[Cherry2]

My fellow RN’s,
I’ve been a nurse for about a year now and I work at a MedSurg/OCN unit. Ever since I started this profession I’ve been disappointed in what I chose to do for a living. Most of the pt’s that come to my unit are IVDA, ETOH abusers and cancer pts. I want to care for my cancer pts than pushing pain meds to those pts that I mentioned above. I want to ask my experienced nurses what else is out there for me with my BSN degree other than bed side nursing? Help Please…..

Tks C

[Ricu]

Hi Cherry,

I hear what you're saying. There is definitely a lot of chemical dependency out there and it becomes evident when people come into the hospital. I have a feeling that this isn't going to change anytime soon either. What may help is to change where you practice your nursing. Do you like working with terminal people? You could look into hospice care, either in home or hospice center. Palliative care is another option like hospice in that it is focused on providing end of life care in a respectful and dignified manner but usually practiced in hospital.

Other options you might consider are pediatrics, school nursing, outpatient cardiac rehab or diabetic education to name a few.

Whatever you choose, know you can change again if it doesn't fit. Nursing is wide open and ther are limitless options so keep looking.

Good luck,

R

[OldSquidNewNurse]

Would you consider working at a cancer center? You might need a few years of experince before hiring in, but might be worth a look if you like that population of patients. Were I live there's one up and running with another on the way.

[disholicious]

definately don't give up! I say I love being a nurse, but I wouldn't like being every type. I like the ETOH and chemically dependent, but no way could I be an oncology nurse. Everyone is different and nursing is also. You will find your niche.

[Cherry2]

Thank you every one for taking time to give me some advices I really appreciate it. As disholicious mentioned I think I need to find my nitche. I’m willing to look into the options that u guys have mentioned. I will update in the near future in what I chose to try next.
Thanks again, C.

[linda1968]

I got my BSN also and I felt exactly the same way the last year of school. I hated it and wondered what I was doing there! And, then we did pediatrics/OB. I loved the nursery. I have done neonatal for 15 years, most of that in a large medical center. But, I have used the skills I learned in the large unit in smaller hospitals. I think we get tunnel vision and forget all the possibilities available to us, keep looking. I also think we lose our confidence and get nervous about changing. Join the float pool and explore! There are a lot of nurses we meet that have done tons of different things talk to them at work they can give you ideas when you least expect it.

[cgrunrun]

I once had a DON who published something in a paper to the effect that nurses love what they do, they just hate their jobs. How True!!! Focus on what you like. There is always an opportunity out there.