Great saying @13infbatt , I also love 'you can't pour out of an empty glass' I'm glad you finally cut ties and are out of the battlefield we call healthcare.. Time to get back into rest and digest mode and let your body, mind and soul relax. Enjoy the rest of your time mate! - Nick
Wow that must have been a WILD ride. I couldn't last >5 years in bedside in general, better yet ER! Congrats to you for lasting as long as you did. I'm proud of you. I give you my blessing to take off the scrubs and settle down into a calmer less toxic job! Look after yourself, after 20 years, you'll most likely need a bit of time to recover and get back into some 'normalcy'. Look after yourself -Nick
I just quit bedside med surg nursing. Tuesday is my last day after 10 years of hell. The amount of abuse we get from patients/families, increase demands from management with limited resources, disrespect from providers starts to take a toll on your mental health. I felt dead inside every time I went in.
I have worked in surg as well as medical, both are awful but surgical is worse in my opinion. Congratulations in getting out! That's huge! I'm so excited for your next chapter! All the best and look after yourself -Nick
I got tired of families "fishing for a lawsuit". You start to feel like a mafia member under surveillance. I also got tired of watching everything you said or put down in a chart that could be used against you. You can't really take care of patients with the patient load and patient fragility most long term care or med-surg nurses carry, not for a sustained period of time. There were days you were just lucky someone didn't die on your shift. Long term care, they just want to fill a bed. I had patients who really needed to be in a hospice setting.
100%. I've had patients and their family members actioning 'ryans rule' over the dumbest sh&t i've ever seen. All because they weren't first in line to get a procedure, whilst not being in a 'life-threatening' state. Whilst we had people in CCU on inotropes and vasopressors keeping them alive that needed the lab or surgery sooner. It happened a lot with private patients coming into the public health system. Demanding single rooms, demanding this, demanding that. We'd just say, you're a private patient, go to private we don't do that shit here, and then.. 'fish for a lawsuit' as you would say. There was almost no winning, you just had to bow down to these people just to keep your job and get paid and survive, all to come back and do it again. -Nick
I get you Katy. I spent 32 years the bedside: Emergency Room, Neurosurgical ICU, Medical ICU,and my final 19 yrs in Trauma ICU . I had enough one day. after two doctors ticked me off. Put in my papers , retired and never looked back, Claimed my pension at 55 and Social Security at 62. Have very little debt . Not rich but comfortable.
You took the words right out my mouth. Nursing is a horrible profession. You are not treated like a human being. I regret going into honestly. The general public do not respect nurses! You are responsible for everything and get blamed for everything. The CEOs and administrator’s only care how much they can profit. They will leave these facilities short staffed, low supplies, no security with unstable patient’s on purpose so they can get a fat bonus check. I’m getting the heck out of healthcare too. It’s not worth it. I’ll go insane if last another year.
Couldn't agree any more! It's all about budgets and making an extra dollar, and you know what's funny? It's the people that AREN'T nurse, or bedside nursing, that are pulling the strings because they don't deal with the aftermath pile of s!@#. I understand that there is a NEED fore nurses and healthcare "heros", but I am NOT one of them, you can find someone who is willing to be treated like shit, overworked and underpaid, just because they 'love their job'. Glad you got out/are getting out! Honest i've been about for about 7 months, and I have not felt better, my sleep schedules have normalised, I have routines that I can actually follow, and I basically never get stress induced cold sores / mouth ulcers (used to get them monthly). Enjoy your time out!
Im a new nurse and im already mapping out my exit in the next couple of years … if anything im leaving bedside and doing something else with my degrees
Being a nurse killed me inside. I have PTSD from working as a nurse. Staffing ratios, mistreatment from patients and families, management blaming the nurses for everything, getting physically assaulted by patients more and more frequently due to the patient population. I would never recommend this career to anyone. The system needs to protect and support nurses, and until that ever happens, it's not worth spending the money and time to become a nurse.
I couldn't agree with you more! Whenever a nursing student came through, I always made sure to let them know of the negatives (along with the very minimal positives) of this job. I always told them that they should get out while they can (if they were on the fence to begin with). No one should have to go through the stuff nurses do, but we do, and like you said, it's not worth it until they change the systems, which I don't foresee happening any time soon (if ever). Thanks for tuning in! -Nick
Completely agree. I've got your back and will support you anyway that I can. I worked trauma, ICU, Life Flight including in the military. It's expected that nurses constantly take care of train wrecks, bodies so cruelly broke that they'll be crippled for life, yet never emotionally break down ourselves. The doctors take care of the patients too, but for a tiny fraction of time that we do. We fight everyone to give the best care for out patients. We fight doctors, administrators, logistics, regulations, family and friends of our patients, even the patients themselves. If we don't fight, patients die. And we have enough blood on our hands that we did not cause. If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone into HR as a profession. More money, less work, no one ever died from an HR deficiency.
ever had a patient throw his own feces in your face cos you didn't answer his call bell on time, you were cleaning up another patient who had soiled himself and the bed from running diarrhea, as soon as you finished you went to answer this patient and the next thing he had shit in your face. Ever had a manager come to tell you that your other patients are calling while you were doing sterile dressings on a huge wound that takes over an hour. Ever had families approach you while you were passing medications and confront you and ask you why you were not feeding their mother, eventhough you explain to them you will after you finish passing meds, so why can't they feed their mother, their answers are ''cos we pay you''..
My daughter quit nursing to become a dental hygienist … she recently finished up her dental hygienist education. BEST decision she ever made! She is SO MUCH HAPPIER as a dental hygienist. Being a nurse is soul crushing and has to be one of the worst jobs out there.
My co workers wife has been a Dental Hygienist for many years and he’s told me she loved it so much.. only downside is that she has tension in her neck and back from leaning over cleaning patients teeth and what not.. be sure to tell your daughter to get massages once in a while and to take care of herself :)
😂Imagine the stress on her back pulling up 300+lb patients all day/night (no dental hygienist working at 3am😂) From a 20+yr night shift nurse…❤️she absolutely picked the right profession!!❤
Thank you! I tried to be as honest and transparent as I could be. Too many people favour or like the idea of being a nurse or 'healthcare hero', without understanding whats actually involved, it's not sunshine and rainbows and I want people to know that. If I can prevent at least one person from going through what I went through and change their trajectory in life for the better, then I will do my best to do that. Thank you so much for tuning in and supporting this video! -Nick
Couldn’t agree more with ALL of this and unfortunately those who don’t work in healthcare will never ever know. Consider themselves blessed.. I’m one year in and already going back to school.
Thanks Autumn! Yep, i've tried to explain this to SO many people that don't work in healthcare and they just NEVER get it. Even some colleagues (that are nurses) never understood any of these topics either, which was mind-blowing to me, as they also experience it daily. But I guess some people have the ability to 'turn-off' to these problems and go home. But after a while, you just can't ignore this stuff. I got through my year grad, and then starting having doubts, but I lasted another 4 years, and thought enough was enough! Hope you can figure out something else you want to do in life! - Nick
CNA here. Was only 16 years old and got my license right at the beginning of the pandemic. One CNA to 25 residents. Tell me how that's fair? Quit after management started telling CNAs that they could not sit down and chart at the nurses station. They needed go use the wall monitors. The only time me and my fellow CNAs got to sit down in an 8 hour shift because we were so busy and they took it away from us. Couldn't handle being taken advantage of like that anymore.
I've worked in nursing homes too, prior to acute care hospital settings, even that was a drag, but not as mentally stressful, due to not caring for acutely unwell patients that can deteriorate at any time. But 1:25 ratio is actually insane. How do they think anyone can provide safe care in those circumstances? Like where are the policies on the ratios? Where is the union when they're needed? I'm sorry you had to experience this field like that. Did you end up getting out? - Nick
@@nickandstevie I was so young at the time I didn't even think of reporting conditions like that, but you're right. It was vastly unsafe not only for the CNAs, but the residents as well. I did end up quitting and getting out; and I've found myself in a much better place mentally and career wise!
Why would CNAs be a the nurses station charting? Everywhere I've worked there are pretty much just enough computers at the station for nurses and maybe one additional for providers. If there is an extra computer after the nurses all have one then it'd make sense for assistive personnel to use one. What usually happens is the assistive personnel hog all the computers at the nurses station and then the nurses have no where to chart!
@@Kwicdrawmcgraw The nurses have additional computers on their carts. Most nurses seem to have preferred those computers since they perform faster than the ones at the nurses station. The monitors in the hall that they were requiring us CNAs to use were slow, unresponsive to touch, and overall would have taken double if not triple the time compared to the station computers. Besides that. May I rephrase. In the middle of the pandemic and severely understaffed, us CNA's were barely at the station to begin with. The *only* time we were able to sit down was during charting, one time per shift, usually when nurses were doing their rounds anyways. None of the nurses complained. That wasn't why they changed the rule -- as far as I am aware all the nurses I worked with were more than happy to share the seats at the nurses station. They knew we couldn't ever take a lunch due to how slammed we were. The facility wasn't being compassionate. They knew better than anyone that no CNAs had been able to take lunches for weeks, and that we were being overworked and understaffed. Forcing us to take more time standing in the hallways with monitors that didn't work and hadn't been replaced in years wasn't the solution.
This job gave me depression and anxiety. I went from extroverted and lively to losing my hair and insomnia. I’ve changed areas so many times and it ends up being the same. There are patients I truly enjoy and patients who come to start an argument and the latter always outweighs. Other nurses are just as opinionated and will grill you the moment you have an off day . I’m ready to look elsewhere but in this economy I’m strapped to the electric chair 😢
Couldn't agree more! It changed me as a person over the course of 5 years and not in a good way. I turned into a shell of a human, and just wanted to escape life in general. It was not healthy. Totally agree with the patients, I had some lovely patients that I was happy to go above and beyond for, then I had patients that thought we were in a 5 star hotel that demanded everything on a silver platter, and like you said, unfortunately, the latter ALWAYS overpowered the former. Yep, sometimes other nurses are one of the problems in itself. However where I worked, it was always encouraged to take your sick leave, or a mental health day, which was very nice for a change. But it still never changed the actual environment I worked in. I totally feel you with the current economic state and leaving an 'okay paying job' with 'good security' to struggle, thankfully I am fortunate enough to have a great support network behind me that allows me to work other jobs for lesser wage and still survive until I figure out what I'm to do next. I wish you all the best and hope you get out of this toxic field! - Nick
Well said. I appreciate you making this video. I just quit my RN (Male) job after 20 years of hell. The bullying and favoritism that occurs is unreal! And if you try to speak up they'll all gang up on you and make your life a living hell until you quit. Truly terrible. A lot of nurses quit because of this.
I just graduated and got my nursing license. I haven’t worked yet and I don’t plan to. I regret so much listening to family who didn’t have a clue all the while I told them how miserable I was with it as a student. Other students and nurses telling me it would get better and it never did. By the grace of God I’ve just been put in the position to do what I’ve truly been wanting to do for years but didn’t have the resources to do at first. This license will only be used as a worse case scenario situation and I pray to God that I’ll never be in a position where I’ll have to work in nursing in any capacity. Working at Walmart or doing Doordash from Sun up to Sun down will even be considered a first option if it comes down to it. Yes my feelings towards nursing are that bad.
Hello! Thank you for tuning in! I'm so sorry that you had to endure nursing school for nothing. Unfortunately for me, no-one was convincing me to do it, other than myself. I kept telling myself it will be better once I graduate and work - boy was I wrong. Best case scenario - Is like you said, you don't ever have to work as a nurse in your life! I'm in the same boat.. everyone kept saying oh, you can always come back later, always try a different type of nursing.. but they just don't understand, I mentally can't. Like you, i'd rather pick-up a regular 9-5 desk job, or even coles/woolworths before I go back to nursing (coles/woolworths don't get paid half bad either - with nowhere near the responsibility..) My feelings towards nursing are on the same level! I hope you get your dream job and figure out your trajectory in life! Look after yourself -Nick
Get out while you still can! It's never too late, although the 'recovery/reset phase' may be longer, it's SO worth it! I can actually sleep now, and my immune system is SO much better (I used to get cold sores and mouth ulcers EVERY month. But in the last 6 months I've had them twice) -Nick
9 and a half years of nursing and I left in 2023. I am right now in a low-paying job, and honestly, my stress level has been so nice. I am still deciding what to do with my life but for right now, I feel ok with walking away from nursing.
Hello and thank you for tuning in! 9 years wow! Congratulations on getting out and putting yourself first, that's huge! I'm borderline un-employed at the moment - very low hours per week, just surviving with bills etc. I honestly have never felt better too! Sleeping better than ever, not breaking out in cold sores and mouth ulcers. I'm also deciding on my next trajectory - have spent the last 6 months living in Bali and resetting my body/life. Cheers to the next chapter! Goodluck -Nick
29 years as a nurse and I can truly relate. I resigned last month and I was outpatient oncology but at a cesspool of an organization. When I tell you the STRESS HAS BEEN LIFTED!!!! Believe me. I too am sorting out my next steps and in the interim it may be a much lower paying gig but peace of mind and mental well-being is priceless. Best wishes to you on your journey. God bless you!
Christina I threw in the towel after 32 years of the various hell holes : Emergency Room, Neurosurgical ICU,Medical ICU and Trauma ICU. That was at age 55,10 years ago. Fortunately enough ,I had a pension that I could claim at age 55 ,since I had 30 years of credited service in the state retirement system . My former employer is a County/ Teaching hospital,which offered a DROP program ( deferred retirement option program) ,enabling me to be legally retired and still work in the system . The DROP is a 457B program, so you still receive your pension in addition to the pre-tax DROP money. You can cash that money out.without having to wait until you’re 59 1/2. Claimed Social Security at 62, so I have that income tandem. Not rich, but comfortable, and no longer stressed. Four former coworkers have died in the last 10 years since I’ve retired.
Same here, walking away after 10 long years in the field. Unfortunately not what I anticipated coming out of nursing school...real world 🌎 drama & politics left me emotionally stunned along with lack of respect from leadership & getting wrote of for stupid things..enough is enough, back to summer school & fall semester to find a new degree outside of healthcare all together
I am in nursing school right now and have also been working in healthcare for about 3 years now. I had high hopes for this profession until now. The nurse bullying, the verbal abuse and disrespect from patients have made me reconsider. Thank you for such an informative video and for being realistic about nursing. My entire cohort glamorizes nursing about the money, scrubs, etc. Now I am looking into radiology
There is honestly nothing glamorous about this job. The 'novelty' of wearing scrubs and being a 'hero' wears off almost instantly when you're treated like a slave not a hero. Radiology would be a good pick, however I think ANY health care profession would be roughly the same, as people (especially sick people) can be down right c#@ts -Nick
Nurse of 27 years (20 of those in the hospital acute care setting). Truth. Absolute truth. This is why I now work in pediatric home health… 1:1 and almost no politics.
27 years! WOW! I hope your years in the hospital setting treated you well. My hat goes off to you, along with many others who slog it out for longer than they should. I'm glad you got out and have moved onto something a lot more forgiving on the mind and body - Nick
I’ve been in nursing for over 12 years now and agree with everything in your video.. My dad was a physician and I essentially went into this field to try and please him, and I regret it. I’m stepping away as soon as I can.
I'm sorry that you got essentially, 'mentally forced' into this field of work. I'm surprised you never picked up on how the field is to work in through your dad. I hope you do get out asap and live a much more vibrant life outside of the hospitals four walls -Nick
Shift work has been killing me. I could work day shift but the problem is having a 2 week schedule instead of the same schedule every week. I have my days off scattered. So I only get 2 days off in a row every 2 weeks. I work midnights and my first day off is spent sleeping. My shift differential is only $1. All of the things he talked about is why I went to midnights, to cut down on the crap. I work every Sunday night even on my "weekend" off.
That sounds like such an unfair trade off! 2 days off a fortnight? Is that legal. I honestly thought the legal cutoff for days in a row worked was 7 or 8 unless agreed upon by the employee? That's crazy that day shift > night shift is only $1 more, that's not even worth it to suffer through that. I hope you get that roster fixed for your sake! -Nick
Dude you are spot on... I am psych inpatient RN and have been the field for 6 years...I just left the field as well. No nursing job is worth your physical and mental health.
Yep. Nursing could be one of the most noble professions there is, but the reality is exactly everything this young man has stated. I made a midlife career change and went into nursing. Worked 15 years as an RN. Left the field a little over 2 years ago and went back into a career I had experience in before nursing. The straw that broke the camels back for me were the mandated jabs for healthcare workers. Since I was on the back side of 50 I had to do something while I still had some life left in and I have never regretted it.
Absolutely! You are deemed a 'hero' by everyone OUTSIDE of this profession. Even the patients you look after, that treat you like shit, sometimes throw out the 'what you're doing is amazing', then why are you treating me like arse then? Yeah I'm not a huge fan of the mandated jabs either, I did get them, as I was so new to nursing and needed to continue to work. However, if I had the opportunity to go back in time and find another career, i'd do that, and avoid the jab altogether! Hope you found some peace in your work life - Nick
I got terminated back in 2021 for not taking the Covid mandate poison. I was an X-ray student at the time. Literally months away from graduating. Fast forward.. I got my CDL-A. Currently been a trucker for a little over 2yrs now. Made my first $100k my first year as a rookie driver. It’s up from here.
@@user-ub8uc8gq7r Yep the system is rigged from once you enter until you get out. It's a shame, as healthcare is needed with 100% uptime. There's no rest for healthcare. Glad you've found something to keep you moving forward, that's incredible to hear! All the best on your journey! - Nick
I quit Nursing after 5 years and started my own business. It is so freeing to be self employed and put my own blood, sweat and tears into a path I truely love. All the longer than life shifs, abuse from staff and patients became normal and I did not want that kind of normal. Don't be afraid to take a step back from the bedside and try somethinh else. You can always go back to Nursing if you need.
