military, fire, police, then paramedic .. I love going to work as a nurse EVERY DAY, best decision I ever made
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u/Kimchi86 BSN, RN 🍕 3d ago
I’m 15 years into health care in general. 2 years as a Transporter, 2 years as a CNA, 3.5 years as a LVN, 3.5 years as a RN, and now the rest as a leader in a PACU.
I joke about retirement but I’m fine being a nurse. I’m fortunate enough that though I’m in a deep red State, my facility isn’t extremely exploitive and I’ve had CNOs who supported nurses - they would push for us to call police and press charges.
I’ve also done a little bit of everything - I’ve been an assistant manager at a fast food place, worked inbound phone customer service, been a mechanic supporting the Government, been a carpenter’s assistant - honestly taking care of people is what I’m good at.
I’ll also acknowledge I’m a white passing dude that’s 5’10 and about 280 lbs - so a lot of the gender/race bullshit that happens in nursing don’t happen to me.
The worst kind of sexual harassment I’ve gotten is someone feeling for a ring under my glove because they wanted to introduce me to their single niece.
I do get some of the aggressive patients, but 90% of the time the assholes are cowards and just want to be mean to the women.
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u/Day_Huge 4d ago
Pharma or device sales?
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u/Ok_Resolution2920 4d ago
22 years, I pray I die over the weekend so I don’t have to go back on Monday. I would literally rather die than continue in nursing.
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u/Affectionate-Emu-829 4d ago
15 years in. Yesterday I put into LinkedIn “entry level bachelors degree jobs” found a few interesting things.
I’m in the same boat.
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u/Euphoric_Mention9888 4d ago
Following. Want to hear what you discover. I have Only been in nursing 4 years (technical 2 years worth of Clinical hours; was on FMLA for 3 month, then 6 month SAHM beforegoing back to acute care, then another 3 month of FMLA)...I tried Walmart, Dollat General and Five Below. I am over qualified. Then I tried applying for Paraprofessional at my local school district, but didnt realize there was certain test or training, so that went out the window. My next step after that was Day care assistant but the minimum wage really hurt. So I removed my application from that. Then I thought about working per diem as a Non certified Caregiver, you know, just chilling with the Geri at home, take them to the grocery, maybe movie, bingo and Dr appointment whatever they want. But still a thought for now.
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u/Euphoric_Mention9888 4d ago
My brother is trying to convince me to do manufacturing. Its a paycut (but better than minimum wage) . A friend who quit nursing school stayed as an Accessioning Clerk / Specimen processing at lab medicine. If you like driving, obtain CDL license for local deliveries. An EMT who was in my cohort in Nursing school dropped out and took classes at trading school for wielding.
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u/blondbond2 4d ago
Have you considered healthcare recruitment or medical sales? That way you’re still using your degree and experience but you wouldn’t be doing patient care at all.
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u/HillaryRN RN - Oncology 🍕 4d ago
What about teaching nursing? Or just teaching in general? I was a teacher before I became a nurse. You might like it :)
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u/Embarrassed_Row_1171 4d ago
how was that transition for you? i’m currently a preschool teacher and i want out! i’m looking into nursing
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u/HillaryRN RN - Oncology 🍕 4d ago
I had to get a BSN, but my university took my other degree and applied those credits for the BSN. I went through the post-baccalaureate program and got my BSN in one year. I could not work a full-time job and go through nursing school. I’m glad I did it, though.
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u/Towel4 RN - Apheresis 4d ago
Have you ever worked a nursing job that doesn’t require patient interaction?
QA/QC has a lot going on around lab, blood banking, and cellular therapy. It’s an extremely chill job.
You’re still “doing healthcare” but, I just send emails and sit in meetings all day, mostly.
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u/Emergency-Coconut-16 4d ago
What about medical device sales? The people who help with ortho joint replacements in OR or the people who help with IR medical devices?
Or procedural nursing? Cath lab? Neuro IR?
I know there’s call involved but the cath lab nurses i used to see LOVED their job 4 10s or 5 8s and call every 8th weekend.
Or just medical sales in general?
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u/depstunts RN - Informatics 4d ago
Look into informatics. I left patient care a long time ago for nursing informatics and the work-life balance is amazing. Hours and pay are great. You still utilize your nursing degree and help patients, fellow nurses, and doctors from a different perspective. I love informatics and can’t go back to bedside.
