I can’t nurse anymore

[JEB0206]

I’m a nurse of 25 years. I’m broken, stressed and have no confidence. I’ve had various posts over the years and been in my current one less than a year. I’m frightened of handing my notice in to find a totally new job out of nursing. But I’m equally a mess going to work. I know I can’t do this for much longer, it’s impacting my whole life. I don’t know what to do.

Before I stopped nursing I did some Clinical Trials work and also spoke with a national insurance company who were looking for staff with a medical background.

In the end I took a disability related role in a University.

Hope some of these roles encourage you to look at alternative jobs.

I work as a benefits adviser for a charity and help with disability forms etc so my nursing knowledge comes in handy and also communication sklills as clients are often angry or distressed and frustrated at the system.

That sounds good Babyroobs, nice to know that there is life after nursing!

What about looking at Pharma and medical companies to get into selling or nurse advising roles? There are some great jobs out there - PM me if you need any help x

Hi everyone, I’m the original poster, I had to create a new login!
Well, I’m still in the same place/job, lost my nerve a bit. I think I’ve become conditioned to the “being a nurse defines you” syndrome.
With regards to other work choices, I was predominantly community for over half my career, that was where my issues with burnout started. I can’t find anything that makes me want to continue.
I’m still looking at stopping being a nurse, I just need to be brave!
I miss what nursing was, it’s changed and definitely not for the better, it’s very sad.
I have no clue what my future options are.
Thank you all for your input though.

Hi - I’m an immunisation nurse, it’s a word away from ward and community nursing. We work term time only, going into secondary schools to do HPV and teenage boosters and then cover primary schools in flu season. It’s honestly a lovely job, no stress, and growing numbers of staff needed as there’s more children needing immunised. This job kept me in the NHS, I would have left otherwise.

woodsageseasalt, how did you get into that? I never see those jobs advertised

Have you considered Occ Health in industry OP?

I used to work in the acute setting, got knots in my stomach every time I went to work, as did my cousin. She gave nursing up but I moved to a lovely little community hospital which is so less stressful. Good luck with whatever you decided to do.

@JEB0206 @JEB123

How are you now? Did you move jobs? How did you cope with covid?