That's amazing! It's also the path i'm going down, I understand being your own boss can be extremely hard, but the pros of that FAR outweight the cons of health care in my honest opinion. - No more night shifts or shift work - however if you love your job, you will do long hours regardless (but it's just different if you love it). - Some people will ALWAYS be rude/disrespectful. As a nurse you have to cop it. As your own boss, you can tell them to go f&#* themselves (my favourite part) I have been out of nursing for approx. 6 months now and I am LOVING my life, I know I will have nursing to fall back on, but if i'm being honest - I don't even want to have to consider that. I don't want to go back! I'm on to bigger and better things! -Nick
As a therapist, what frustrated me the most was working with patients to increase their bed mobility, their ability to transfer, dress themselves, brush their teeth etc JUST TO SEE THEM MAKE THE CNA'S DO what we just practiced. These patients have either shown progression since first being admitted, require minimal help, or are capable of getting themselves ready but would make the cna's use a hoyer, or even have the cna's change them in bed when they are capable of going to the bathroom and wiping themselves. I would always tell the CNA's not to allow patient to take advantage, and to say that it goes against their progression in therapy.
THIS!!! This is the most frustrating thing in the whole world! Nurses having 4-6 patients to themselves, and half of them 'require' sling lift or a stand-aid, solely because they're too lazy to push themselves into rehab/recovery. It's sad, but over time I honestly stopped caring about my patients entirely.. If you don't want to help yourself, why would I want to help you? - Nick
Yes this! I’m especially disgusted by the perfectly abled men who purposefully pee and shit themselves and lie in it to make us (young 20’s female) touch them. When I tried to call a patient out on it, he said “well this is what I’m paying for, for you to wait after me.” 😡 Like sir, you are in the icu because you were very sick, on ecmo, ton of pressors, and crrt. You are paying for those, not for sexual services!
I became a nurse after a career change. I came from a high stress career into nursing. After a few years in long term care, I knew that the hospital wasn't for me. I spent 20 years burnt out, saw the writing on the wall and now I stay in the low patient ratio jobs , assisted living, or pediatric private duty. I make less money, but I have a life. I didn't have a weekend off for years, not going back to that again for no one. I try to tell people to take care of their health, you don't want to end up in the healthcare system. They got good people (mostly) but they work the hell out of them.
From what I'm gathering you went from a high stress career, straight into another high stress career haha! I get you, 20 years burnout is crazy! 5 years was bad enough for me, so hats off to you for holding on for so long! I understand that given our economic situation in the world right now with high cost of living, alot of people put up with more for more money to 'survive'. But in my opinion is they aren't 'surviving' they are scraping through to pay bills and then go back to work, and their mental health and social life is non-existent (atleast this was the case for me). So I prioritized my health and life outside of work, and lived below my means to work less. Best thing I ever did. Thank you so much for your message! I hope you've found something that works for you! -Nick
@@nickandstevie I was a control room operator for a global corporation. In 15 years I had one X-mas off, several years it was nothing for me to work months without a day off. Worked around the clock in all kinds of weather, one of those tough guy jobs. When I came into nursing, I was attracted to the control a person had over their schedule. When I move on to another job now, I start looking after taking a month or two off. I don't care about staying at a job more than a few years. In my previous career, I earned a pension, so the pressure to make a lot of money is lessened. I also got all the conspicuous consumption out of my system. I found that if a person is not careful, the things you own will start owning you. I still get offers to go back to the control room from all over the world for 6 figures. No thanks, my life is simple but I'm happier. I got a social life and lost 50 pounds. I see the toxicity in the healthcare system, especially on the people who keep the system running. Save yourself, they will have your replacement there in a week after they bury you.
15 years!! And only 1 xmas off? That's insane, most jobs or corporations honestly don't give a s#$t about their employers. Thankfully we rotated between having Xmas and NY off (work one, have the other off). But still, working weekend and nights just took away from all other parts of my life. I agree with you with the money side of things, money helps so much, but it isn't everything. I also live a more simpler life and work less and i'm WAY happier and better for it. Agreed, I know for a fact that 12 weeks after I left, another nurse was hired and filled that position. Feels good to be a pawn in the governments systems (not). All the best on your future endeavours -Nick
This has got to be the realest video ever. I had a mental breakdown just on my placement during my second year and left after that. You're a lot stronger than i am
Hello! I'm glad I could provide some sort of realism within this profession. It's glorified way too much and no-one ever actually mentions the 'real' part of the job, just the 'saving lives' aspect. If I could offer you advice, it would be to get out before you get in. In my honest opinion it's not worth it. However please remember, this is only advice from my own personal experience, it is not gospel. You are your own person and can do what you wish with your life. I hope you choose what is best for you! All the best -Nick
Great to here a fellow Aussie nurse talk about this stuff, keep it up mate! I'm currently in private and its sometimes like 1-7 or we do team nursing which is like where two of us work together to look after 9-14 patients
I was a registrar at a hospital for 9 months it was awful. Underpaid, overworked, and when it came time to address my own health issues I wasn't supported. I quit and have never been happier. Focusing on my mental and physical health. The rest will come. Glad you did the same. These places don't own us.
Wow even as a Reg! Why am I not surprised? Congratulations on getting out and putting yourself first. I've seen first hand what medical registrars are also put through, and how long they work for. Here's to putting ourselves first! Goodluck -Nick
I graduated in 2018 too, been a nurse for 5 years. I've worked cath lab since I was a new grad and I have loved every minute of it. I have so much fun everyday. I could not see myself doing anything else. It's wild how experiences can just be so different. I'm sorry you had so many struggles. I think I just got very lucky, the pts I work with are so grateful and kind, the working relationship with our operators is amazing, very close with them, call them by their first name. I think I am in the minority but I lucked out
Hello thank you so much for tuning in! That's amazing for you and i'm so happy for you! I actually did a newgrad program through Cardiology and then a specialised cardiac program which rotated me through the Cath lab and CCU. Cathlab would 100% be the best part of my nursing career. The patients were the best i've dealt with - most were outpatient cases so weren't acutely un-well or rude, the camaraderie with the staff and doctors were mostly amazing and the work hours were great. However unfortunately there was still back stabbing and bullying in that small tight knit circle of nurses (doctors included) and my temporary rotation in the Cath lab came to an end. I think MOST of what I talk about is specific to ward / bed-side nursing, however alot of it crosses over to other specialties and niche jobs within nursing, as you are always at the hands of the government (in public systems) and working with other nurses. I hope everything works out for you and you prosper in the Cath lab environment! -Nick
@nickandstevie thank you so much! Yes if the lab has poor leadership or a toxic culture there can be problems. You deff need to shop around and find the right fit for you. I lucked out and got into the secund best cath lab in the US and it truly is top tier. I appreciate your kind words and I will continue on saving lives in the lab! :)
I totally feel you! I was the same just after my first 6 months working on an Oncology/Haematology ward. It was the busiest ward i've worked on in my career and we were understaffed about 90% of the time, it was awful. Turned me off the whole career then and there, but the remaining 4.5 years left, I gradually saw more and more issues within the system as a whole. It's NEVER too late to get out and change your trajectory in life. Even if you have kids, a mortgage etc. It's not worth your mental health staying in such a toxic work environment, after all, you only have ONE life. I hope you find a way out and what you're looking for in life - Nick🥰
The only respite from that kind of special hell is a long quiet rest - now the only care for people like us with 40+ years is to rely on one another. Text anytime, the care we gave to the unknowing, uncaring, uninformed, unkind, unbearable, uncivil people ( coworkers and patients alike) feels like a waste. Those truly good people we come across are cherished but damage has been done.
The only respite from that kind of special hell is a long quiet rest - now the only care for people like us with 40+ years is to rely on one another. Text anytime, the care we gave to the unknowing, uncaring, uninformed, unkind, unbearable, uncivil people ( coworkers and patients alike) feels like a waste. Those truly good people we come across are cherished but damage has been done.
He speaks the truth. Ive been in nursing since the 70's and its now 2024. Main specialty.... ER trauma nurse. Very stressful. I try to talk young girls out of this field.
Just an FYI, when people ask why I hated being a bedside nurse, I open up this video and show it to them. In a coffee shop, at the gym, friends house, etc. You've hit every point on the nail exactly as I, a 30 year old male who has been an ICU nurse for 4 years, has experienced it. I took a non bedside role for now, but I'm still trying to figure out my life after nursing, I eventually want out entirely. It's good to have as a backup degree, but this career cannot be sustained while maintaining a healthy life.
Hello! Thank you so much for tuning in! I'm glad that I can share some empathy with you and hopefully make you not feel as alone in the nursing world as it can be. I'm glad you got out of bedside nursing! I also contemplated a 'non-bedside' role prior to leaving healthcare, but when I got to the root of it, healthcare in general was the cause for everything. So I got out, and honestly, haven't felt better in my 5years of nursing. Get out, you won't regret it trust me. I would take a 9-5 desk job over nursing ANY DAY. I hope you find what you're looking for and look after yourself -Nick
Hey Renee thanks for the kind message! Sometimes you just need to hear from others that they too are experiencing the same thing, so you don't feel insane. Too many nurses I worked with thought I was crazy for thinking this stuff and wanting to leave, and they would always tell me 'it's not even that bad'. I guess they were either in denial or they just got so used to dealing with this shit that they thought it was the norm. I hope you can get out and savour the rest of your life outside of this profession! Lets do it!
Preaching to the choir. 32 years as a nurse, 15 years night shift at the bedside. 14 years as a case manager. I have come to realize that nursing is just utterly draining no matter what your job title. Just plugging away and hoping for early retirement
32 years!! WOW! and 15 years nightshift.. that part alone would have totally destroyed me! I agree, people keep saying there's so many other avenues to go down in nursing, you don't have to do bedside etc etc. But in my honest opinion, I believe if you are dealing with patients (acutely unwell or chronic, sometimes not even unwell), it doesn't matter, they can still be entitled and rude. It's the field as a whole, not just a department by department basis. I hope the end of your career moving into retirement goes swiftly and smoothly! -Nick
I can relate. Some old people are so entitled and will take your soul out of you. Age should not give them permission to act rude. I don’t care going above and beyond to patients who are nice and appreciative, but not to those who are self centered and rude and think they are better than anyone else. I think such people don’t deserve kindness.
I agree! So many times would I have two ends of the spectrum - one really kind and appreciative patient (who understood a nurses responsibilities and workload) and then another patient that's on the other end (demanding, entitled, didn't care that I hadn't had a break or needed to go to the bathroom). As sad as it is, I got to a point where I would do the bare minimum required tasks for the 'rude' patient, and would happily go out of my way for the 'kind' patient. I NEVER neglected essential cares (observations, medications, pre-op stuff etc - but I NEVER stayed for a chat and would avoid them at almost any cost). This was yet another reason to leave, I didn't have any patience for people anymore, of give them the benefit of the doubt. -Nick
Most Americans are entitled! God forbid a coffee shop be out of someone's favorite coffee or somebody under thirty years old can't drive the latest and greatest SUV. Old or young....Americans are absolutely spoiled and soft.
I work in the medical field as a sonographer and man it changes me from being an extrovert as well. Make me hate talking to ppl. I’m 3 years in and already signed up for college to peruse something else. I want to quit at least once a week and I felt this way from The beginning of my career
@@zzzzzzzzzz5036 hey I’m actually looking into the tech field. Im going this route because theres a lot of hybrid jobs, many different type of avenues you can take, still high paying like my current career with the potential for much more and I’ve heard they have a better work-life balance. I’m not very tech savvy but I know with enough practice and time anyone can be good at anything. Specifically I’m going for Cloud computing thru WGU. You can take a class or two for $99 to see how it is before committing to a full term of school.
Wow! Even as a sonographer.. I know it's still healthcare, but I thought that would have the least amount of b*llsh^t to deal with.. I'm sorry about that! I hope you find something that suits you better! -Nick
Oh man, that sounds absolutely rough. Glad you decided to change your situation! I'm closing in to 30 and wanted to try Nursing school in New Zealand. This is an eye opener and makes me think otherwise if I should pursue it.
Hey there! Thank you very much I appreciate it! In my honest opinion, I would urge you NOT to pursue this as a career, however you have the ability to make your own choice I can only educate you on the con's. I hope you make the right decision for you! Goodluck on your journey! -Nick
He explained my whole experience in this video. I am very appreciative of his honesty, and his honesty is extremely necessary. People say how flexible nursing is and I highly disagree. It’s not as many perks as people think.
I completely agree. I lasted one year in the ICU and hated it. Now I use nursing as a secondary source of income. I do home health infusion nursing and get paid the same I was at the hospital while working per diem making my own hours. If I get burned out I work less hours, if I feel like making more money I work a few more shifts while I work my remote sales job full time.
I didn't even try ICU but I can tell that would be very stressful, CCU was enough for me. ER I lasted 1 shift and was like, nope, i'm out. Glad you've got a great gig working for you! -Nick
Thank you for sharing your experience. I dropped out of nursing school back in 2022 because of the toxic environment that I had seen just in my classes. Not to mention the radonda vaught case where the hospital ultimately failed her and she made a horrible mistake. I've wondered if I made the wrong decision by letting those things get to my head but after watching your video I know I did the right thing. I'm currently in school for business and couldn't be happier. It's ten times easier than nursing school. The class I was supposed to graduate nursing school with all just recently graduated and it had me wondering if I made the wrong decision switching to a 4 year business degree when I could've been done in 2 years with just an associates. But before I even started nursing it was so toxic, everyone was horrible to each other, back stabbing, trash talking, patients threatening students, nursing staff getting annoyed over students, etc. THANK YOU for your video. It reminded me to not second guess myself about my decision.
Hello! Thank you for tuning in! After reading everything you just said, even I can confirm that you've made the right decision. Just about any avenue of nursing is/can be toxic. Business would have been a great venture, I wish I tried that. Don't doubt yourself either! If you have a gut feeling about something, then follow it! -Nick
I’m 6 months into a new grad position and I have already seen everything in this video. I relate to this whole heartedly. I told my friends I’m ready to just quit nursing altogether. My friends (who aren’t in nursing) are concerned and are like “well… what are you going to do with your life” The unit I’m on is particularly bad and I seen everything from the understaffing (7 patients on a cardiac stepdown unit), to the role hierarchy, to the politics, the verbal/physical/mental abuse, the all being “omnipresence” we cannot physically be, the strain and depression and burden the thought of going back to work. I’ve been shunned for asking questions as a new grad and pulled into the office over “we are concerned you’re asking questions” (3 months in) and the questions were like “is this PRN okay to give with this scheduled med”. Had to deal with hazing from the PAs who literally have no filter and curse/scream/berate nurses, especially new grads who are inexperienced. I was so burnt out I was left struggling and started having suicidal ideations (no, I don’t have a hx of depression and yes I’m okay now lol) but have other stressors in my life as well like I’m a caregiver to my parent. I took a two week long vacation and on that vacation, I realized it wasn’t even my personal life and stressors affecting me. IT WAS FUCKING WORK. I knew I had to get out, but had little to no support from friends because all they saw was I was making a very stable income
Hello and thank you for tuning into the video! I'm glad I can offer some empathy towards what you are currently going through. I hope did / can offer any shed of light into what your future MAY be life if you stick it out, despite feeling what you are already feeling. I also knew on my first new grad rotation 6-12months in that this job wasn't for me. However I stuck it out, because I just thought I 'had' to. Please, for the love of god, don't. If it's not for you, it's not for you, and sticking it out isn't worth it. Honestly, I don't see any of the issues I spoke about in the video, being fixed anytime soon, if EVER. I also experienced the same as a newgrad. Was never in an environment that I felt comfortable to approach someone with a question, which is ridiculous right? As the patient health is ALL of the nurses concern. Why get shunned for asking questions, especially as a newgrad. WTF? As an experienced nurse I ALWAYS went out of my way to students and new grads and told them to ask me anything, no matte how silly. The fact you can't, speaks very LOUD about, who you work with, and what type of environment you work in. I've ever had a hx of depression or anxiety either, and like you, I did some introspection about what was causing it all and it was ALL work. EVERYTHING work related, leeched into every part of my life and made me miserable. I completely understand from an outsiders perspective that all they see if 'good money' and 'a stable job'. But they don't see inside your mind. Never will. I always get questioned by family why I left and I should go back, why I should continue to keep my AHPRA registration updated and valid 'just incase'. There is no 'just incase'. I'd honestly rather work at McDonalds or KFC or some shit. Take these words of advice. The people questioning your judgement are NOT living your life. They are NOT working your job. They are NOT you. They will NEVER understand and they will NEVER have to. It is your life. I pushed for 4 extra years just because I thought I had to.. I wish I could go back in time, quit after the first year and save myself misery for 4 years, and have 4 extra years to figure out my next move. My only regret is not quitting sooner and listening to the signs. PLEASE - do what is right for you and YOU only. I hope you find what your'e after -Nick
Erica - I totally feel your pain when your friends ask what are you gonna do rather than just support your decision and back you. So many people in my life expect you to have some significant working role in life that is substantial and money making versus being happy. I'd almost rather meet someone new and ask them what makes you happy over what do you do for a living. People glorify nursing but pull that hospital curtain down and see it first hand behind the scenes is eye opening. Those friends aren't real friends in my opinion. The friends that pat you on the back and say dinner is on me tonight and tell you you're onto better things is what you need.
Girl get out now. All of heavens is hell. It's about money. I've done it all in 31 years and like you ready to quit after year 1.I wish I had. Don't be like me.
I totally agree 100 % . You know more about us than the Dr's and, when I've been in a hospital , I try NOT to ask you for anything because we realize just how much work you have to do in 1 shift.
Hello! Thank you for tuning in! Us nurses are typically the eyes and ears for the Drs! They don't know anything until we tell them. Yet we still get treated with disrespect, you can't win (most of the time). It seems like you are one of the amazing patients that I mentioned in the video that makes nurses shift a dream come true! When I say this I speak on behalf of all nurses, we appreciate you and thank you for understanding what we do, and how much we have on our plate! -Nick
I was a cna in the hospital pcu unit I thought I wanted to go to nursing school and after working there I was disgusted with healthcare !!!!!!! I lasted 90 days it was the worst job in my life ! It was like slavery!!!! Nasty co workers horrible patients and yes those ppl don’t want any help just taking up space ! Glad I quit I’ll never return ! I’m much happy working in the school system !
