10 Signs It's Time to Leave Nursing

Nursing is way more than a career—it's a calling. However, it's easy to get burned out in this field, which can make you unhappy with your career. With burnout, insecurity, unhappiness and even boredom, you may want to walk out and never look back. And we're here to tell you that that's okay. 

If you are experiencing any of these following signs, it might be time to make a career change.

10 “Time to Change Career" Signs

1. When you don't get any support or new training

If you are not getting support or additional training, it might be time to go. Some hospitals offer their nurses additional training, and some even promise them. The nursing field is constantly changing, and if you don't have the proper training or experience, you could be left behind.

2. When you don't know who to listen to

Many supervisors asking for different things litter the area. When being told to do something from one supervisor and something else from another one, it is difficult and challenging. Cindy Wagner, career counselor and owner of Omaha Career Coach in Omaha says, “People quit when they don’t know who to listen to. Most people want to do a good job and do a job that is meaningful, but that is hard when you are being pulled in different directions.”

3. When your morals are put to the test

The medical field is full of generalities and ethics that don’t match with your ideals. Diane Overgard, life coach and owner of 45 Degrees Life Coaching in Naperville, Illinois says, “I’ve had several clients that found themselves in an unethical dilemma. Things were being ordered, or decisions were being made that they knew are absolutely wrong, immoral or even illegal.” If you don’t feel good about what you are being asked to do or if you are asked to cover-up an iffy decision, you should walk out. Don’t get involved in tasks that might have legal implications or cause harm to your patients.