20 Definitive Signs Nursing Is NOT For You
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
Have you considered a career in healthcare and thought of becoming a nurse? Do you have some nagging questions and wonder if you are cut out for the job? Many people know, beyond any doubt, that nursing is the perfect career for them, but for others the decisions are not always clear cut.
Maybe you have heard about nursing being a hard job and find yourself wondering, “Can anyone tell me how to know if nursing is not for you?” That is an excellent question and one that should be considered carefully. In this article, I will share information about 20 definitive signs nursing is not for you to consider before deciding to pursue a career in the profession.
3 Advantages of Knowing Nursing is Not for You
I have always encouraged prospective nursing students to weigh the pros and cons of becoming a nurse before making a final commitment to earning a nursing degree. The idea is not to discourage you from becoming a nurse but to help you determine if this is the right career path based on an informed decision after weighing both sides. The following is a list of three advantages of knowing nursing is not for you.
ADVANTAGE #1: You can invest your time and money in a career better suited for you.
Nursing school is not cheap, and it can take two to five years or longer to earn your degree. If you do your research beforehand and decide nursing is not for you, you can spend your time and money pursuing a career that is better aligned with your goals.
ADVANTAGE #2: You could find a better paying job with less responsibility and personal strain.
When I taught nursing, one of the first questions I asked students was, “Why do you want to become a nurse?” You can probably imagine the variety of answers I got! When students said they wanted to become a nurse because
nurses make good money, I was quick to tell them they chose the wrong profession.
Granted, you can earn a good income as a nurse, but you also have a lot of responsibilities as a nurse. If your main reason for considering a career as a nurse is because of the income potential, when you compare income potential to the workload and the emotional and physical strain of the job, you may feel there are other jobs worth considering.
ADVANTAGE #3: You can find a career that makes you happy.
Working in a job that is not right for you is a sure way to feel miserable or discontented. Nursing is an important job, but it involves a lot of responsibility and can be stressful. One of the advantages of knowing nursing is not for you is that it gives you the chance to find a career that makes you happy, one where you can feel fulfilled and accomplish goals that truly mean something to you.
How to Know if Nursing is Not for You?
(The following are the 20 definitive signs to know registered nursing is not for you.)
SIGN #1: You do not work well with others.
About The Sign:
No matter what your nursing title or position, you must work with others. If you are a loner, prefer to make decisions without regard to others’ opinions, or simply have problems working well with others, chances are, nursing is not for you.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
It is important to think about how well you work with others because, even if you work in an administrative position in nursing, you will work with others in some capacity. Nurses collaborate with patients, caregivers, other nursing staff, and physicians to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care and evaluate their progress. If you are not comfortable dealing with others on a daily basis, it may be best to consider another career.
SIGN #2: You cannot deal with whiny people.
About The Sign:
Sick people tend to be whiny people. Even people who are usually laid back or easy-going may act differently when they are ill. They may complain about pain, not getting their medicine on time, not liking the food they are served, or any number of other things.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
It takes tolerance to be a nurse, especially when you have patients who whine and complain a lot. If you have it in you to look beyond their immediate behavior to try and find the source of their frustration, nursing may not be a bad choice for you. However, if you cringe every time someone gripes or whines about things and wish you could be anywhere but in their presence, I will wager to say nursing is not for you.
SIGN #3: You do not work well under stress.
About The Sign:
There is no denying nursing is a stressful job. You may have days when you work short-handed, you have several extremely ill or critical patients, or everyone needs you at what seems like the same moment. Being pulled in several directions at once can leave you feeling stressed and frustrated.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
No matter how well prepared you feel you are for work or how carefully you prioritize and plan your day, a patient can take a turn for the worse, or a new emergency may arise requiring your immediate attention. Sudden shifts in your schedule, unexpected problems, and a heavy workload can be incredibly stressful, and if you do not know how to handle those changes or how to handle stress, another career choice may be better for you.
SIGN #4: You prefer an easy, “take it as it comes” schedule.