I'm so glad that you got to experience than prior to using up so many years of your life to study it and then work it just to experience it and learn the same thing. It 'modern day wage slavery' - that's my opinion on it. I hope you found something great for you -Nick
Nick and Dave thanks for the support. It certainly has been a ride. It's a terrible thing to have to wish your life away to feel peace. Unfortunately I just need to move from my current job but not sure what is next 😢
Thank you! Unfortunately there's some people out there who don't agree with what I'm saying. I'm not sure if it's denial or they're just lucky enough to avoid all of this b*llsh&t their entire career. But I'm glad I can offer some sympathy/empathy to others out there experiencing the same thing. We are not alone! -Nick
After near 30 years in it, you nailed it! In my opinion, as nurses we fail ourselves by not standing up to admin and boards that are supposed to be keeping us professionals. It is completely a he said she said job that hopefully will change in the future.
WOW! 30 years is wild! I just could not imagine that time under all of what I mentioned! I hope you are actively looking after yourself and your mental health! Hats off to you for your long lived service! -Nick
I have ALWAYS been respectful towards ALL medical personnel, especially Nurses. My wife has been in the hospital for several procedures, and these times were stressful for her (and she was NOT rude or demanding, just visibly stressed). I witnessed the kindness, compassion, and attentiveness with which the Nurses treated my wife, and I saw how that all served to bring her a more peaceful state of mind. Consequently, that care is what I have come to expect from Nurses, and I assumed that it was part of their training to know how to speak to patients. Silly me had no idea that other patients/family could be so difficult to their care givers. Watching videos like this, and I have seen others, will cause me to to be "more" expressive of my appreciativeness for what Nurses and other hospital staff do. THANK YOU to all the medical professional out there.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Unfortunately the ratios of which patients are 'good' or 'bad' is quite staggering. But I will say this - please keep being kind and compassionate towards us health care workers, it never goes unnoticed and it is much appreciated. Most of the time, a small kind gesture can turn a whole awful day around. It's also quite unfortunate, but if you treat us nicely, we will above and beyond for you, but if you treat us bad, we will avoid you at all costs (whilst still doing what needs to be done). Thank you for being kind to us! -Nick
RN here…..graduated in 1970…..retired in 2020. The last 15 years were very difficult….everything he says here is so absolutely true. I stayed because I knew it wouldn’t be any better anywhere else and I wasn’t willing to start all over again ….seniority where I worked did count for something. And had wonderful support from most of my coworkers….we took care of each other. I still am in touch with many of my friends who are still working and it is so much worse now……
Listening to you talk so candidly about the nursing profession makes me feel that you are my long-lost identical twin. I'm currently on sick leave and I know I won't be returning to bedside nursing. I too endured my share of crap as a RN. Let me count the ways: 1. Shift work--my former work line had me working for six consecutive nights (Sat. to Thurs). I later found out I was hired because for that line because no one else wanted it. 2. Nurse servant--I once gave a bed bath to a client I had to prepare for an appointment. Imagine my dismay when after
Hello! I'm glad you liked my video! I hope for your sake you haven't endured too many years in this grueling field! I am so sorry you got stuck with that awful awful roster. THAT would have honestly ruined me, I was doing 4-6night shifts a month, and usually broken up because anymore than 2 in a row and my mental health would rapidly decline, so my hat goes off to your for doing 6 in a row. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and say for point no#2, the patient turned out to be independent and could get up and move? 😏 I don't have much more to say about point no#3 - it is what is is, females CAN be hard to deal with - especially in numbers (no disrespect) Point no#4 - I saw this WAY too much! I got caught in this on multiple occasions, luckily enough I was 'respected' enough that when I stood up for myself and say no, change it. I was listened too, probably because I was stubborn enough that if it wasn't changed, I would refuse and go home 'sick'. Unfortunately that's how bad it got. I hope you're doing okay and find what you're looking for! -Nick
Yep! Even by doctors! We are literally in the middle of something, and they come up and abruptly ask us to do something for a different patient, all the while they don't even now our names.. -Nick
I quit bedside nursing (ER & ICU) nearly 3 years ago and my mental health has done a complete 180°. The conditions nurses face in the inpatient setting is abhorrent. Staffing, safety, patient load… how many nurses have to leave before the system collapses? I feel like we must be getting close. Hopefully some new horizons are in the near future. Love this video & thanks for sharing! ❤
I’ve worked as a nurse in Korea and NZ for 11 years and it’s all same as f…there was one more plan set up going to thr states as a nurse but now I’m thinking about changing my job! Thank you!!
It’s jungle out here. But my advice before you quit nursing (if you do like some aspect of your job) explore other avenues! There’s SO much more than hospital nursing, we have options. Cath lab, PACU, dialysis, infusion clinic, hospice etc I started at a community hospital in telemetry at the height of the pandemic - it was a nightmare. I hated my job. Then I switched to a magnet pediatric hospital and LOVED it. I will never go back to taking care of adults, they can be so nasty (inside & out)
Yep! It's a dog eat dog world! I have considered most of those and I have worked in Cath lab before - it was good. Dialysis is a no no for me - renal patients tend to be the worst out of ALL patients in my experience. I think unfortunately given my stressful 5 years, I have some minor trauma regarding healthcare and I've just blocked out everything health care wise as a career, I don't want to be involved in patients or other nurses at all. Maybe things will change in the future, I am open to it, however maybe not for a couple of years. Thank you for your input though, it is much appreciated! -Nick
Acute Dialysis RN here-dialysis is hard physical work and low pay--most hospitals rent out to the big corporations like Fresenius, DaVita and DCI they are the worse paid and NO Call back pay and u work on the day u are on call--I have had many a 24 hours day NO BREAK and NO on call pay, left for travel and never went back to staff--it's hard on your back and your mental health, I'm out in one year as a nurse, I would not recommend dialysis or nursing to anyone I care about@@nickandstevie
I am so sick of hearing this shit from nursing marters "ok just find a new area and you will love nursing". News flash, nursing sucks no matter where you go!!!
haha yep! People are people, no matter what 'department' of nursing you are in. There will always be c$%ts somewhere, unfortunately healthcare just bring this personality and traits to the forefront, no matter where you are in nursing.. Good luck! -Nick
@@bettysmith4527 i think you should do what’s best for you. I’m just sharing my personal experience, coming from the pits of nursing darkness. At my new job we pick our own schedule, PTO is rarely denied, we always get our 30min and are entitled to a additional 1 hr paid sleep break, we often have a resource nurse, are on average 3:1 ratio med surg, always have a CNA, our management is 1 manager 3 supervisors who are literal angels and work on the unit if we’re short, if the acuity is to high we cap the unit, taking care of these kiddos who frequently come back and we know them by name is so satisfying. BUT the parents are sometimes difficult to work with, the kids are very sick, and the job IS stressful. All this being said I love my job now. It doesn’t get better for everyone, but it got better for me.
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for explaining exactly what us nurses go through! I've been a bedside RN for nineteen years now in a large hospital in the United States. I'm however fortunate to work in a hospital where most doctors are respectful to nurses. The first four years I worked nightshift but have been on dayshift ever since. I love dayshift because of the more normal sleep/wake pattern but dayshift is more busy. Where I work there is so much more pressure to do more charting instead of bedside care. If we don't chart specific things then the hospitals get less reimbursements from insurance companies and medicare. Also our hospitals get penalized for having incidents occur such as patients fallig and central line associated infections. They cut back on ancillary personnel such as dietary workers, housekeeping, etc, leaving more and more on nurses. For example, there will be one supply person working on the weekend to cover the whole hospital of several hundred beds so when we tell them we need insulin needles we dont always get them until the end of the day or they will tell us to go to another floor for them! We dont have enough staff on the weekends to send them all over the hospital looking for somethin thats supposed to be stocked on our floor. Also, I have been yelled at by patients multiple times saying, "Where have you been?! I've been calling you for five minutes!" (I'm sorry I was doing chest compressions on another patient.) I just say, " I'm here now, what do you need." I just kill them with kindness so to speak. I do not feed patients or bathe patients that are able bodied explaining that we support patients to be independent to the best of their ability. Unfortunately I have been kicked, hit, spit on, scratched, had objects thrown at me, and been sexually assaulted all while on the job. Sometimes I don't know how I go on but I'm fortunate to work with very good people for the most part and that helps so much. I'm not sure I will stay in my current job until I retire.I'm keeping my eyes open. 😊 By the way, what country did you work as a nurse?
Hello! Thank you so much for tuning in to the video and for leaving a comment! I have been victim to everything you have just said. Always stuck in an eb and flow of HAVING to document everything - and create iview groups on our system for insitu devices, but also having to physically care for them, insert them and remove them, while having to document the care and insertion for them, so you're really fighting two ends of the spectrum, DOING an action for your patient, or DOCUMENTING the actions you either NEED to do, or HAVE done (leaving you not much time to document it). It's a vicious cycle that never ends. My last few months of working bedside nursing our food service staff went on strike - this left nurses doing EVERYTHING re food - organising meals for patients, making tea / coffee, getting snacks etc. But it didn't stop with food services, we were at the expense of allied health - we have to do PT, oral cares etc etc, we take on 80% of allied health roles whilst being the primary care giver, it's actually insane. Exactly, emotional abuse, physical abuse where do you draw the line? How much can you take before you break? No one that ISN'T a healthcare worker will EVER understand this. Working with great people makes it harder to leave the job, but should NEVER be the reason you stay in such a job (if it's ruining your life) - you need to make that clear to yourself. I hope you find something else that you can work until retirement! All of the best! P.S I worked in Australia -Nick
I love the story about the pt asking where you were, and you said, (sorry. I was doing chest compressions in another room). LOL... this is SO true!!! I had a diabetic yell at me because he didn't like his dinner, and I didn't come fast enough to help him. I told him I was busy treating a pt next to him that was dying. All that that entitled diabetic pt could say was, (you shouldn't have told me that). It's such a toxic environment. Staying much longer, I'm not sure my mental health will rebound. And, this is me coming back into the profession, having down a TON of healing work.
@@MishaIsha1 Oh my goodness I know what you mean! Everyday I have patients complain to me about their food, either they didn't get exactly what they asked for, or they got too much food, not enough food, the food was too cold, they didn't get ketchup. I love when heart failure patients think we are going to give them salt packets with their food or diabetics think they will get as many carbs as they want! I tell my patients I have nothing to do with the food, then give them the number for dietary. If they want something heated up and if I'm not in the middle of an emergency then I will heat the food up. Everything always falls on the nurse. Lord help us! 🙏 😃
I quit after 20 years and retired 9 years early. In short, nursing sucks. Nursing school is my biggest regret in life. If you want to be a nurse, be careful and make sure you know what you're getting into!
I did bed-side nursing for one year and quit. It was such a toxic and draining environment even though I was working with a population that I’m passionate about with moms and babies. Public health home-visitation with this population helped to renew my interest in nursing but that was because I focused on education and didn’t do any of the clinical aspect of nursing which drained me. Now that I transitioned to another health department because it is closer to where I live, I feel like I’m back in square one with being mandated to do clinic, communicable disease work, and other related programs with juggling coordinating a maternal/infant program which is draining. I’m back in school to get my DNP/MBA since I’m done being mandated to do some form of clinical-based nursing and I’m looking towards getting a maternal remote nurse position in the meantime or working for the state which offers these same amenities, pays more and I’ll be able to focus more strictly on education and administrative-based work.
I totally agree with you! I think the 'idea' of the job is amazing, but actually doing it, is a different story. I was the same, in my favourite field - CCU, critical care, telemetry, STEMIs, cath lab, arrests etc, fascinated, excited and intrigued me, until I worked it, and hated anything and everything nursing related. Sounds like you have a plan! Just follow it through and I hope you find the path you are looking for, look after yourself and your mental health, because no one (including the government) will! -Nick
Sure, you can, but it usually takes 3-4 code blacks, some attempts at sedation, a couple of punches to your body and a full shift of verbal/physical abuse. Not worth it. They need to streamline the process WAY quicker! Nick
15yrs down the line as a nurse here in Scotland and I spend every day looking up jobs, looking at courses in the nearby college. I’m done but have absolutely no idea where to go from here. Been doing my training and then job since 2004.
Sorry my last message was cut short (computer glitch). For my second point, I was saying that after I finished bathing the man and started helping him with his trousers, he told me I forgot to wash his legs, and was adamant about not going further in his morning routine unless I wash his damn legs. 3. Politics--I am female and even I don't like working with some of the female nurses. I've gotten more respect from male nurses and doctors. 4. Hierarchy--because I have the least seniority on my unit, the head nurse or senior nurses reorganize the work assignment so that I get all the high-maintenance patients
I agree 100% on this video. The end definitely spoke to me in terms of working at job that causes you grief. I use to work 2 part-time jobs (Patient Transporter at Windber Hospital & Customer Service Clerk at a grocery store) just to make up for full-time hours. Did both them for about 15 yrs. On 6/12/20, I resigned from my CSC position and just stuck with my hospital job. I decided to put my mental health first. Thanks for sharing this video.
It is such a huge factor that not many people think about - I understand it's hard to think like that when you have.. kids, mortgage and car payments and debt you need to pay for. But at the end of the day, you have one life, why would you spend most of it being miserable and not enjoying your life? I'm glad you did what was best for your mental health! All the best with your future! - Nick
On point. I'm in the process of looking for my first non nursing job since I became one. I'm done! Can't pay me enough to stay in it. Thanks for sharing. If you shared this while you were still at your job, you'd be fired, which is what happened to me. Simply sharing my day of what nurses go thru versus doctors, no names mentioned, no place of employment, didn't speak about patients, I was speaking in terms of job duties of a nurse vs docs in a humorous way. Fired! Since then, I didn't look back and on to a better life. My mental health was deteriorating there and if I hadn't been forced put, I would never have left and allowed it to kill me slowly inside. Blessing in disguise. Good luck and I hope you found peace.
Wow, that's crazy! I'm so sorry that happened to you. I wonder how they found out about the conent? I'm glad it was a nudge in the right direction for you though! I agree with the not being forced out, alot of people would stay. All the best on your job hunt and I hope you find something better for your mental health! -Nick
@@nickandstevieI'm pretty sure someone brought the video to my bosses attention as I doubt he stays up late at night watching my content. Lol. Thank you for your response and words of encouragement. The honesty in your video is needed to be heard.
@@NessaVibes2024 That's rubbish! The fact that you can get fired for that, yet other nurses have an only fans that is public within their own IG.. and they promote it. Wild. Shows that HR isn't there to help YOU, it's there to help the company! -Nick
Soooo true everything you said. What I did and I was a teacher before I was I nurse. Both careers suck. Too political. What I did I left the hospital and went to health care. Way less pay but it allowed me to continue school to pharmacy school. Now I’m a pharmacist and am my own boss😊. You use those jobs to get ahead. Everything you said is spot on and it’s annoying. That’s why male teachers and male nurses are rare. Correct.
Thank you for tuning into the video! Very interesting to hear about teaching as a career! May I ask why you went to pharmacy from nursing? From what I can see, even in the hospital setting, it doesn't matter what allied health profession you take, if you are in the 'healthcare' field, we generally all get treated the same -Nick
I'm so jealous that you are so close to retirement! But also so happy for you! I'm glad your nursing career is coming to an end and you can finally start up your rest and digest system 👐 - Nick
I am in nursing school right now and pretty much hating my life but couldn’t figure out exactly why. This video has been a godsend as so many of the things you’ve said are exactly how I’m feeling about nursing. Thank you for sharing your own experiences, feels super validating and also interesting in hearing your perspective 🙏🏽
Thank you so much for tuning in and i'm glad I can give you some perspective as to what to possibly expect if you continue on your nursing journey - Nick
I can't believe how similar our experiences were. I couldn't enjoy my days off because I knew I had to go back. I don't understand why peope who can walk refuse to go to the bathroom. I've had patients scream "Nurse" at the top of their lungs. Rush into the room only to be asked for a cup of water. While the PCA just came out of the room from taking vital signs and was right outside their door. Everthing you said is true. I had no idea how mean nurses could be until I worked on the unit. I would hear vent and pump alarms on my nights off and would wake me out of a sound sleep. Good Luck in your future endeavors.
I think ALOT of people out there have similar experiences, but no one wants to speak up about it. Yep! They will do just about anything for attention. I had someone once ask me to put cream on their back - I asked, who does it at home? They said they did. I stared at them and said you can do it now then.. Same patient - buzzed me in, asked for me to grab their pillow for them. I said can you show me which one. They literally sat up and touched the pillow they wanted with their hand.. I said, you want me to grab the pillow you're touching right now for you? They said yes. I said you can do it yourself and walked out. Honestly it's a joke. Patients like these take away from all the necessary jobs us healthcare people need to do (vitals, medications, IV's etc). Yet we have no leg to stand on to talk back to them otherwise we risk getting reprimanded or in trouble. How does that work? I hope you find the right path for you! -Nick
Currently a housewife chronically because of this. My friends,family and husband don’t get it. Now I do admit my floor was more manageable but my Coworkers made my life hell, many where pure evil. And yes difficult patients and management. I just wonder what career I can do now? It’s annoying I am in my thirties I don’t want to go back to school.
No one that is NOT or has NOT been a healthcare worker, or bedside nurse, will ever understand this. Heck even some of the actual bedside nurses can't understand this.. -Nick
@@nickandstevie I don’t do med surg anymore it’s too much. I am a postpartum nurse and sometimes babies way more manageable. I’m praying for something. I could switch to case management or a clinic. I am sure those options will also have a new set of challenges. I am now at a new job. Money needs to be made and bills. I went to a smaller hospital to at least have a lighter load. My manager is already being passive aggressive. This is ad and exhausting it’s only my second week of work. I am at this point wanting to ask her what is the problem. I refuse to walk on egg shells because of a job. I will quit this job like the other facilities. This is a horrible reality. I want to work for myself I worked hard for this degree I also want to help my husband so we can grow and make things happen in our lives.
It's a blessing to know I'm not alone in my frustration with nursing. Im pursuing my masters in nurse education. I gotta get away from direct care. Who knows, maybe I can help some young nurse to not be blind sided when they go out into the world.
I'm happy you're so self aware and I hope you've found your spot. I went in altruistic and became jaded after just a few years but kept going bc I had no other skill and 4 years of school locked me in. Office, home care, management were not my vision of being a nurse. In 39 years, I've had about 2 dozen truly heartfelt acknowledgements from patients,I felt rejuvenated by each one and shared that with them. Politics and money make our jobs and our job descriptions impossible. I'm quitting earlier than expected because I can't even meet my own expectations of quality care.
