Have you ever heard anyone say this? I have.

Just because you don’t work at the bedside (or don’t want to work at the bedside) does not mean you are any less of a person, let alone a nurse. This doesn’t even mean you dislike nursing or caring for others. Those who would say such things just show how narrow-minded some individuals can be.

Nurses are conditioned from day one of nursing school to be subservient, take orders from others, and follow strict protocols. This narrow-minded mindset often carries on to whatever job the nurse may take and stays with them the duration of their career.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to “step outside of the box” and pursue other opportunities. Nurses who believe you are not a nurse if you are not at the bedside often feel threatened by those who desire to pursue other avenues of nursing. They often feel this way because they are not satisfied with their career and are too afraid to make a change or take a risk themselves.

These nurses are often the ones who actively participate in horizontal violence or the “eat-your-young syndrome.” The “eat your-young-syndrome” not only affects older nurses, but younger, newer nurses as well. I believe this trend is running rampant because nurses are finding out earlier in their careers that they are not happy with their current job.

Just because others are unhappy with their situation doesn’t mean you can’t be happy yourself. Do not let anyone discourage you from your true dreams and desires. Your life is yours, and yours alone. If you want to make a change then do it! Don’t let anyone stop you.

What do you think? Has anyone discouraged you from pursuing your dreams away from the bedside? How did you handle the situation?

#bedsidenurse #nurseseatingtheirown #unhappy #careerchange