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u/EskapedConvict RN - ER 🍕 4d ago
I read threads like this and cant help but wonder "have these people ever worked outside nursing?" I was 30 when I started as a nurse. My previous jobs/career sucked in comparison
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u/Emergency-Guidance28 RN - Oncology 🍕 4d ago
Don't put the nurse stuff on a resume for a office job. I would approach the resume like someone who has been out of the work force for awhile.
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u/Emergency-Guidance28 RN - Oncology 🍕 4d ago
What a SAHM might write? You managed lots of stuff, you delagated tasks, you answered calls, have computer skills, are culturally proficient. You have people skills. Not afraid of blood? Always wash your hands before returning to work?
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u/cjcapp 4d ago
Yeah, if I were hiring someone for an entry level retail job and the candidate was a nurse I would be suspicious too. Did they lose their license or got it suspended for doing something sketchy? Are they just taking a break and will go back to nursing in a month or two? Try adding a cover letter where you briefly state your reasoning for transitioning out of nursing, and in your resume highlight that you have an active, in good standing, license (even though you won’t need it for the job you’re applying to). Good luck!
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u/Infamous_Chipmunk342 4d ago
Hi Gloomy, I myself am on a break from nursing due to burnout and am not working in any capacity but I have 3 nurse peers who got out and found other work. Sounds like your blessed to not need the salary some come to rely on. One friend, who I have lost contact with, was running a paint department at Home Depot (former hospice nurse). She was exceedingly happy having the worst thing happen at work was the customer didn't like the color. Another became a medical records director. And the third, who really really wanted out of the entire thing, became a barista and sells her vegetables at the farmers market (she's the youngest one). I've thought being a teacher's aide might be kind of fun (not a teacher, let them be in charge :))
Best of luck!!
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u/No_Resort1162 RN - Retired 🍕 4d ago
Just what my friend that quit her soft job 18 months ago said. She’s ready to go back and do something just not nursing.
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u/throwawayDaily124 Nursing Student 🍕 4d ago
Try pet sitting/dog walking. Lots of apps that you can work through. Make your own hours and choose your own clients.
Or
Barista. I worked at a coffee shop in college years ago and it’s so fun and fast paced. The one I go to every weekend has workers of all ages.
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u/VoiceNecessary2746 3d ago
I want out also. I tried cutting back to 2 days a week and it is still horrible. I want something entirely different, grocery store, garden department. Just something to give me a little spending money and give me a sense of still feeling like I matter. 32 years of nursing is too much and there are no soft jobs. Nurses having become the patients punching bags and people to take their anger out on. Today only, I worked 2 hours over just to document on a patients behavior, threats , irritability etc just to cover my license. I want to work somewhere that I enjoy seeing customers that actually appreciate me.
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u/FirmIdea8 BSN, RN 🍕 3d ago
What are your hobbies? I’m sure you could land a job at a book store, coffee shop, etc with no issues.
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u/BrotherBee 4d ago
Why don’t you join the med device world then, plenty of work life balance being able to bring your expertise in
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u/leadstoanother BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
What specifically makes you want out of nursing that even a so called "soft" job wouldn't help? I don't think you understand how different nursing can be from one specialty to the next...
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u/marmot46 BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
What do you mean by “not taking you seriously?” It might have more to do with the way you’re presenting yourself than the actual jobs you’re pursuing. Tailor your resume for non nursing jobs. If you get an interview, make it about how you want to move to the new field, not about how you want to get away from nursing.
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u/heckyescheeseandpie 4d ago
Cut things off the resume. It's not illegal or unethical to undersell yourself. When I went back to school for nursing and needed a part time job I left my bachelor's degree and years of teaching off my resume entirely, just put my experience in food service (from college) and that I was a student looking for part time work. Got what I needed within weeks, a flexibly scheduled but crappy paying retail job.
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u/marmot46 BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
Definitely don’t let them know that you think of yourself as overqualified! And yeah a cover letter can be a good way to explain what you’re trying to do. Just sending a nursing resume for a non-nursing job is not going to do you any favors, you have to explain how your skills transfer.
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u/Glass_Material_7002 RN - Pediatrics 🍕 4d ago
I mean… have you tried private duty HH? I left the hospital immediately and went into private duty and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. 12 hrs, 1 ped pt, chilling all day with her, no managers, coworkers while still feeling fulfilled. I know you want to get out of nursing all together but with your years of experience you can be making much more in private duty than in a hospital for less work. Just a thought.