Thank you for speaking the truth. You’re the only other one I know of that will say the truth. We work amongst the flying monkeys, enablers, codependents, etc. many dysfunctional systems in nursing that we are surrounded by and why it’ll never ever change. It’s just getting worse and worse.
Hello! Thank you so much for tuning in! I'm glad I can offer some form of empathy/sympathy for us healthcare workers. I don't see the hospital systems changing for a LONG time, if ever. Even prior to studying nursing, having not worked in healthcare, I just have a strong feeling this is always as it has been (I could be completely wrong though) -Nick
I retired last year after 42 yrs I dreaded going to work in the last 10 years I watched all the negative changes ,ratios long shifts abuse from everyone . So grateful that I don’t do patient care anymore. I pray I never have to again.
I was a medic in the military and chose to reject the field when i discharged. The hours to pay to insurance crap made me not want to be complicit. It has made me a medical cynic, but a GREAT patient. Ive had multiple invasive procedures and doctors and nurses say my silence and understanding make me the best patient theyve had. I feel bad for folks still in the field.
Good for you. I try to be very kind to the nurses because they are often the ones who keep you alive. Plus they have such a hard job. I don’t mind waiting while they deal with patients who need more time.
I agree! I feel like I would be a great patient as I know what it's like to be on the other side! Unfortunately some people don't and will never understand that part -Nick
Thanks for sharing man. I am a dude , getting out of bedside nursing at the hospital as well, everything you said is word for word my experience as well here in the States.
My pet peeve with hospitals is that they waste money. Spending money on stupid stuff like AHA RQI Mannekins when this money could have been spent on staffing units properly. Stupid and petty complaints from patients and families. Management not supporting their staff and aging discrimination. I agree about the gossip and back stabbing as I had colleagues bully me. It was horrible. I left the hospital setting and never regretted it!
Absolutely! They waste money, yet they are so money and budget driven, go figure right? I'm so glad you got out when you did, better late than never! All the best on your next journey! -Nick
Or "magnet status" here in the states what a fucking joke that is, MILLIONS spent to PRETEND that the hospital gives a shit about staff!! How about we spend that on more staffing and equipment instead!
MAGNET STATUS! That's the word I've been looking for since I created this video ugh! The hospital I worked in was HUGE and it was deemed magnet status, yet ALL of these issues were still at the forefront. It doesn't change anything. Super, SUPER frustrating -Nick
Thank you for sharing, your deciscion is so valid. I just quit bedside after 10 years of nursing in sweden. Im currently burned out, have muscleaches, low grade fevers and fatigue due to this. Nothing is worth this. My friends and family kept telling me the job cant be that bad, try another unit, instead of encouraging me to leave, which my whole body and mind was telling me to do. Ive taken breaks here and there but always went back after a while. When i get well again, whenever that will be im applying to a bachelors degree in economics. From the moment you start working as a nurse youre gaslighted into thinking that there is something wrong with you, because you cant make it work, sleep isnt workning, workload is too big for you. ACTUALLY its not your fault, youre just set up to be burned out.
I work in the USA and it sounds similar to your experiences. I’ve been an RN for 15 years now in a variety of settings. My experiences varied as I worked in the adult setting and also the pediatric setting. I’ve found that it’s a bit kinder in the pediatric world. We still have the general issues like what you describe with patient/patient families, but it is more tolerable than t adult nursing in where it gets overwhelming in everything that you described in your video. I had similar experiences as yourself in the adult world and eventually went back to the pediatric setting. If you ever decide to come back to the profession, you may want to try pediatrics. It’s a different cup of tea and difficult in its own right, however, the joy you can bring to the patients and their families is unmatched. It’s so full of heartwarming interactions mixed with some heartbreak, but it’s most often positive interactions. I was so glad I stayed in pediatrics vs adult nursing as I don’t think I would have stayed in this profession otherwise with everything you eloquently described and illustrated. This is such a tough profession on so many levels. I hope you find your path in whatever your endeavors take you, but if you ever decide to go back to nursing, I would encourage you to try the pediatric world. We need nurses and people like yourself who seek to improve the lives of others. Your mental health takes precedence of course, but if you ever find it in your soul to come back, try pediatrics. Much love to you from the States for all you have done and attempted to do to improve the lives and outcomes of others.
I think it would similar anywhere in the world, people get sick, and people can be rude/disrespectful, no matter your colour, race, ethnicity, back ground. I can already say that peads unfortunately would not be good for me and my personality and I say that from a personal approach not professional/clinical. In that regard, I almost feel like working in peads you would have double the patient load (metaphorically), as you would be looking after the children AND their distressed parents/parent figure. I could very much be wrong about this though as I haven't worked in peads before. Thank you so much for your kind words and input, it's really appreciated and doesn't go unnoticed. All the best in your healthcare journey! Look after yourself -Nick
@@nickandstevieyes except the USA we have worse ratios. Some ICUs have to triple. All double unless there are extenuating circumstances. PCU may have 5 patients. Med surg begins with 6 patients and may go to 9 patients if understaffed
I endured 30 years of hospital staff nursing. 6 months in a critical care burn unit, 2 years psych units, 4 years neonatal intensive care, almost 23 years pediatric oncology. I retired with stage 1 hypertension. My weakness was never returning to school for an advanced practice nursing degree, like Nurse Practitioner. My first nursing job began when President Reagan introduced his Managed Care Policy. I was a single father and one of four male nurses who graduated in our nursing class.
I can definitely see that and I honestly think it's amplified it in just about ALL departments, as we still have mask mandations currently.. as if Covid is still a thing anymore 😂 -Nick
I was an RN for 32yrs! As a hospital trained nurse who left school year 10 didnt have much option but to stick it out. I felt the same way as you about going to work, full of dread and so depressed and I worked 17yrs on the casual pool! You are so right about the patients and if they are ok the relatives drive you crazy with their demands for test results and info about their family member's condition. Ive been retired for 17yrs and still have nightmares about shifts going to shit because of staff shortages, patients going berserk and the relentless demands. I feel like I have been let out of prison, my life is so peaceful now and HAPPY and Im living on the aged pension😅😅 Will relish when the family members have to do the personal care because this will no longer be a professional's role 😂😂
I'm so glad you got out and can finally relax and let your rest and digest system kick in! You've definitely earnt it after a 32 year stint, kudos to you. You've lasted longer than I ever could have. Enjoy your pension and soak up the rest of your life! -Nick
🤣🤣I just left HR today because I had a patient that was literally dying and the patient’s wife complained about being discharged late! I also got wrote up because at 8.5 months pregnant with a damaged nerve in my back, I refused to push a huge hospital bed and help lift a 567lb patient.. I CANNOT WAIT TO BE DONE!
No support within the system at all! It's disgusting. They don't care about us outside of the hospital walls. If you cannot help them inside the hospital, they won't help you inside the hospital (or out). It's so sad to see them treat the 'heros' that are NEEDED this day and age - I hope you get out and live the rest of your life on your own terms! -Nick
It's not necessarily her fault. Have you ever worked in healthcare? They honestly don't care if you have injuries (that you obtained IN or OUT of the hospital). If you're there, you're there to 'do your job' and 'earn your wage' no matter the cost. If you're pregnant, they don't care, if you have an injury, they will barely opt to put you on light duties.. they fill the roster/gap with you and look at you as a number, not as an individual with a functioning/non-functioning body.
I hear you brother! I feel exactly the same way! I want to quit so bad! But, I don't have other choice now to do another job at my age. I am trying to plan to leave nursing. Someday, I just want to walk out! Thank you for posting! I wish I can quit! Everything you say it's right on. Good luck with your life journey!
I get it man! Maybe try a different avenue or nursing (not bedside) if you can't leave due to obvious reasons (family, finance etc). Goodluck man! -Nick
Wow. This makes me feel like I may have made the right decision by not studying nursing. I was pressured by my mom to do so years ago but I struggle in math & science. I knew she wasn’t going to pay for a tutor so I said “no.”
I hope I have helped you make the right decision for your own journey in life! I'll be glad if I went through all I have, in order to stop someone else going through the same things I did! I hope you find the right thing for you in life! -Nick
Your video is so spot on. I have almost all of your same feelings. I began nursing later in life at 45. I am now 62 and so burned out with nursing. I have decided to take early retirement at 62. For now I am staying PRN, but even at that, I start getting high anxiety a couple of days before a shift. I started out my career in the hospital, but have been working in LTC/Rehab for the past 9 years. Although the acuity isn't as bad, the number of patients you have is ridiculous. One night shift it was just myself and an aide to take care of 27 people and the majority were incontinent. At this point in time, I can only deal with nightshift. I can no longer tolerate the harassment of family members. Nightshift is a total killer. Before reducing my hours my blood pressure was shooting up. It is now in the normal range. I know some people can handle all the stresses of nursing, but I am not one of them. I was going to bed thinking of work, dreaming about work, waking up thinking of work and on my time off thinking of work. I swear, my personality has changed since becoming a nurse. I hope to get up the nerve to quit all together, but I am a big financial worrier. My husband still works, so we still will make a decent income. I hope to leave nursing completely in the very near future.
Wow definitely a late start! But not unheard of. Burnout is SUPER quick in healthcare field, for every reason i've mentioned. I feel like alot of people sweep it under the rug and choose to be ignorant and carry on. Exactly what you said, some people can handle nursing, some people cannot. I think the most important part is recognising, which one you are. I can honestly say, I have become a much better person since quitting bed side nursing and shift work. My mental health is much better, but I would highly recommend into checking on your homone panels! Shift work can ruin that -Nick
I'm a respiratory therapist, and last night, I was in the ICU, and they added 2 more floors of patients for me. It's an amazing gift. I thought i was going to die.
FLOORS? Like a floor of 20-30 patients? x2? How is this even legal? I would straight up refuse and say this is not safe for ANYONE involved, and take it right to the union. That's b*llsh&t. It's fine for them to give you those ratios, until someone dies under your care, then you are not helped whatsoever by the system and you only get the blame. I hope that never happens to you again! -Nick
@nickandstevie yup. Thankfully, not everyone needed respiratory assistance, but that night, I literally had 60 patients, including 10 ventilated patients. Our hospital is huge and short staffed
@@itsgabbieagain wow that is crazy! I would honestly have left after that shift, written a massive email to HR and the higher ups and either have quit or demanded time off. That's ridiculous! I'm so sorry you had to endure that responsibility and stress!
Retired after 46 years of nursing. Loved it, hated it. As a single mother, I could not leave it. Had to work shift work for the differential. Thank God I'm retired. I'm proud I lasted so long.
Hello! I understand that may sound extreme to people in the 'outside' world, and not in my close circle that experienced who I was/who I became because of this job. But it's true and I want to be brutally honest to currently active nurses and people looking to become a nurse, that is isn't all sunshine and rainbows! -Nick
30 year career nurse and still standing. Not sure how some days. I did take a lot of “breaks” despite not having time or money. Sometimes my health was driven into the ground. I’ve been trying for 20 years to find a way out. But then there’s survival mode. Just keep going forward because that’s all you know how to do. For the most part my work was not in medsurg or other hospital arena. (Psych inpatient only). But it’s everything you said in every niche. And then the industry is driven by customer satisfaction surveys. Not fair…. abusive employee/employer relationship…..no empathy or compassion for us yet we give it out in boat loads until we can’t. Ugh
It's refreshing but also disheartening to see alot of people can resonate and understand with what I was going through. It sucks that it gets to this point, but I believe it's the universe (and our bodies) telling us it's time to get out, before it's too late. I moved overseas to Bali and am currently working online (doing content and VA stuff). Honestly I wasn't sure what I wanted to do once I was out - as 'nursing' was still a part of my 'identity' despite me hating it so much. I think it's best to just get out, get a 'filler' job to earn income, and figure it out as you go. Better that way than being miserable and working to survive! All the best on your future endeavours! -Nick
@@nickandstevieNick, that sounds amazing. I’m so proud of and admiring of you for getting out on with your life away from misery. You are very intelligent learning from your experience and making these moves.
@@nickandstevie this is everything I’m struggling with right now. So much of my identity is being a nurse and I’m struggling with the idea that I won’t ’be one’ anymore. I feel like I’ve failed in a way? I don’t know why I care so much. Thanks for your reply and all the best to you too!
I worked one year as an LPN back in the 60's and gave up nursing all together. I was on a med/surg floor and had the constant feelings of inadequacy. I thought I was the only one not being the 'great tv nurse' who knew & did everything in an instant. All these years I even hated to talk about that period in my life. It feels good for me to read these articles to now know I was not the only one. It seems, tho, that nothing has changed for nursing over the years. The hospitals really do need the nurse/patient ratio to be lowered.
I wonder if the problem also lies with the nursing education system. When I went to the nursing school in 2000, we started clinical rotations right away. 6 am to 5pm. Few students dropped out right in the first semester. Then second semester, we were pulling 12 hour shifts, so few more students dropped out. By the time, 4th semester came, I was managing 12 patients in 12 hour shifts. Out of 35 students, only 14 graduated. Theory was taught but emphasis was given to practical experience. Students found out all these things he is mentioning in nursing schools. I feel like that students are sheltered in nursing school, so they get shocked when they start to work.
Being a porter earning only a few hundred a month less than the nurses was amazing because you could leave without taking a report and you could get a nurse if there’s a problem
Just keep moving. I woke up early. 31 yrs at it and im so happy. I just kept quitting and moving. Until i found my spot of 27 yrs. Still im ready to leave in a heart beat
I spent 4.5 months in ICU in 2020 waiting for a heart transplant and got to know alot of nurses well in that time. I couldn't seem to figure out why they all liked me so much and were so nice to me. Well apparently saying please and thank, and being grateful for what they do goes a long way. Upon leaving I started dating a first year nurse that I met there. Some of the things she told me later on is spot on with what you're saying. There were people dying on this ICU floor, and alot of the ones that weren't were pretty ignorant and it definitely took a toll on them over time.
Yep! Such small gestures (please, thank you, not demanding things, smiling, understanding our job is busy, knowing we have more than 1 patient) goes a LONG way. Thank you for being one of 'the good ones'. We appreciate you guys and it definitely does NOT go unnoticed -Nick
I’m so glad I came across this. I’ve developed major insomnia and I boiled it down to being anxious because I know it’s going to be a fucking circus at work. I feel like I’m just on my feet 24/7 between demands from patients and families. The constant understaffing and increase of needy patients, I think I might lose it.
I am a Personal Support Worker. PSW(Canada) in the USA they are called (CNA). I have been doing it for about 3 years, I will never be the same again. I have been diagnosed with major depression, aniexty and slight OCD. I had to fight to be off a long list of antidepressant. I know I have PTSD too. I was considering nursing. Now I don't want anything in the healthcare field.
Ive had so many patients who don't care about their lives, but expect us to still care for them, it's disgusting. I more hate the hospital toxic environment. There's so much hateful, backstabbing, snitching, condescending, bullying in bedside care it just isn't worth it. I find the politics of hospital work to be what makes it awful.
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Old Scandinavian saying”don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm”. Finally left after 20years , a lot of healing ahead .
Great saying @13infbatt , I also love 'you can't pour out of an empty glass'
I'm glad you finally cut ties and are out of the battlefield we call healthcare.. Time to get back into rest and digest mode and let your body, mind and soul relax. Enjoy the rest of your time mate! - Nick
you too bro. @@nickandstevie
20 yrs this Dec, 19 in ER. I'm done. I'll take a job at Walmart at this point.
Love that saying, wow.
Wow that must have been a WILD ride. I couldn't last >5 years in bedside in general, better yet ER! Congrats to you for lasting as long as you did. I'm proud of you.
I give you my blessing to take off the scrubs and settle down into a calmer less toxic job! Look after yourself, after 20 years, you'll most likely need a bit of time to recover and get back into some 'normalcy'. Look after yourself -Nick
I just quit bedside med surg nursing. Tuesday is my last day after 10 years of hell. The amount of abuse we get from patients/families, increase demands from management with limited resources, disrespect from providers starts to take a toll on your mental health. I felt dead inside every time I went in.
I have worked in surg as well as medical, both are awful but surgical is worse in my opinion. Congratulations in getting out! That's huge! I'm so excited for your next chapter!
All the best and look after yourself -Nick
I got tired of families "fishing for a lawsuit". You start to feel like a mafia member under surveillance. I also got tired of watching everything you said or put down in a chart that could be used against you. You can't really take care of patients with the patient load and patient fragility most long term care or med-surg nurses carry, not for a sustained period of time. There were days you were just lucky someone didn't die on your shift. Long term care, they just want to fill a bed. I had patients who really needed to be in a hospice setting.
100%. I've had patients and their family members actioning 'ryans rule' over the dumbest sh&t i've ever seen. All because they weren't first in line to get a procedure, whilst not being in a 'life-threatening' state. Whilst we had people in CCU on inotropes and vasopressors keeping them alive that needed the lab or surgery sooner.
It happened a lot with private patients coming into the public health system. Demanding single rooms, demanding this, demanding that. We'd just say, you're a private patient, go to private we don't do that shit here, and then.. 'fish for a lawsuit' as you would say. There was almost no winning, you just had to bow down to these people just to keep your job and get paid and survive, all to come back and do it again. -Nick
Hi! Im a new grad and Im wondering what jobs do u guys have now after quitting nursing ? 🥺 I really want to leave nursing. Im losing my mind!
I get you Katy. I spent 32 years the bedside: Emergency Room, Neurosurgical ICU, Medical ICU,and my final 19 yrs in Trauma ICU . I had enough one day. after two doctors ticked me off. Put in my papers , retired and never looked back, Claimed my pension at 55 and Social Security at 62. Have very little debt . Not rich but comfortable.
Mad respect for talking about this dude... Heavy shit the general public doesn’t realise
Thanks legend! It's definitely overlooked as people deem nurses 'Hero's'. But never actually look into what we have to 'fight' through - Nick
You took the words right out my mouth. Nursing is a horrible profession. You are not treated like a human being. I regret going into honestly. The general public do not respect nurses! You are responsible for everything and get blamed for everything. The CEOs and administrator’s only care how much they can profit. They will leave these facilities short staffed, low supplies, no security with unstable patient’s on purpose so they can get a fat bonus check. I’m getting the heck out of healthcare too. It’s not worth it. I’ll go insane if last another year.
Couldn't agree any more! It's all about budgets and making an extra dollar, and you know what's funny? It's the people that AREN'T nurse, or bedside nursing, that are pulling the strings because they don't deal with the aftermath pile of s!@#.