About The Sign:
In most cases, a nurse’s job is anything but predictable. If you are the type of person who likes to breeze through the day with little disruptions and likes to just “go with the flow,” you may want to reconsider a career in nursing.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
The unpredictability and often hectic goings-on in a day of nursing can be overwhelming at times. As a nurse, you must hope for the best and prepare for the worst, so to speak, which means moving carelessly through the day is probably not an option. If you prefer an easy-going job and do not get in a rush about much, I suggest nursing is not for you.
SIGN #5: You want to make a ton of money.
About The Sign:
Depending on your level of education, whether you have specialty certifications, your job title, and responsibilities, you can earn a good income as a nurse. However, if you are considering this career simply because you want to make a lot of money, I can tell you with 100% certainty nursing is not for you.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
Have you ever heard the saying, “Money can’t buy happiness?” With more than 20 years of nursing experience, I can tell you unequivocally that statement is true when it comes to nursing. I have had jobs that pay entry-level salaries and average wages, and I have had jobs that pay very well. At the end of the day, no matter how much money you make, if you are not satisfied with your job, your paycheck will not make you happy.
I recommend thinking about your financial responsibilities and short- and long-term goals. If your only reason for considering a nursing career is the potential income, weigh your options by looking at other careers that interest you to see if you could earn the income you want without having the heavy responsibilities that come with being a nurse.
SIGN #6: Working overtime is out of the question for you.
About The Sign:
Depending on a facility’s protocol and guidelines set forth by the State Board of Nursing, there are times when nurses may be required to work overtime. Whether an emergency occurs on the floor, the patient census suddenly increases, the facility needs to meet the appropriate nurse/patient ratio, or a scheduled nurse is running late or a no-show, someone must take care of patients. Nurses already at work may be required to work over until relief comes or cover another shift in its entirety.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
I will be the first to admit that I like my "downtime." I work hard at my job and do my best to make sure I complete tasks timely and efficiently. When it is time for an evening or a day off, I look forward to that time to relax and recharge my body and mind. Most people will tell you they feel the same.
Unfortunately, if you are a nurse working in a clinical setting, it does not take much for your personal time to be interrupted. If a nurse who is scheduled to relieve you does not show up, you may be required to work an additional shift or at least stay until a replacement is found and arrives to relieve you. Most states have guidelines that outline the maximum number of hours a nurse can work in a 24-hour period. For example,
in Massachusetts, if a nurse works 16 consecutive hours, they must be given at least eight consecutive hours off-duty before returning to work.
It is important to consider this sign to know if nursing is not for you because, despite fatigue or frustration, you may be required to work overtime occasionally.
SIGN #7: You prefer to have an easy job with light responsibilities.
About The Sign:
There are some
nursing jobs that are easier than others, offering lighter responsibilities and less physical strain. However, even some of the easiest nursing jobs have days when the unexpected occurs, and you may need to step up and handle additional, more complicated responsibilities. If you are unwilling to step in and help when needed, it is safe to say that nursing is not for you.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
Nursing is a profession of service. Even if you have a position, such as a nursing supervisor or nurse educator, there will be times when you must move out of your "office mentality" and work on a clinical floor. You may need to assist nurses or students with hands-on patient care, whether in an emergency situation or when the staff is short-handed. I advise anyone considering a career as a nurse to think about the “what-ifs.”
For example, what if nurses do not show up for work? What if you have an influx of new admissions and not enough nurses on the floor to perform admission assessments? You may need to take up the slack in these situations, and if you are unwilling to do so, I suggest considering a different career.
SIGN #8: Your health is not the best.
About The Sign:
Let me start off by saying you do not have to be the picture of perfect health to become a nurse. You do, however, need to be well enough to perform your job effectively.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
I am living proof that you can work as a nurse with some health issues. I have an autoimmune disorder, and when I have a flare-up, I often feel miserable. BUT... I know my body and my limits. Thankfully, the work I do now does not require the physical strain that clinical nursing does. Still, I must take care of myself.
If you are considering a career in nursing, it is crucial for you to know your body and decide if you are well enough to handle the requirements of the job. If you have chronic health problems and often miss work because of illness, it may be best to consider that nursing is not for you.
SIGN #9: You do not have good coping mechanisms.