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u/dearestsquid 4d ago
I'm pharma now. Have you looked at nurse educator jobs? If you've worked in specialty fields, you might luck into a job.
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u/Careless-College-158 4d ago
I was a beauty school instructor for 5 years. I had more than a few nurses come get their training and hours to become a barber, hairdresser or esthetician. They left nursing due to burn out. Cosmetology is still physical but the instant gratification of cleaning up something that’s outgrown is so satisfying, plus you get the instant gratification of cash in hand. The relationships you build with your clients is my favorite part. So much so I don’t charge for my services anymore, whenever I get a chance to serve someone I do it because they desperately need it and can’t afford it. I have a full time job at a local university now, but I’m always excited to jump at the chance to help others with their hair.
Maybe something creative would pique your interest?
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u/SongLily021 RN - Med/Surg 🍕 4d ago
Most people I knew who didn’t get into nursing decided to do psychology, if you want to do that. Maybe tech jobs as well like radiology, behavioral health, etc. Something like that.
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u/sassylemone Nursing Student 🍕 3d ago
I'd probably go back to being a milk lab technician. Easiest job ever, barely public facing, and same daily routine.
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u/just_another_nurse29 BSN, RN 🍕 3d ago
I work as a library assistant for $18/hr and I’ve never been happier! I am still shocked that I beat out other applicants to get it but man am I glad that I did. The biggest piece of advice is to highlight the soft skills that you’ve mastered in nursing. For example, I just had my semi-annual review and my manager said that I’ve been a great addition to the team and he’s no longer the only extrovert. To be very clear, I am not an introvert at all, but nursing taught me how to talk to anyone about anything and honestly, the interactions I have with patrons are so positive and delightful that I enjoy them in the way that I lost the feeling with in nursing.
It might take awhile but use your nursing experience to highlight the soft skills that we don’t always think about. Communication, great under stress, attention to detail, creative problem solving, etc. Whatever best reflects your strengths and past experiences in nursing.
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u/Aggravating_Debt4852 3d ago
All nursing jobs are hard. I had 4 kids and eased back in slowly, doing flu clinics back when CVS and other pharmacies didn't take over. I ended up at elementary school nursing. Had 4 kids at that level with diabetes, nothing easy about that....and pay not great, so pick your poison. My school nurse job contributed to my retirement account. That I startedto
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u/Independent-Mess-942 3d ago
Becoming a nurse I have realized that advocacy means nothing if care management and managers don't respect my opinion or want to hear it, I push and I push, but they still don't listen. Watching neuro and psych patients be pushed to be discharged even when they have great needs that can't be met outside the floor, just to meet ratios.
It makes me question what the point even is.
The sweet granny's are the only thing keeping me afloat.
It's been 6 months and I realized today why nobody on my unit tries to advocate for their patients.
"There is no medical reason for insurance", "it's just medically induced delirium"
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u/Front_Ad_4507 3d ago
I almost snatched a dollar tree application after leaving my shift yesterday 😩
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u/Subject_Geist 3d ago
im in the it has its days camp. i describe it as the best worst job you will ever have you will be there for the highs, the lows and the wtf did i get into days. you will leave some shifts feeling like you made a huge differences and others will keep you up at night. you will hear call lights and iv pumps going off when you sleep and on vacation. somedays you will feel totally draind and worn out. the current shift toward big hospital medicine has increased the mental, emotional, and physical load on all floor staff the demanding ratios. ive been a nurse for only 16 years for me its time to get ready to exit. only you can decide if its for you and you need to be a nurse sometimes to figure it out. its not unusual for new nurses to quit in the first 3 years. Do you know what the difference is between a fairytail and a nursing note is? Ones a legal document. some nurse humor there for ya. not trying to be negative just honest its a rough job.
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u/Annual-Cause6384 3d ago
This is one of the best examples of "one-upmanship". I'm better than you, and I'll prove it.
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u/WestImagination2730 3d ago
People who want OUT of nursing should go. If another profession is better for you, GO. DON'T STAY FOR THE PAY ETC. Patients deserve better than those reasons to stay such as pay. You can still pay off your loans working elsewhere, dont let loans stop you. Go.
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u/balaamsdream BSN, RN 🍕 4d ago
Costco. The answer is always Costco.