I understand that there is a NEED fore nurses and healthcare "heros", but I am NOT one of them, you can find someone who is willing to be treated like shit, overworked and underpaid, just because they 'love their job'.
Glad you got out/are getting out! Honest i've been about for about 7 months, and I have not felt better, my sleep schedules have normalised, I have routines that I can actually follow, and I basically never get stress induced cold sores / mouth ulcers (used to get them monthly).
Enjoy your time out!
Nursing is a hell scape of stress, depression and unrelenting anxiety. Moreover, it is a moral insult that destroys your literal soul !!
Unfortunately true! 29 years as a nurse here 😢
Im a new nurse and im already mapping out my exit in the next couple of years … if anything im leaving bedside and doing something else with my degrees
Being a nurse killed me inside. I have PTSD from working as a nurse. Staffing ratios, mistreatment from patients and families, management blaming the nurses for everything, getting physically assaulted by patients more and more frequently due to the patient population. I would never recommend this career to anyone. The system needs to protect and support nurses, and until that ever happens, it's not worth spending the money and time to become a nurse.
I couldn't agree with you more!
Whenever a nursing student came through, I always made sure to let them know of the negatives (along with the very minimal positives) of this job. I always told them that they should get out while they can (if they were on the fence to begin with). No one should have to go through the stuff nurses do, but we do, and like you said, it's not worth it until they change the systems, which I don't foresee happening any time soon (if ever).
Thanks for tuning in! -Nick
Completely agree. I've got your back and will support you anyway that I can.
I worked trauma, ICU, Life Flight including in the military. It's expected that nurses constantly take care of train wrecks, bodies so cruelly broke that they'll be crippled for life, yet never emotionally break down ourselves. The doctors take care of the patients too, but for a tiny fraction of time that we do.
We fight everyone to give the best care for out patients. We fight doctors, administrators, logistics, regulations, family and friends of our patients, even the patients themselves. If we don't fight, patients die. And we have enough blood on our hands that we did not cause.
If I knew then what I know now, I would have gone into HR as a profession. More money, less work, no one ever died from an HR deficiency.
Lots of illegal aliens saturating the hospital environs of northern CA.
ever had a patient throw his own feces in your face cos you didn't answer his call bell on time, you were cleaning up another patient who had soiled himself and the bed from running diarrhea, as soon as you finished you went to answer this patient and the next thing he had shit in your face. Ever had a manager come to tell you that your other patients are calling while you were doing sterile dressings on a huge wound that takes over an hour. Ever had families approach you while you were passing medications and confront you and ask you why you were not feeding their mother, eventhough you explain to them you will after you finish passing meds, so why can't they feed their mother, their answers are ''cos we pay you''..
@@zenabubawah3708 I've had urine, feces, emesis, used peri pads all thrown at me, almost always from drug seeking patients.
My daughter quit nursing to become a dental hygienist … she recently finished up her dental hygienist education. BEST decision she ever made! She is SO MUCH HAPPIER as a dental hygienist. Being a nurse is soul crushing and has to be one of the worst jobs out there.
My co workers wife has been a Dental Hygienist for many years and he’s told me she loved it so much.. only downside is that she has tension in her neck and back from leaning over cleaning patients teeth and what not.. be sure to tell your daughter to get massages once in a while and to take care of herself :)
😂Imagine the stress on her back pulling up 300+lb patients all day/night (no dental hygienist working at 3am😂) From a 20+yr night shift nurse…❤️she absolutely picked the right profession!!❤
That's awesome! I'm so glad she got out and into something better for her mental health and well-being! -Nick
This is probably the most brutally honest video of this type I have seen. Good job getting out and best wishes with your new adventure!
Thank you! I tried to be as honest and transparent as I could be. Too many people favour or like the idea of being a nurse or 'healthcare hero', without understanding whats actually involved, it's not sunshine and rainbows and I want people to know that.
If I can prevent at least one person from going through what I went through and change their trajectory in life for the better, then I will do my best to do that.
Thank you so much for tuning in and supporting this video! -Nick
Couldn’t agree more with ALL of this and unfortunately those who don’t work in healthcare will never ever know. Consider themselves blessed.. I’m one year in and already going back to school.
Thanks Autumn! Yep, i've tried to explain this to SO many people that don't work in healthcare and they just NEVER get it.
Even some colleagues (that are nurses) never understood any of these topics either, which was mind-blowing to me, as they also experience it daily. But I guess some people have the ability to 'turn-off' to these problems and go home.
But after a while, you just can't ignore this stuff. I got through my year grad, and then starting having doubts, but I lasted another 4 years, and thought enough was enough!
Hope you can figure out something else you want to do in life! - Nick
What are you going back to school to study for if you don't mind me asking?
What are you in school for?
Well 1 year and back to school said it all …
CNA here. Was only 16 years old and got my license right at the beginning of the pandemic. One CNA to 25 residents. Tell me how that's fair? Quit after management started telling CNAs that they could not sit down and chart at the nurses station. They needed go use the wall monitors. The only time me and my fellow CNAs got to sit down in an 8 hour shift because we were so busy and they took it away from us. Couldn't handle being taken advantage of like that anymore.
I've worked in nursing homes too, prior to acute care hospital settings, even that was a drag, but not as mentally stressful, due to not caring for acutely unwell patients that can deteriorate at any time.
But 1:25 ratio is actually insane. How do they think anyone can provide safe care in those circumstances? Like where are the policies on the ratios? Where is the union when they're needed?
I'm sorry you had to experience this field like that.
Did you end up getting out? - Nick
@@nickandstevie I was so young at the time I didn't even think of reporting conditions like that, but you're right. It was vastly unsafe not only for the CNAs, but the residents as well. I did end up quitting and getting out; and I've found myself in a much better place mentally and career wise!
Why would CNAs be a the nurses station charting? Everywhere I've worked there are pretty much just enough computers at the station for nurses and maybe one additional for providers. If there is an extra computer after the nurses all have one then it'd make sense for assistive personnel to use one. What usually happens is the assistive personnel hog all the computers at the nurses station and then the nurses have no where to chart!
@@Kwicdrawmcgraw The nurses have additional computers on their carts. Most nurses seem to have preferred those computers since they perform faster than the ones at the nurses station. The monitors in the hall that they were requiring us CNAs to use were slow, unresponsive to touch, and overall would have taken double if not triple the time compared to the station computers.
Besides that. May I rephrase. In the middle of the pandemic and severely understaffed, us CNA's were barely at the station to begin with. The *only* time we were able to sit down was during charting, one time per shift, usually when nurses were doing their rounds anyways. None of the nurses complained. That wasn't why they changed the rule -- as far as I am aware all the nurses I worked with were more than happy to share the seats at the nurses station. They knew we couldn't ever take a lunch due to how slammed we were.
The facility wasn't being compassionate. They knew better than anyone that no CNAs had been able to take lunches for weeks, and that we were being overworked and understaffed. Forcing us to take more time standing in the hallways with monitors that didn't work and hadn't been replaced in years wasn't the solution.
Been there done that. My break was when I charting. Lucky if I was able to use the bathroom.
This job gave me depression and anxiety. I went from extroverted and lively to losing my hair and insomnia. I’ve changed areas so many times and it ends up being the same. There are patients I truly enjoy and patients who come to start an argument and the latter always outweighs. Other nurses are just as opinionated and will grill you the moment you have an off day . I’m ready to look elsewhere but in this economy I’m strapped to the electric chair 😢
Couldn't agree more! It changed me as a person over the course of 5 years and not in a good way. I turned into a shell of a human, and just wanted to escape life in general. It was not healthy.
Totally agree with the patients, I had some lovely patients that I was happy to go above and beyond for, then I had patients that thought we were in a 5 star hotel that demanded everything on a silver platter, and like you said, unfortunately, the latter ALWAYS overpowered the former.
Yep, sometimes other nurses are one of the problems in itself. However where I worked, it was always encouraged to take your sick leave, or a mental health day, which was very nice for a change. But it still never changed the actual environment I worked in.
I totally feel you with the current economic state and leaving an 'okay paying job' with 'good security' to struggle, thankfully I am fortunate enough to have a great support network behind me that allows me to work other jobs for lesser wage and still survive until I figure out what I'm to do next.
I wish you all the best and hope you get out of this toxic field! - Nick
L theanine and l threonate the night before will hell with the stress.
Maybe you should try in home care.
I am a nurse. You did good by quitting, I am on the way to quit as well.
Thank you for tuning in! I hope you find where you want to end up! -Nick
Well said. I appreciate you making this video. I just quit my RN (Male) job after 20 years of hell. The bullying and favoritism that occurs is unreal! And if you try to speak up they'll all gang up on you and make your life a living hell until you quit. Truly terrible. A lot of nurses quit because of this.
Glad you got out! It really is a dog eat dog world in healthcare! I wish you all the best on your next life adventure -Nick
I just graduated and got my nursing license. I haven’t worked yet and I don’t plan to. I regret so much listening to family who didn’t have a clue all the while I told them how miserable I was with it as a student. Other students and nurses telling me it would get better and it never did. By the grace of God I’ve just been put in the position to do what I’ve truly been wanting to do for years but didn’t have the resources to do at first. This license will only be used as a worse case scenario situation and I pray to God that I’ll never be in a position where I’ll have to work in nursing in any capacity. Working at Walmart or doing Doordash from Sun up to Sun down will even be considered a first option if it comes down to it. Yes my feelings towards nursing are that bad.
Hello! Thank you for tuning in!
I'm so sorry that you had to endure nursing school for nothing. Unfortunately for me, no-one was convincing me to do it, other than myself. I kept telling myself it will be better once I graduate and work - boy was I wrong.
Best case scenario - Is like you said, you don't ever have to work as a nurse in your life!
I'm in the same boat.. everyone kept saying oh, you can always come back later, always try a different type of nursing.. but they just don't understand, I mentally can't. Like you, i'd rather pick-up a regular 9-5 desk job, or even coles/woolworths before I go back to nursing (coles/woolworths don't get paid half bad either - with nowhere near the responsibility..)
My feelings towards nursing are on the same level! I hope you get your dream job and figure out your trajectory in life! Look after yourself -Nick
Glad u figured that out before u wasted more time
I needed this. 14 years in healthcare, I'm done.
Get out while you still can! It's never too late, although the 'recovery/reset phase' may be longer, it's SO worth it! I can actually sleep now, and my immune system is SO much better (I used to get cold sores and mouth ulcers EVERY month. But in the last 6 months I've had them twice) -Nick
@@nickandstevie I agree. As a male in healthcare, we both know how it is. Minefield is an understatement. I will find a better path.
@@user-bp6fd9ve3oim a first year make nursing student 😭
Finally, here is the nurse who straightforwardly speaks my mind without sugarcoating anything. Thank you!
You are welcome! -Nick
9 and a half years of nursing and I left in 2023. I am right now in a low-paying job, and honestly, my stress level has been so nice.
I am still deciding what to do with my life but for right now, I feel ok with walking away from nursing.
Hello and thank you for tuning in!
9 years wow! Congratulations on getting out and putting yourself first, that's huge! I'm borderline un-employed at the moment - very low hours per week, just surviving with bills etc. I honestly have never felt better too! Sleeping better than ever, not breaking out in cold sores and mouth ulcers.
I'm also deciding on my next trajectory - have spent the last 6 months living in Bali and resetting my body/life.
Cheers to the next chapter! Goodluck -Nick
29 years as a nurse and I can truly relate. I resigned last month and I was outpatient oncology but at a cesspool of an organization.
When I tell you the STRESS HAS BEEN LIFTED!!!! Believe me.
I too am sorting out my next steps and in the interim it may be a much lower paying gig but peace of mind and mental well-being is priceless.
Best wishes to you on your journey. God bless you!
Christina I threw in the towel after 32 years of the various hell holes : Emergency Room, Neurosurgical ICU,Medical ICU and Trauma ICU. That was at age 55,10 years ago. Fortunately enough ,I had a pension that I could claim at age 55 ,since I had 30 years of credited service in the state retirement system . My former employer is a County/ Teaching hospital,which offered a DROP program ( deferred retirement option program) ,enabling me to be legally retired and still work in the system . The DROP is a 457B program, so you
still receive your pension in addition to the pre-tax DROP money. You can cash that money out.without having to wait until you’re 59 1/2. Claimed Social Security at 62, so I have that income tandem. Not rich, but comfortable, and no longer stressed. Four former coworkers have died in the last 10 years since I’ve retired.
Same here, walking away after 10 long years in the field. Unfortunately not what I anticipated coming out of nursing school...real world 🌎 drama & politics left me emotionally stunned along with lack of respect from leadership & getting wrote of for stupid things..enough is enough, back to summer school & fall semester to find a new degree outside of healthcare all together
It is SO worth it right?! Congrats to you!
I am in nursing school right now and have also been working in healthcare for about 3 years now. I had high hopes for this profession until now. The nurse bullying, the verbal abuse and disrespect from patients have made me reconsider. Thank you for such an informative video and for being realistic about nursing. My entire cohort glamorizes nursing about the money, scrubs, etc. Now I am looking into radiology
There is honestly nothing glamorous about this job. The 'novelty' of wearing scrubs and being a 'hero' wears off almost instantly when you're treated like a slave not a hero. Radiology would be a good pick, however I think ANY health care profession would be roughly the same, as people (especially sick people) can be down right c#@ts -Nick
Nurse of 27 years (20 of those in the hospital acute care setting). Truth. Absolute truth. This is why I now work in pediatric home health… 1:1 and almost no politics.
27 years! WOW! I hope your years in the hospital setting treated you well. My hat goes off to you, along with many others who slog it out for longer than they should. I'm glad you got out and have moved onto something a lot more forgiving on the mind and body - Nick
Home health sucks too. Parents try to get you to do extra shit at their house, listening to their arguments, dealing with their fucking dogs lol
@@MendandMake😂😂😂 I hollered when you said dealing with their dogs!!!
@@msstacey777 it is what it is lol. Damn dogs
I’ve been in nursing for over 12 years now and agree with everything in your video.. My dad was a physician and I essentially went into this field to try and please him, and I regret it. I’m stepping away as soon as I can.
I'm sorry that you got essentially, 'mentally forced' into this field of work. I'm surprised you never picked up on how the field is to work in through your dad.
I hope you do get out asap and live a much more vibrant life outside of the hospitals four walls -Nick
Shift work has been killing me. I could work day shift but the problem is having a 2 week schedule instead of the same schedule every week. I have my days off scattered. So I only get 2 days off in a row every 2 weeks. I work midnights and my first day off is spent sleeping. My shift differential is only $1. All of the things he talked about is why I went to midnights, to cut down on the crap. I work every Sunday night even on my "weekend" off.
That sounds like such an unfair trade off!
2 days off a fortnight? Is that legal. I honestly thought the legal cutoff for days in a row worked was 7 or 8 unless agreed upon by the employee?
That's crazy that day shift > night shift is only $1 more, that's not even worth it to suffer through that. I hope you get that roster fixed for your sake! -Nick
Dude you are spot on... I am psych inpatient RN and have been the field for 6 years...I just left the field as well. No nursing job is worth your physical and mental health.
No job (nursing or not) is worth anyones physical or mental health! -Nick
Yep. Nursing could be one of the most noble professions there is, but the reality is exactly everything this young man has stated. I made a midlife career change and went into nursing. Worked 15 years as an RN. Left the field a little over 2 years ago and went back into a career I had experience in before nursing. The straw that broke the camels back for me were the mandated jabs for healthcare workers. Since I was on the back side of 50 I had to do something while I still had some life left in and I have never regretted it.
Absolutely! You are deemed a 'hero' by everyone OUTSIDE of this profession. Even the patients you look after, that treat you like shit, sometimes throw out the 'what you're doing is amazing', then why are you treating me like arse then?
Yeah I'm not a huge fan of the mandated jabs either, I did get them, as I was so new to nursing and needed to continue to work. However, if I had the opportunity to go back in time and find another career, i'd do that, and avoid the jab altogether!
Hope you found some peace in your work life - Nick
I got terminated back in 2021 for not taking the Covid mandate poison. I was an X-ray student at the time. Literally months away from graduating. Fast forward.. I got my CDL-A. Currently been a trucker for a little over 2yrs now. Made my first $100k my first year as a rookie driver. It’s up from here.
@@user-ub8uc8gq7r Yep the system is rigged from once you enter until you get out. It's a shame, as healthcare is needed with 100% uptime. There's no rest for healthcare.
Glad you've found something to keep you moving forward, that's incredible to hear! All the best on your journey! - Nick
Lucky you 🕊️🫂🙏✝️☮️
@@user-ub8uc8gq7r
Can down to AL they don’t force the jab on you just get a religious exemption. I believe TX is the same way.
I quit Nursing after 5 years and started my own business. It is so freeing to be self employed and put my own blood, sweat and tears into a path I truely love. All the longer than life shifs, abuse from staff and patients became normal and I did not want that kind of normal.
Don't be afraid to take a step back from the bedside and try somethinh else. You can always go back to Nursing if you need.
That's amazing! It's also the path i'm going down, I understand being your own boss can be extremely hard, but the pros of that FAR outweight the cons of health care in my honest opinion.
- No more night shifts or shift work - however if you love your job, you will do long hours regardless (but it's just different if you love it).
- Some people will ALWAYS be rude/disrespectful. As a nurse you have to cop it. As your own boss, you can tell them to go f&#* themselves (my favourite part)
I have been out of nursing for approx. 6 months now and I am LOVING my life, I know I will have nursing to fall back on, but if i'm being honest - I don't even want to have to consider that. I don't want to go back! I'm on to bigger and better things! -Nick
As a therapist, what frustrated me the most was working with patients to increase their bed mobility, their ability to transfer, dress themselves, brush their teeth etc JUST TO SEE THEM MAKE THE CNA'S DO what we just practiced. These patients have either shown progression since first being admitted, require minimal help, or are capable of getting themselves ready but would make the cna's use a hoyer, or even have the cna's change them in bed when they are capable of going to the bathroom and wiping themselves. I would always tell the CNA's not to allow patient to take advantage, and to say that it goes against their progression in therapy.
THIS!!! This is the most frustrating thing in the whole world! Nurses having 4-6 patients to themselves, and half of them 'require' sling lift or a stand-aid, solely because they're too lazy to push themselves into rehab/recovery. It's sad, but over time I honestly stopped caring about my patients entirely.. If you don't want to help yourself, why would I want to help you? - Nick
😅I have Patients that feed themselves when the meal tray comes but won't lift their own cup of water when I come in with their meds.
Exactly, and these same patients are the ones complains about the good nurses that do make them do things for themselves.
Yes this! I’m especially disgusted by the perfectly abled men who purposefully pee and shit themselves and lie in it to make us (young 20’s female) touch them. When I tried to call a patient out on it, he said “well this is what I’m paying for, for you to wait after me.” 😡 Like sir, you are in the icu because you were very sick, on ecmo, ton of pressors, and crrt. You are paying for those, not for sexual services!
It do be like that sometimes! Ridiculous is an understatement.
I became a nurse after a career change. I came from a high stress career into nursing. After a few years in long term care, I knew that the hospital wasn't for me. I spent 20 years burnt out, saw the writing on the wall and now I stay in the low patient ratio jobs , assisted living, or pediatric private duty. I make less money, but I have a life. I didn't have a weekend off for years, not going back to that again for no one. I try to tell people to take care of their health, you don't want to end up in the healthcare system. They got good people (mostly) but they work the hell out of them.
From what I'm gathering you went from a high stress career, straight into another high stress career haha!
I get you, 20 years burnout is crazy! 5 years was bad enough for me, so hats off to you for holding on for so long!
I understand that given our economic situation in the world right now with high cost of living, alot of people put up with more for more money to 'survive'. But in my opinion is they aren't 'surviving' they are scraping through to pay bills and then go back to work, and their mental health and social life is non-existent (atleast this was the case for me). So I prioritized my health and life outside of work, and lived below my means to work less. Best thing I ever did.
Thank you so much for your message! I hope you've found something that works for you! -Nick
@@nickandstevie I was a control room operator for a global corporation. In 15 years I had one X-mas off, several years it was nothing for me to work months without a day off. Worked around the clock in all kinds of weather, one of those tough guy jobs. When I came into nursing, I was attracted to the control a person had over their schedule. When I move on to another job now, I start looking after taking a month or two off. I don't care about staying at a job more than a few years. In my previous career, I earned a pension, so the pressure to make a lot of money is lessened. I also got all the conspicuous consumption out of my system. I found that if a person is not careful, the things you own will start owning you. I still get offers to go back to the control room from all over the world for 6 figures. No thanks, my life is simple but I'm happier. I got a social life and lost 50 pounds. I see the toxicity in the healthcare system, especially on the people who keep the system running. Save yourself, they will have your replacement there in a week after they bury you.
15 years!! And only 1 xmas off? That's insane, most jobs or corporations honestly don't give a s#$t about their employers. Thankfully we rotated between having Xmas and NY off (work one, have the other off). But still, working weekend and nights just took away from all other parts of my life.
I agree with you with the money side of things, money helps so much, but it isn't everything. I also live a more simpler life and work less and i'm WAY happier and better for it.
Agreed, I know for a fact that 12 weeks after I left, another nurse was hired and filled that position. Feels good to be a pawn in the governments systems (not). All the best on your future endeavours -Nick
This has got to be the realest video ever. I had a mental breakdown just on my placement during my second year and left after that. You're a lot stronger than i am
Hello! I'm glad I could provide some sort of realism within this profession. It's glorified way too much and no-one ever actually mentions the 'real' part of the job, just the 'saving lives' aspect.
If I could offer you advice, it would be to get out before you get in. In my honest opinion it's not worth it. However please remember, this is only advice from my own personal experience, it is not gospel. You are your own person and can do what you wish with your life.
I hope you choose what is best for you! All the best -Nick
Great to here a fellow Aussie nurse talk about this stuff, keep it up mate!
I'm currently in private and its sometimes like 1-7 or we do team nursing which is like where two of us work together to look after 9-14 patients
I was a registrar at a hospital for 9 months it was awful. Underpaid, overworked, and when it came time to address my own health issues I wasn't supported. I quit and have never been happier. Focusing on my mental and physical health. The rest will come. Glad you did the same. These places don't own us.
Wow even as a Reg! Why am I not surprised?
Congratulations on getting out and putting yourself first. I've seen first hand what medical registrars are also put through, and how long they work for.
Here's to putting ourselves first! Goodluck -Nick
I graduated in 2018 too, been a nurse for 5 years. I've worked cath lab since I was a new grad and I have loved every minute of it. I have so much fun everyday. I could not see myself doing anything else. It's wild how experiences can just be so different. I'm sorry you had so many struggles. I think I just got very lucky, the pts I work with are so grateful and kind, the working relationship with our operators is amazing, very close with them, call them by their first name. I think I am in the minority but I lucked out
Hello thank you so much for tuning in!
That's amazing for you and i'm so happy for you!
I actually did a newgrad program through Cardiology and then a specialised cardiac program which rotated me through the Cath lab and CCU. Cathlab would 100% be the best part of my nursing career. The patients were the best i've dealt with - most were outpatient cases so weren't acutely un-well or rude, the camaraderie with the staff and doctors were mostly amazing and the work hours were great. However unfortunately there was still back stabbing and bullying in that small tight knit circle of nurses (doctors included) and my temporary rotation in the Cath lab came to an end.
I think MOST of what I talk about is specific to ward / bed-side nursing, however alot of it crosses over to other specialties and niche jobs within nursing, as you are always at the hands of the government (in public systems) and working with other nurses.
I hope everything works out for you and you prosper in the Cath lab environment! -Nick
@nickandstevie thank you so much! Yes if the lab has poor leadership or a toxic culture there can be problems. You deff need to shop around and find the right fit for you. I lucked out and got into the secund best cath lab in the US and it truly is top tier. I appreciate your kind words and I will continue on saving lives in the lab! :)
I 100% agree here. Cath Lab has been the best nursing job I’ve ever had. Very much enjoyed it and it is truly rewarding.
How dis you get a job in cath lab as a new grad?
@nioushatavakoli9599 I moved to a very rural hospital that had a large bed and I shine bright like a diamond so they put me in the area I wanted!
Omg!! I literally cried hearing this... I am feeling all this!! I never would have thought this, after a year...
This is the truth!! I can't...
I totally feel you! I was the same just after my first 6 months working on an Oncology/Haematology ward.
It was the busiest ward i've worked on in my career and we were understaffed about 90% of the time, it was awful. Turned me off the whole career then and there, but the remaining 4.5 years left, I gradually saw more and more issues within the system as a whole.
It's NEVER too late to get out and change your trajectory in life. Even if you have kids, a mortgage etc. It's not worth your mental health staying in such a toxic work environment, after all, you only have ONE life.
I hope you find a way out and what you're looking for in life - Nick🥰
40 years and I finally retired and feel dead inside, I have nothing, nothing left to give
38 years in hospitals and LTC...I'm 62 in a month......
Please give yourself time to recover, as you will feel better again trust me! -Nick
The only respite from that kind of special hell is a long quiet rest - now the only care for people like us with 40+ years is to rely on one another. Text anytime, the care we gave to the unknowing, uncaring, uninformed, unkind, unbearable, uncivil people ( coworkers and patients alike) feels like a waste. Those truly good people we come across are cherished but damage has been done.
The only respite from that kind of special hell is a long quiet rest - now the only care for people like us with 40+ years is to rely on one another. Text anytime, the care we gave to the unknowing, uncaring, uninformed, unkind, unbearable, uncivil people ( coworkers and patients alike) feels like a waste. Those truly good people we come across are cherished but damage has been done.
He speaks the truth. Ive been in nursing since the 70's and its now 2024. Main specialty.... ER trauma nurse. Very stressful. I try to talk young girls out of this field.
ER trauma nurse would be chaotic! Dealing with frequent flyers and MH, basically the LOT. I hope you're managing okay! -Nick
What changes have you seen through the decades?
Just an FYI, when people ask why I hated being a bedside nurse, I open up this video and show it to them. In a coffee shop, at the gym, friends house, etc.
You've hit every point on the nail exactly as I, a 30 year old male who has been an ICU nurse for 4 years, has experienced it.
I took a non bedside role for now, but I'm still trying to figure out my life after nursing, I eventually want out entirely. It's good to have as a backup degree, but this career cannot be sustained while maintaining a healthy life.
Hello! Thank you so much for tuning in!
I'm glad that I can share some empathy with you and hopefully make you not feel as alone in the nursing world as it can be. I'm glad you got out of bedside nursing! I also contemplated a 'non-bedside' role prior to leaving healthcare, but when I got to the root of it, healthcare in general was the cause for everything. So I got out, and honestly, haven't felt better in my 5years of nursing. Get out, you won't regret it trust me. I would take a 9-5 desk job over nursing ANY DAY.
I hope you find what you're looking for and look after yourself -Nick
Couldn't agree more 30 year old male here. Left the hospital, working in home health for now but looking for a way out of nursing completely.
I'm so glad you left that toxic culture! I hope you eventually find your way out and onto bigger and better things! -Nick
Thank you for sharing this, my friend. Really needed to hear this from a fellow nurse leaving the profession. Let’s do this. ❤
Hey Renee thanks for the kind message!
Sometimes you just need to hear from others that they too are experiencing the same thing, so you don't feel insane. Too many nurses I worked with thought I was crazy for thinking this stuff and wanting to leave, and they would always tell me 'it's not even that bad'. I guess they were either in denial or they just got so used to dealing with this shit that they thought it was the norm.
I hope you can get out and savour the rest of your life outside of this profession! Lets do it!
Preaching to the choir. 32 years as a nurse, 15 years night shift at the bedside. 14 years as a case manager. I have come to realize that nursing is just utterly draining no matter what your job title. Just plugging away and hoping for early retirement
32 years!! WOW! and 15 years nightshift.. that part alone would have totally destroyed me!
I agree, people keep saying there's so many other avenues to go down in nursing, you don't have to do bedside etc etc. But in my honest opinion, I believe if you are dealing with patients (acutely unwell or chronic, sometimes not even unwell), it doesn't matter, they can still be entitled and rude. It's the field as a whole, not just a department by department basis.
I hope the end of your career moving into retirement goes swiftly and smoothly! -Nick
I can relate. Some old people are so entitled and will take your soul out of you. Age should not give them permission to act rude. I don’t care going above and beyond to patients who are nice and appreciative, but not to those who are self centered and rude and think they are better than anyone else. I think such people don’t deserve kindness.
I agree! So many times would I have two ends of the spectrum - one really kind and appreciative patient (who understood a nurses responsibilities and workload) and then another patient that's on the other end (demanding, entitled, didn't care that I hadn't had a break or needed to go to the bathroom).
As sad as it is, I got to a point where I would do the bare minimum required tasks for the 'rude' patient, and would happily go out of my way for the 'kind' patient. I NEVER neglected essential cares (observations, medications, pre-op stuff etc - but I NEVER stayed for a chat and would avoid them at almost any cost). This was yet another reason to leave, I didn't have any patience for people anymore, of give them the benefit of the doubt. -Nick
And some older people in that group, hippies, want super strong iv narcotics for a sore throat! True story 😮
Most Americans are entitled! God forbid a coffee shop be out of someone's favorite coffee or somebody under thirty years old can't drive the latest and greatest SUV. Old or young....Americans are absolutely spoiled and soft.
I work in the medical field as a sonographer and man it changes me from being an extrovert as well. Make me hate talking to ppl. I’m 3 years in and already signed up for college to peruse something else. I want to quit at least once a week
and I felt this way from
The beginning of my career
Do you mind sharing what you will pursue next? I want to pursue something that's not in “ healthcare but I don't know what else I would like!
@@zzzzzzzzzz5036 hey I’m actually looking into the tech field. Im going this route because theres a lot of hybrid jobs, many different type of avenues you can take, still high paying like my current career with the potential for much more and I’ve heard they have a better work-life balance. I’m not very tech savvy but I know with enough practice and time anyone can be good at anything.
Specifically I’m going for Cloud computing thru WGU. You can take a class or two for $99 to see how it is before committing to a full term of school.
Wow! Even as a sonographer.. I know it's still healthcare, but I thought that would have the least amount of b*llsh^t to deal with.. I'm sorry about that!
I hope you find something that suits you better! -Nick
Wow i thought it was just me I prefer to text after work days because I’m drained from talking to people all day
Oh man, that sounds absolutely rough. Glad you decided to change your situation! I'm closing in to 30 and wanted to try Nursing school in New Zealand. This is an eye opener and makes me think otherwise if I should pursue it.
Hey there! Thank you very much I appreciate it!
In my honest opinion, I would urge you NOT to pursue this as a career, however you have the ability to make your own choice I can only educate you on the con's. I hope you make the right decision for you!
Goodluck on your journey! -Nick
He explained my whole experience in this video. I am very appreciative of his honesty, and his honesty is extremely necessary. People say how flexible nursing is and I highly disagree. It’s not as many perks as people think.
I completely agree. I lasted one year in the ICU and hated it. Now I use nursing as a secondary source of income. I do home health infusion nursing and get paid the same I was at the hospital while working per diem making my own hours. If I get burned out I work less hours, if I feel like making more money I work a few more shifts while I work my remote sales job full time.
I didn't even try ICU but I can tell that would be very stressful, CCU was enough for me. ER I lasted 1 shift and was like, nope, i'm out. Glad you've got a great gig working for you! -Nick
Thank you for sharing your experience. I dropped out of nursing school back in 2022 because of the toxic environment that I had seen just in my classes. Not to mention the radonda vaught case where the hospital ultimately failed her and she made a horrible mistake. I've wondered if I made the wrong decision by letting those things get to my head but after watching your video I know I did the right thing. I'm currently in school for business and couldn't be happier. It's ten times easier than nursing school.
The class I was supposed to graduate nursing school with all just recently graduated and it had me wondering if I made the wrong decision switching to a 4 year business degree when I could've been done in 2 years with just an associates.
But before I even started nursing it was so toxic, everyone was horrible to each other, back stabbing, trash talking, patients threatening students, nursing staff getting annoyed over students, etc. THANK YOU for your video. It reminded me to not second guess myself about my decision.
Hello! Thank you for tuning in!
After reading everything you just said, even I can confirm that you've made the right decision. Just about any avenue of nursing is/can be toxic.
Business would have been a great venture, I wish I tried that. Don't doubt yourself either! If you have a gut feeling about something, then follow it! -Nick
I’m 6 months into a new grad position and I have already seen everything in this video. I relate to this whole heartedly. I told my friends I’m ready to just quit nursing altogether. My friends (who aren’t in nursing) are concerned and are like “well… what are you going to do with your life”
The unit I’m on is particularly bad and I seen everything from the understaffing (7 patients on a cardiac stepdown unit), to the role hierarchy, to the politics, the verbal/physical/mental abuse, the all being “omnipresence” we cannot physically be, the strain and depression and burden the thought of going back to work. I’ve been shunned for asking questions as a new grad and pulled into the office over “we are concerned you’re asking questions” (3 months in) and the questions were like “is this PRN okay to give with this scheduled med”. Had to deal with hazing from the PAs who literally have no filter and curse/scream/berate nurses, especially new grads who are inexperienced.
I was so burnt out I was left struggling and started having suicidal ideations (no, I don’t have a hx of depression and yes I’m okay now lol) but have other stressors in my life as well like I’m a caregiver to my parent.
I took a two week long vacation and on that vacation, I realized it wasn’t even my personal life and stressors affecting me. IT WAS FUCKING WORK. I knew I had to get out, but had little to no support from friends because all they saw was I was making a very stable income
Hello and thank you for tuning into the video! I'm glad I can offer some empathy towards what you are currently going through. I hope did / can offer any shed of light into what your future MAY be life if you stick it out, despite feeling what you are already feeling.
I also knew on my first new grad rotation 6-12months in that this job wasn't for me. However I stuck it out, because I just thought I 'had' to. Please, for the love of god, don't. If it's not for you, it's not for you, and sticking it out isn't worth it.
Honestly, I don't see any of the issues I spoke about in the video, being fixed anytime soon, if EVER.
I also experienced the same as a newgrad. Was never in an environment that I felt comfortable to approach someone with a question, which is ridiculous right? As the patient health is ALL of the nurses concern. Why get shunned for asking questions, especially as a newgrad. WTF? As an experienced nurse I ALWAYS went out of my way to students and new grads and told them to ask me anything, no matte how silly. The fact you can't, speaks very LOUD about, who you work with, and what type of environment you work in.
I've ever had a hx of depression or anxiety either, and like you, I did some introspection about what was causing it all and it was ALL work. EVERYTHING work related, leeched into every part of my life and made me miserable.
I completely understand from an outsiders perspective that all they see if 'good money' and 'a stable job'. But they don't see inside your mind. Never will. I always get questioned by family why I left and I should go back, why I should continue to keep my AHPRA registration updated and valid 'just incase'. There is no 'just incase'. I'd honestly rather work at McDonalds or KFC or some shit.
Take these words of advice. The people questioning your judgement are NOT living your life. They are NOT working your job. They are NOT you. They will NEVER understand and they will NEVER have to. It is your life. I pushed for 4 extra years just because I thought I had to.. I wish I could go back in time, quit after the first year and save myself misery for 4 years, and have 4 extra years to figure out my next move. My only regret is not quitting sooner and listening to the signs. PLEASE - do what is right for you and YOU only. I hope you find what your'e after -Nick
Why not go to PA school?
Erica - I totally feel your pain when your friends ask what are you gonna do rather than just support your decision and back you. So many people in my life expect you to have some significant working role in life that is substantial and money making versus being happy. I'd almost rather meet someone new and ask them what makes you happy over what do you do for a living. People glorify nursing but pull that hospital curtain down and see it first hand behind the scenes is eye opening. Those friends aren't real friends in my opinion. The friends that pat you on the back and say dinner is on me tonight and tell you you're onto better things is what you need.
Girl get out now. All of heavens is hell. It's about money. I've done it all in 31 years and like you ready to quit after year 1.I wish I had. Don't be like me.
I totally agree 100 % . You know more about us than the Dr's and, when I've been in a hospital , I try NOT to ask you for anything because we realize just how much work you have to do in 1 shift.
Hello! Thank you for tuning in!
Us nurses are typically the eyes and ears for the Drs! They don't know anything until we tell them. Yet we still get treated with disrespect, you can't win (most of the time).
It seems like you are one of the amazing patients that I mentioned in the video that makes nurses shift a dream come true! When I say this I speak on behalf of all nurses, we appreciate you and thank you for understanding what we do, and how much we have on our plate! -Nick
I was a cna in the hospital pcu unit I thought I wanted to go to nursing school and after working there I was disgusted with healthcare !!!!!!! I lasted 90 days it was the worst job in my life ! It was like slavery!!!! Nasty co workers horrible patients and yes those ppl don’t want any help just taking up space ! Glad I quit I’ll never return ! I’m much happy working in the school system !
I'm so glad that you got to experience than prior to using up so many years of your life to study it and then work it just to experience it and learn the same thing.
It 'modern day wage slavery' - that's my opinion on it.
I hope you found something great for you -Nick
Nick and Dave thanks for the support. It certainly has been a ride. It's a terrible thing to have to wish your life away to feel peace. Unfortunately I just need to move from my current job but not sure what is next 😢
That's the beauty in it though! Whats next? Whatever you want! Enjoy the next chapter -Nick
Spitting truths. Finally, some honest reporting of what it’s really like
Thank you! Unfortunately there's some people out there who don't agree with what I'm saying. I'm not sure if it's denial or they're just lucky enough to avoid all of this b*llsh&t their entire career. But I'm glad I can offer some sympathy/empathy to others out there experiencing the same thing. We are not alone! -Nick
After near 30 years in it, you nailed it! In my opinion, as nurses we fail ourselves by not standing up to admin and boards that are supposed to be keeping us professionals. It is completely a he said she said job that hopefully will change in the future.
WOW! 30 years is wild! I just could not imagine that time under all of what I mentioned!
I hope you are actively looking after yourself and your mental health! Hats off to you for your long lived service! -Nick
I have ALWAYS been respectful towards ALL medical personnel, especially Nurses. My wife has been in the hospital for several procedures, and these times were stressful for her (and she was NOT rude or demanding, just visibly stressed). I witnessed the kindness, compassion, and attentiveness with which the Nurses treated my wife, and I saw how that all served to bring her a more peaceful state of mind. Consequently, that care is what I have come to expect from Nurses, and I assumed that it was part of their training to know how to speak to patients. Silly me had no idea that other patients/family could be so difficult to their care givers.
Watching videos like this, and I have seen others, will cause me to to be "more" expressive of my appreciativeness for what Nurses and other hospital staff do. THANK YOU to all the medical professional out there.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Unfortunately the ratios of which patients are 'good' or 'bad' is quite staggering.
But I will say this - please keep being kind and compassionate towards us health care workers, it never goes unnoticed and it is much appreciated. Most of the time, a small kind gesture can turn a whole awful day around. It's also quite unfortunate, but if you treat us nicely, we will above and beyond for you, but if you treat us bad, we will avoid you at all costs (whilst still doing what needs to be done). Thank you for being kind to us! -Nick
Thank for your honesty and using factual scenarios.
You are most welcome! -Nick
RN here…..graduated in 1970…..retired in 2020. The last 15 years were very difficult….everything he says here is so absolutely true. I stayed because I knew it wouldn’t be any better anywhere else and I wasn’t willing to start all over again ….seniority where I worked did count for something. And had wonderful support from most of my coworkers….we took care of each other. I still am in touch with many of my friends who are still working and it is so much worse now……
Listening to you talk so candidly about the nursing profession makes me feel that you are my long-lost identical twin. I'm currently on sick leave and I know I won't be returning to bedside nursing. I too endured my share of crap as a RN. Let me count the ways:
1. Shift work--my former work line had me working for six consecutive nights (Sat. to Thurs). I later found out I was hired because for that line because no one else wanted it.
2. Nurse servant--I once gave a bed bath to a client I had to prepare for an appointment. Imagine my dismay when after
Hello! I'm glad you liked my video!
I hope for your sake you haven't endured too many years in this grueling field!
I am so sorry you got stuck with that awful awful roster. THAT would have honestly ruined me, I was doing 4-6night shifts a month, and usually broken up because anymore than 2 in a row and my mental health would rapidly decline, so my hat goes off to your for doing 6 in a row.
I'm going to take a stab in the dark and say for point no#2, the patient turned out to be independent and could get up and move? 😏
I don't have much more to say about point no#3 - it is what is is, females CAN be hard to deal with - especially in numbers (no disrespect)
Point no#4 - I saw this WAY too much! I got caught in this on multiple occasions, luckily enough I was 'respected' enough that when I stood up for myself and say no, change it. I was listened too, probably because I was stubborn enough that if it wasn't changed, I would refuse and go home 'sick'. Unfortunately that's how bad it got.
I hope you're doing okay and find what you're looking for! -Nick
I always feel so so so disrespected when I’m getting meds ready and looking at a computer and people will interrupt like it’s just nothing.
Yep! Even by doctors! We are literally in the middle of something, and they come up and abruptly ask us to do something for a different patient, all the while they don't even now our names.. -Nick
I quit bedside nursing (ER & ICU) nearly 3 years ago and my mental health has done a complete 180°. The conditions nurses face in the inpatient setting is abhorrent. Staffing, safety, patient load… how many nurses have to leave before the system collapses? I feel like we must be getting close. Hopefully some new horizons are in the near future. Love this video & thanks for sharing! ❤
I’ve worked as a nurse in Korea and NZ for 11 years and it’s all same as f…there was one more plan set up going to thr states as a nurse but now I’m thinking about changing my job! Thank you!!
I believe it's the same anywhere you go, as there will ALWAYS be sick and rude/disrespectful patients. I hope you find a better job for you! -Nick
It’s jungle out here. But my advice before you quit nursing (if you do like some aspect of your job) explore other avenues! There’s SO much more than hospital nursing, we have options. Cath lab, PACU, dialysis, infusion clinic, hospice etc
I started at a community hospital in telemetry at the height of the pandemic - it was a nightmare. I hated my job. Then I switched to a magnet pediatric hospital and LOVED it. I will never go back to taking care of adults, they can be so nasty (inside & out)
Yep! It's a dog eat dog world!
I have considered most of those and I have worked in Cath lab before - it was good. Dialysis is a no no for me - renal patients tend to be the worst out of ALL patients in my experience.
I think unfortunately given my stressful 5 years, I have some minor trauma regarding healthcare and I've just blocked out everything health care wise as a career, I don't want to be involved in patients or other nurses at all. Maybe things will change in the future, I am open to it, however maybe not for a couple of years.
Thank you for your input though, it is much appreciated! -Nick
Acute Dialysis RN here-dialysis is hard physical work and low pay--most hospitals rent out to the big corporations like Fresenius, DaVita and DCI they are the worse paid and NO Call back pay and u work on the day u are on call--I have had many a 24 hours day NO BREAK and NO on call pay, left for travel and never went back to staff--it's hard on your back and your mental health, I'm out in one year as a nurse, I would not recommend dialysis or nursing to anyone I care about@@nickandstevie
I am so sick of hearing this shit from nursing marters "ok just find a new area and you will love nursing". News flash, nursing sucks no matter where you go!!!
haha yep! People are people, no matter what 'department' of nursing you are in. There will always be c$%ts somewhere, unfortunately healthcare just bring this personality and traits to the forefront, no matter where you are in nursing..
Good luck! -Nick
@@bettysmith4527 i think you should do what’s best for you. I’m just sharing my personal experience, coming from the pits of nursing darkness. At my new job we pick our own schedule, PTO is rarely denied, we always get our 30min and are entitled to a additional 1 hr paid sleep break, we often have a resource nurse, are on average 3:1 ratio med surg, always have a CNA, our management is 1 manager 3 supervisors who are literal angels and work on the unit if we’re short, if the acuity is to high we cap the unit, taking care of these kiddos who frequently come back and we know them by name is so satisfying. BUT the parents are sometimes difficult to work with, the kids are very sick, and the job IS stressful. All this being said I love my job now. It doesn’t get better for everyone, but it got better for me.
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for explaining exactly what us nurses go through! I've been a bedside RN for nineteen years now in a large hospital in the United States. I'm however fortunate to work in a hospital where most doctors are respectful to nurses. The first four years I worked nightshift but have been on dayshift ever since. I love dayshift because of the more normal sleep/wake pattern but dayshift is more busy. Where I work there is so much more pressure to do more charting instead of bedside care. If we don't chart specific things then the hospitals get less reimbursements from insurance companies and medicare. Also our hospitals get penalized for having incidents occur such as patients fallig and central line associated infections. They cut back on ancillary personnel such as dietary workers, housekeeping, etc, leaving more and more on nurses.
For example, there will be one supply person working on the weekend to cover the whole hospital of several hundred beds so when we tell them we need insulin needles we dont always get them until the end of the day or they will tell us to go to another floor for them! We dont have enough staff on the weekends to send them all over the hospital looking for somethin thats supposed to be stocked on our floor. Also, I have been yelled at by patients multiple times saying, "Where have you been?! I've been calling you for five minutes!" (I'm sorry I was doing chest compressions on another patient.) I just say, " I'm here now, what do you need." I just kill them with kindness so to speak. I do not feed patients or bathe patients that are able bodied explaining that we support patients to be independent to the best of their ability.
Unfortunately I have been kicked, hit, spit on, scratched, had objects thrown at me, and been sexually assaulted all while on the job. Sometimes I don't know how I go on but I'm fortunate to work with very good people for the most part and that helps so much. I'm not sure I will stay in my current job until I retire.I'm keeping my eyes open. 😊
By the way, what country did you work as a nurse?
Hello! Thank you so much for tuning in to the video and for leaving a comment!
I have been victim to everything you have just said. Always stuck in an eb and flow of HAVING to document everything - and create iview groups on our system for insitu devices, but also having to physically care for them, insert them and remove them, while having to document the care and insertion for them, so you're really fighting two ends of the spectrum, DOING an action for your patient, or DOCUMENTING the actions you either NEED to do, or HAVE done (leaving you not much time to document it). It's a vicious cycle that never ends.
My last few months of working bedside nursing our food service staff went on strike - this left nurses doing EVERYTHING re food - organising meals for patients, making tea / coffee, getting snacks etc. But it didn't stop with food services, we were at the expense of allied health - we have to do PT, oral cares etc etc, we take on 80% of allied health roles whilst being the primary care giver, it's actually insane.
Exactly, emotional abuse, physical abuse where do you draw the line? How much can you take before you break? No one that ISN'T a healthcare worker will EVER understand this. Working with great people makes it harder to leave the job, but should NEVER be the reason you stay in such a job (if it's ruining your life) - you need to make that clear to yourself.
I hope you find something else that you can work until retirement! All of the best!
P.S I worked in Australia -Nick
I love the story about the pt asking where you were, and you said, (sorry. I was doing chest compressions in another room). LOL... this is SO true!!! I had a diabetic yell at me because he didn't like his dinner, and I didn't come fast enough to help him. I told him I was busy treating a pt next to him that was dying. All that that entitled diabetic pt could say was, (you shouldn't have told me that). It's such a toxic environment. Staying much longer, I'm not sure my mental health will rebound. And, this is me coming back into the profession, having down a TON of healing work.
@@MishaIsha1 Oh my goodness I know what you mean! Everyday I have patients complain to me about their food, either they didn't get exactly what they asked for, or they got too much food, not enough food, the food was too cold, they didn't get ketchup. I love when heart failure patients think we are going to give them salt packets with their food or diabetics think they will get as many carbs as they want! I tell my patients I have nothing to do with the food, then give them the number for dietary. If they want something heated up and if I'm not in the middle of an emergency then I will heat the food up.
Everything always falls on the nurse. Lord help us! 🙏 😃
I quit after 20 years and retired 9 years early. In short, nursing sucks. Nursing school is my biggest regret in life. If you want to be a nurse, be careful and make sure you know what you're getting into!
I did bed-side nursing for one year and quit. It was such a toxic and draining environment even though I was working with a population that I’m passionate about with moms and babies. Public health home-visitation with this population helped to renew my interest in nursing but that was because I focused on education and didn’t do any of the clinical aspect of nursing which drained me. Now that I transitioned to another health department because it is closer to where I live, I feel like I’m back in square one with being mandated to do clinic, communicable disease work, and other related programs with juggling coordinating a maternal/infant program which is draining. I’m back in school to get my DNP/MBA since I’m done being mandated to do some form of clinical-based nursing and I’m looking towards getting a maternal remote nurse position in the meantime or working for the state which offers these same amenities, pays more and I’ll be able to focus more strictly on education and administrative-based work.
I totally agree with you!
I think the 'idea' of the job is amazing, but actually doing it, is a different story. I was the same, in my favourite field - CCU, critical care, telemetry, STEMIs, cath lab, arrests etc, fascinated, excited and intrigued me, until I worked it, and hated anything and everything nursing related.
Sounds like you have a plan! Just follow it through and I hope you find the path you are looking for, look after yourself and your mental health, because no one (including the government) will! -Nick
i think it's totally bullshit that you can't have abusive patients removed.
You can, it just takes time.
It’s called being administratively discharged.
Absolutely agree! and then you get put on a 1:1 special with them for the next 7 hours of your shift 😤 - complete rubbish
Sure, you can, but it usually takes 3-4 code blacks, some attempts at sedation, a couple of punches to your body and a full shift of verbal/physical abuse. Not worth it. They need to streamline the process WAY quicker! Nick
15yrs down the line as a nurse here in Scotland and I spend every day looking up jobs, looking at courses in the nearby college. I’m done but have absolutely no idea where to go from here. Been doing my training and then job since 2004.
Sorry my last message was cut short (computer glitch). For my second point, I was saying that after I finished bathing the man and started helping him with his trousers, he told me I forgot to wash his legs, and was adamant about not going further in his morning routine unless I wash his damn legs.
3. Politics--I am female and even I don't like working with some of the female nurses. I've gotten more respect from male nurses and doctors.
4. Hierarchy--because I have the least seniority on my unit, the head nurse or senior nurses reorganize the work assignment so that I get all the high-maintenance patients
I replied to your other comment! -Nick
You just motivated to leave my toxic job! Thank you SO very much!
I agree 100% on this video. The end definitely spoke to me in terms of working at job that causes you grief. I use to work 2 part-time jobs (Patient Transporter at Windber Hospital & Customer Service Clerk at a grocery store) just to make up for full-time hours. Did both them for about 15 yrs. On 6/12/20, I resigned from my CSC position and just stuck with my hospital job. I decided to put my mental health first. Thanks for sharing this video.
It is such a huge factor that not many people think about - I understand it's hard to think like that when you have.. kids, mortgage and car payments and debt you need to pay for. But at the end of the day, you have one life, why would you spend most of it being miserable and not enjoying your life?
I'm glad you did what was best for your mental health! All the best with your future! - Nick
On point. I'm in the process of looking for my first non nursing job since I became one. I'm done! Can't pay me enough to stay in it. Thanks for sharing. If you shared this while you were still at your job, you'd be fired, which is what happened to me. Simply sharing my day of what nurses go thru versus doctors, no names mentioned, no place of employment, didn't speak about patients, I was speaking in terms of job duties of a nurse vs docs in a humorous way. Fired! Since then, I didn't look back and on to a better life. My mental health was deteriorating there and if I hadn't been forced put, I would never have left and allowed it to kill me slowly inside. Blessing in disguise. Good luck and I hope you found peace.
Wow, that's crazy! I'm so sorry that happened to you. I wonder how they found out about the conent?
I'm glad it was a nudge in the right direction for you though! I agree with the not being forced out, alot of people would stay.
All the best on your job hunt and I hope you find something better for your mental health! -Nick
@@nickandstevieI'm pretty sure someone brought the video to my bosses attention as I doubt he stays up late at night watching my content. Lol. Thank you for your response and words of encouragement. The honesty in your video is needed to be heard.
@@NessaVibes2024 That's rubbish! The fact that you can get fired for that, yet other nurses have an only fans that is public within their own IG.. and they promote it. Wild. Shows that HR isn't there to help YOU, it's there to help the company! -Nick
Soooo true everything you said. What I did and I was a teacher before I was I nurse. Both careers suck. Too political. What I did I left the hospital and went to health care. Way less pay but it allowed me to continue school to pharmacy school. Now I’m a pharmacist and am my own boss😊. You use those jobs to get ahead. Everything you said is spot on and it’s annoying. That’s why male teachers and male nurses are rare. Correct.
Thank you for tuning into the video!
Very interesting to hear about teaching as a career! May I ask why you went to pharmacy from nursing? From what I can see, even in the hospital setting, it doesn't matter what allied health profession you take, if you are in the 'healthcare' field, we generally all get treated the same -Nick
Can't wait for the next 24 months till Retirement,I am totally beyond burnout
I'm so jealous that you are so close to retirement! But also so happy for you! I'm glad your nursing career is coming to an end and you can finally start up your rest and digest system 👐 - Nick
I am in nursing school right now and pretty much hating my life but couldn’t figure out exactly why. This video has been a godsend as so many of the things you’ve said are exactly how I’m feeling about nursing. Thank you for sharing your own experiences, feels super validating and also interesting in hearing your perspective 🙏🏽
Thank you so much for tuning in and i'm glad I can give you some perspective as to what to possibly expect if you continue on your nursing journey - Nick
Hope you find a career that suits you better. My mum was a nurse her whole life. It's a hard job to be sure. Best wishes for you and a better future.
Thank you Kerry! Much appreciated!
I can't believe how similar our experiences were. I couldn't enjoy my days off because I knew I had to go back. I don't understand why peope who can walk refuse to go to the bathroom. I've had patients scream "Nurse" at the top of their lungs. Rush into the room only to be asked for a cup of water. While the PCA just came out of the room from taking vital signs and was right outside their door. Everthing you said is true. I had no idea how mean nurses could be until I worked on the unit. I would hear vent and pump alarms on my nights off and would wake me out of a sound sleep. Good Luck in your future endeavors.
I think ALOT of people out there have similar experiences, but no one wants to speak up about it.
Yep! They will do just about anything for attention. I had someone once ask me to put cream on their back - I asked, who does it at home? They said they did. I stared at them and said you can do it now then..
Same patient - buzzed me in, asked for me to grab their pillow for them. I said can you show me which one. They literally sat up and touched the pillow they wanted with their hand.. I said, you want me to grab the pillow you're touching right now for you? They said yes. I said you can do it yourself and walked out.
Honestly it's a joke. Patients like these take away from all the necessary jobs us healthcare people need to do (vitals, medications, IV's etc). Yet we have no leg to stand on to talk back to them otherwise we risk getting reprimanded or in trouble. How does that work?
I hope you find the right path for you! -Nick
Currently a housewife chronically because of this. My friends,family and husband don’t get it. Now I do admit my floor was more manageable but my
Coworkers made my life hell, many where pure evil. And yes difficult patients and management. I just wonder what career I can do now? It’s annoying I am in my thirties I don’t want to go back to school.
No one that is NOT or has NOT been a healthcare worker, or bedside nurse, will ever understand this. Heck even some of the actual bedside nurses can't understand this.. -Nick
@@nickandstevie I don’t do med surg anymore it’s too much. I am a postpartum nurse and sometimes babies way more manageable. I’m praying for something. I could switch to case management or a clinic. I am sure those options will also have a new set of challenges. I am now at a new job. Money needs to be made and bills. I went to a smaller hospital to at least have a lighter load. My manager is already being passive aggressive. This is ad and exhausting it’s only my second week of work. I am at this point wanting to ask her what is the problem. I refuse to walk on egg shells because of a job. I will quit this job like the other facilities. This is a horrible reality. I want to work for myself I worked hard for this degree I also want to help my husband so we can grow and make things happen in our lives.
It's a blessing to know I'm not alone in my frustration with nursing. Im pursuing my masters in nurse education. I gotta get away from direct care. Who knows, maybe I can help some young nurse to not be blind sided when they go out into the world.
I'm happy you're so self aware and I hope you've found your spot. I went in altruistic and became jaded after just a few years but kept going bc I had no other skill and 4 years of school locked me in.
Office, home care, management were not my vision of being a nurse. In 39 years, I've had about 2 dozen truly heartfelt acknowledgements from patients,I felt rejuvenated by each one and shared that with them.
Politics and money make our jobs and our job descriptions impossible. I'm quitting earlier than expected because I can't even meet my own expectations of quality care.
Thank you for speaking the truth. You’re the only other one I know of that will say the truth.
We work amongst the flying monkeys, enablers, codependents, etc. many dysfunctional systems in nursing that we are surrounded by and why it’ll never ever change. It’s just getting worse and worse.
Hello! Thank you so much for tuning in!
I'm glad I can offer some form of empathy/sympathy for us healthcare workers.
I don't see the hospital systems changing for a LONG time, if ever. Even prior to studying nursing, having not worked in healthcare, I just have a strong feeling this is always as it has been (I could be completely wrong though) -Nick
I retired last year after 42 yrs I dreaded going to work in the last 10 years I watched all the negative changes ,ratios long shifts abuse from everyone . So grateful that I don’t do patient care anymore. I pray I never have to again.
I was a medic in the military and chose to reject the field when i discharged. The hours to pay to insurance crap made me not want to be complicit. It has made me a medical cynic, but a GREAT patient. Ive had multiple invasive procedures and doctors and nurses say my silence and understanding make me the best patient theyve had. I feel bad for folks still in the field.
Good for you. I try to be very kind to the nurses because they are often the ones who keep you alive. Plus they have such a hard job. I don’t mind waiting while they deal with patients who need more time.
I agree! I feel like I would be a great patient as I know what it's like to be on the other side! Unfortunately some people don't and will never understand that part -Nick
Thanks for sharing man. I am a dude , getting out of bedside nursing at the hospital as well, everything you said is word for word my experience as well here in the States.
You are not alone brother! Bedside is the pits! -Nick
My pet peeve with hospitals is that they waste money. Spending money on stupid stuff like AHA RQI Mannekins when this money could have been spent on staffing units properly. Stupid and petty complaints from patients and families. Management not supporting their staff and aging discrimination. I agree about the gossip and back stabbing as I had colleagues bully me. It was horrible. I left the hospital setting and never regretted it!
Absolutely! They waste money, yet they are so money and budget driven, go figure right?
I'm so glad you got out when you did, better late than never! All the best on your next journey! -Nick
Or "magnet status" here in the states what a fucking joke that is, MILLIONS spent to PRETEND that the hospital gives a shit about staff!! How about we spend that on more staffing and equipment instead!
MAGNET STATUS! That's the word I've been looking for since I created this video ugh! The hospital I worked in was HUGE and it was deemed magnet status, yet ALL of these issues were still at the forefront. It doesn't change anything. Super, SUPER frustrating -Nick
Magnet Status is a joke! It means sh-t!
@@SLB765 Yep! I agree, it just attracts more healthcare staff because it sounds like they have their sh&t sorted and organised, but they don't..
Thank you for sharing, your deciscion is so valid. I just quit bedside after 10 years of nursing in sweden. Im currently burned out, have muscleaches, low grade fevers and fatigue due to this. Nothing is worth this. My friends and family kept telling me the job cant be that bad, try another unit, instead of encouraging me to leave, which my whole body and mind was telling me to do. Ive taken breaks here and there but always went back after a while. When i get well again, whenever that will be im applying to a bachelors degree in economics. From the moment you start working as a nurse youre gaslighted into thinking that there is something wrong with you, because you cant make it work, sleep isnt workning, workload is too big for you. ACTUALLY its not your fault, youre just set up to be burned out.
I work in the USA and it sounds similar to your experiences. I’ve been an RN for 15 years now in a variety of settings. My experiences varied as I worked in the adult setting and also the pediatric setting. I’ve found that it’s a bit kinder in the pediatric world. We still have the general issues like what you describe with patient/patient families, but it is more tolerable than t adult nursing in where it gets overwhelming in everything that you described in your video. I had similar experiences as yourself in the adult world and eventually went back to the pediatric setting. If you ever decide to come back to the profession, you may want to try pediatrics.
It’s a different cup of tea and difficult in its own right, however, the joy you can bring to the patients and their families is unmatched. It’s so full of heartwarming interactions mixed with some heartbreak, but it’s most often positive interactions. I was so glad I stayed in pediatrics vs adult nursing as I don’t think I would have stayed in this profession otherwise with everything you eloquently described and illustrated. This is such a tough profession on so many levels.
I hope you find your path in whatever your endeavors take you, but if you ever decide to go back to nursing, I would encourage you to try the pediatric world. We need nurses and people like yourself who seek to improve the lives of others. Your mental health takes precedence of course, but if you ever find it in your soul to come back, try pediatrics.
Much love to you from the States for all you have done and attempted to do to improve the lives and outcomes of others.
I think it would similar anywhere in the world, people get sick, and people can be rude/disrespectful, no matter your colour, race, ethnicity, back ground.
I can already say that peads unfortunately would not be good for me and my personality and I say that from a personal approach not professional/clinical. In that regard, I almost feel like working in peads you would have double the patient load (metaphorically), as you would be looking after the children AND their distressed parents/parent figure. I could very much be wrong about this though as I haven't worked in peads before.
Thank you so much for your kind words and input, it's really appreciated and doesn't go unnoticed.
All the best in your healthcare journey! Look after yourself -Nick
@@nickandstevieyes except the USA we have worse ratios. Some ICUs have to triple. All double unless there are extenuating circumstances. PCU may have 5 patients. Med surg begins with 6 patients and may go to 9 patients if understaffed
I endured 30 years of hospital staff nursing. 6 months in a critical care burn unit, 2 years psych units, 4 years neonatal intensive care, almost 23 years pediatric oncology. I retired with stage 1 hypertension.
My weakness was never returning to school for an advanced practice nursing degree, like Nurse Practitioner. My first nursing job began when President Reagan introduced his Managed Care Policy. I was a single father and one of four male nurses who graduated in our nursing class.
This is so true. COVID amplified the negatives in nursing, especially in the ER.
I can definitely see that and I honestly think it's amplified it in just about ALL departments, as we still have mask mandations currently.. as if Covid is still a thing anymore 😂 -Nick
I was an RN for 32yrs! As a hospital trained nurse who left school year 10 didnt have much option but to stick it out. I felt the same way as you about going to work, full of dread and so depressed and I worked 17yrs on the casual pool!
You are so right about the patients and if they are ok the relatives drive you crazy with their demands for test results and info about their family member's condition.
Ive been retired for 17yrs and still have nightmares about shifts going to shit because of staff shortages, patients going berserk and the relentless demands.
I feel like I have been let out of prison, my life is so peaceful now and HAPPY and Im living on the aged pension😅😅
Will relish when the family members have to do the personal care because this will no longer be a professional's role 😂😂
I'm so glad you got out and can finally relax and let your rest and digest system kick in!
You've definitely earnt it after a 32 year stint, kudos to you. You've lasted longer than I ever could have.
Enjoy your pension and soak up the rest of your life! -Nick
🤣🤣I just left HR today because I had a patient that was literally dying and the patient’s wife complained about being discharged late! I also got wrote up because at 8.5 months pregnant with a damaged nerve in my back, I refused to push a huge hospital bed and help lift a 567lb patient.. I CANNOT WAIT TO BE DONE!
Why would you do a job you're not capable of doing?
No support within the system at all! It's disgusting. They don't care about us outside of the hospital walls. If you cannot help them inside the hospital, they won't help you inside the hospital (or out). It's so sad to see them treat the 'heros' that are NEEDED this day and age - I hope you get out and live the rest of your life on your own terms! -Nick
It's not necessarily her fault. Have you ever worked in healthcare?
They honestly don't care if you have injuries (that you obtained IN or OUT of the hospital).
If you're there, you're there to 'do your job' and 'earn your wage' no matter the cost. If you're pregnant, they don't care, if you have an injury, they will barely opt to put you on light duties.. they fill the roster/gap with you and look at you as a number, not as an individual with a functioning/non-functioning body.
@nickandstevie Why would anybody care about you "outside the hospital walls?" Go buy a dog! You're there to do a job.
@nickandstevie Of course, I work in Healthcare. I also don't care if a coworker is pregnant. If she can't do her job, she shouldn't be there.
I hear you brother! I feel exactly the same way! I want to quit so bad! But, I don't have other choice now to do another job at my age. I am trying to plan to leave nursing. Someday, I just want to walk out! Thank you for posting! I wish I can quit! Everything you say it's right on. Good luck with your life journey!
I get it man! Maybe try a different avenue or nursing (not bedside) if you can't leave due to obvious reasons (family, finance etc).
Goodluck man! -Nick
Wow. This makes me feel like I may have made the right decision by not studying nursing. I was pressured by my mom to do so years ago but I struggle in math & science. I knew she wasn’t going to pay for a tutor so I said “no.”
I hope I have helped you make the right decision for your own journey in life! I'll be glad if I went through all I have, in order to stop someone else going through the same things I did!
I hope you find the right thing for you in life! -Nick
Your video is so spot on. I have almost all of your same feelings. I began nursing later in life at 45. I am now 62 and so burned out with nursing. I have decided to take early retirement at 62. For now I am staying PRN, but even at that, I start getting high anxiety a couple of days before a shift. I started out my career in the hospital, but have been working in LTC/Rehab for the past 9 years. Although the acuity isn't as bad, the number of patients you have is ridiculous. One night shift it was just myself and an aide to take care of 27 people and the majority were incontinent. At this point in time, I can only deal with nightshift. I can no longer tolerate the harassment of family members. Nightshift is a total killer. Before reducing my hours my blood pressure was shooting up. It is now in the normal range. I know some people can handle all the stresses of nursing, but I am not one of them. I was going to bed thinking of work, dreaming about work, waking up thinking of work and on my time off thinking of work. I swear, my personality has changed since becoming a nurse. I hope to get up the nerve to quit all together, but I am a big financial worrier. My husband still works, so we still will make a decent income. I hope to leave nursing completely in the very near future.
Wow definitely a late start! But not unheard of. Burnout is SUPER quick in healthcare field, for every reason i've mentioned. I feel like alot of people sweep it under the rug and choose to be ignorant and carry on.
Exactly what you said, some people can handle nursing, some people cannot. I think the most important part is recognising, which one you are.
I can honestly say, I have become a much better person since quitting bed side nursing and shift work. My mental health is much better, but I would highly recommend into checking on your homone panels! Shift work can ruin that -Nick
I'm a respiratory therapist, and last night, I was in the ICU, and they added 2 more floors of patients for me. It's an amazing gift. I thought i was going to die.
FLOORS? Like a floor of 20-30 patients? x2?
How is this even legal? I would straight up refuse and say this is not safe for ANYONE involved, and take it right to the union. That's b*llsh&t. It's fine for them to give you those ratios, until someone dies under your care, then you are not helped whatsoever by the system and you only get the blame.
I hope that never happens to you again! -Nick
@nickandstevie yup. Thankfully, not everyone needed respiratory assistance, but that night, I literally had 60 patients, including 10 ventilated patients. Our hospital is huge and short staffed
@@itsgabbieagain wow that is crazy! I would honestly have left after that shift, written a massive email to HR and the higher ups and either have quit or demanded time off. That's ridiculous! I'm so sorry you had to endure that responsibility and stress!
Retired after 46 years of nursing. Loved it, hated it. As a single mother, I could not leave it. Had to work shift work for the differential. Thank God I'm retired. I'm proud I lasted so long.
‘I got out…before I got OUT’! WOW!😨
Hello! I understand that may sound extreme to people in the 'outside' world, and not in my close circle that experienced who I was/who I became because of this job. But it's true and I want to be brutally honest to currently active nurses and people looking to become a nurse, that is isn't all sunshine and rainbows! -Nick
30 year career nurse and still standing. Not sure how some days.
I did take a lot of “breaks” despite not having time or money. Sometimes my health was driven into the ground.
I’ve been trying for 20 years to find a way out. But then there’s survival mode. Just keep going forward because that’s all you know how to do.
For the most part my work was not in medsurg or other hospital arena. (Psych inpatient only).
But it’s everything you said in every niche. And then the industry is driven by customer satisfaction surveys.
Not fair…. abusive employee/employer relationship…..no empathy or compassion for us yet we give it out in boat loads until we can’t. Ugh
As a male nurse, preach!!! The things we think, but do not say!!!
Thanks for tuning in! 👐 Truth! -Nick
As s male nurse, silence is the key to keeping your job.
@@perpetualgrin5804as a female nurse as well. I dont see, speak, or hear. I don't know.
This is everything I am feeling!! Can I ask what you went into instead? I’m looking to get out very soon but have no idea what sort of job I want!
It's refreshing but also disheartening to see alot of people can resonate and understand with what I was going through.
It sucks that it gets to this point, but I believe it's the universe (and our bodies) telling us it's time to get out, before it's too late.
I moved overseas to Bali and am currently working online (doing content and VA stuff). Honestly I wasn't sure what I wanted to do once I was out - as 'nursing' was still a part of my 'identity' despite me hating it so much. I think it's best to just get out, get a 'filler' job to earn income, and figure it out as you go. Better that way than being miserable and working to survive!
All the best on your future endeavours! -Nick
@@nickandstevieNick, that sounds amazing. I’m so proud of and admiring of you for getting out on with your life away from misery. You are very intelligent learning from your experience and making these moves.
@@nickandstevie this is everything I’m struggling with right now. So much of my identity is being a nurse and I’m struggling with the idea that I won’t ’be one’ anymore. I feel like I’ve failed in a way? I don’t know why I care so much.
Thanks for your reply and all the best to you too!
I worked one year as an LPN back in the 60's and gave up nursing all together. I was on a med/surg floor and had the constant feelings of inadequacy. I thought I was the only one not being the 'great tv nurse' who knew & did everything in an instant. All these years I even hated to talk about that period in my life. It feels good for me to read these articles to now know I was not the only one. It seems, tho, that nothing has changed for nursing over the years. The hospitals really do need the nurse/patient ratio to be lowered.
I wonder if the problem also lies with the nursing education system. When I went to the nursing school in 2000, we started clinical rotations right away. 6 am to 5pm. Few students dropped out right in the first semester. Then second semester, we were pulling 12 hour shifts, so few more students dropped out. By the time, 4th semester came, I was managing 12 patients in 12 hour shifts.
Out of 35 students, only 14 graduated.
Theory was taught but emphasis was given to practical experience. Students found out all these things he is mentioning in nursing schools.
I feel like that students are sheltered in nursing school, so they get shocked when they start to work.
Being a porter earning only a few hundred a month less than the nurses was amazing because you could leave without taking a report and you could get a nurse if there’s a problem
Just keep moving. I woke up early. 31 yrs at it and im so happy. I just kept quitting and moving. Until i found my spot of 27 yrs. Still im ready to leave in a heart beat
Just keep swimming -Nick
Nurse here, for 29 years. Quit bedside nursing years ago! Everything you said here is the truth!
Awesome! I'm so glad you quit bedside, did you retire or go to something else / non-bedside? -Nick
I spent 4.5 months in ICU in 2020 waiting for a heart transplant and got to know alot of nurses well in that time. I couldn't seem to figure out why they all liked me so much and were so nice to me. Well apparently saying please and thank, and being grateful for what they do goes a long way. Upon leaving I started dating a first year nurse that I met there. Some of the things she told me later on is spot on with what you're saying. There were people dying on this ICU floor, and alot of the ones that weren't were pretty ignorant and it definitely took a toll on them over time.
Yep! Such small gestures (please, thank you, not demanding things, smiling, understanding our job is busy, knowing we have more than 1 patient) goes a LONG way. Thank you for being one of 'the good ones'. We appreciate you guys and it definitely does NOT go unnoticed -Nick
I’m so glad I came across this. I’ve developed major insomnia and I boiled it down to being anxious because I know it’s going to be a fucking circus at work. I feel like I’m just on my feet 24/7 between demands from patients and families. The constant understaffing and increase of needy patients, I think I might lose it.
I am a Personal Support Worker. PSW(Canada) in the USA they are called (CNA). I have been doing it for about 3 years, I will never be the same again. I have been diagnosed with major depression, aniexty and slight OCD. I had to fight to be off a long list of antidepressant. I know I have PTSD too. I was considering nursing. Now I don't want anything in the healthcare field.
Ive had so many patients who don't care about their lives, but expect us to still care for them, it's disgusting. I more hate the hospital toxic environment. There's so much hateful, backstabbing, snitching, condescending, bullying in bedside care it just isn't worth it. I find the politics of hospital work to be what makes it awful.