About The Sign:
Did I mention nursing is stressful? Let me say it again. Nursing is STRESSFUL! You must have the ability to cope with stressful situations and carry on with work without having a breakdown in front of patients.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
Although most days in nursing are rewarding, there are days when the stress is overwhelming. Sometimes we care for patients with poor prognoses, deal with angry or frustrated patients and their loved ones and grieve when our patients die. It takes being able to cope effectively to get through the tough days. It is vital to recognize this sign to know if nursing is not for you.
SIGN #10: Working short-staffed is out of the question for you.
About The Sign:
Despite the best efforts of nursing supervisors and managers, there are times when nursing staff are short-handed. In fact, there is currently a nationwide shortage of nurses, which affects nursing staff at every type of healthcare facility. According to a nursing workforce analysis published in
Health Affairs, the number of registered nurses in the American workforce decreased by more than 100,000 in 2021. The same study indicated more than 600,000
nurses plan to leave the profession by 2027.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
If you accept an assignment and then find out you must work short-handed, you may not abandon your shift without facing possible negative consequences. Therefore, if working short-staffed is something you are against, until there is an upturn in the number of nurses in the work field, you may feel nursing is not for you.
SIGN #11: As much as you try, you are more of a pessimist than an optimist.
About The Sign:
Patients and staff look to us as nurses to have a smile and encouraging words, but it is not always as easy as it seems. Sometimes we must force a smile and get through the day. Our perspective and ability to encourage patients, coworkers, and families can have a significant impact on patient and organizational outcomes.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
We all have days when we feel a little less optimistic than usual. However, if you are more inclined to have a negative outlook on things than to press through with optimism, as a nurse with more than two decades of experience, I would say nursing is not for you.
SIGN #12: You are only considering it because it has been a “family business.”
About The Sign:
For some reason, many people tend to follow in the footsteps of other family members when it comes to choosing a career. While there is nothing wrong with families having similar interests and carrying on family businesses or trades, doing so simply for the sake of tradition is not always a good idea.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
Nursing is truly a work of the heart. It takes genuine compassion and a desire to care for others at their worst. If you are considering becoming a nurse because your mother and grandmother are or were nurses, you may not have the same passion for the profession as them. It is important to think about whether you want to become a nurse because it is an independent decision and one you feel driven to accomplish. If you are pursuing the goal of working as a nurse for any other reason, there is a good chance that nursing is not for you.
SIGN #13: You want to earn a degree and be “done” with school.
About The Sign:
Becoming a nurse takes time and dedication to studies. To succeed, you must spend hours in the classroom, in clinicals, and studying independently. If you are looking for a career that allows you to earn a degree, start work, and never worry about school or studying again, nursing is not for you.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
The healthcare field is ever-changing and evolving. New medications are created and implemented for use in treatments, new medical procedures are developed, and new laws relevant to nursing and healthcare are introduced constantly. It is important to understand and recognize this quality/sign in yourself because, as nurses, we must be committed to lifelong learning. If you want to earn a degree and be done with school, I guarantee you that nursing is the wrong career path for you.
SIGN #14: You do not have patience when it comes to rude people.
About The Sign:
Have you ever been around a person or people who seem to try your patience at every turn? I know I have! It can be quite frustrating knowing you are working to care for a patient, or someone’s loved one, only to have them be rude to you in return.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
It is one thing to feel a bit overwhelmed when dealing with difficult people. It is another thing altogether when you do not have the self-restraint and patience to see beyond their immediate behavior to try and find the source of their tension. As nurses, it is essential that we look at the big picture, so to speak. If you struggle with being patient, especially when dealing with people who are out of sorts or rude, it could be that nursing is not for you.
SIGN #15: You have a weak stomach.
About The Sign:
Nursing is definitely not for the weak... including those with a weak stomach. As a nurse, you may be exposed to patients who are bleeding or vomiting. You may be asked to administer enemas, clean up after a patient has been incontinent, or assist with procedures that expose you to blood and other body fluids.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
I remember one of my first nursing instructors making a joke and telling our class one of the prerequisites for being a nurse is “having an iron stomach.” We laughed at her, but after experiencing patient care firsthand, it became clear she was more serious than we realized.
Some people with weak stomachs can work their way through uncomfortable situations and eventually get over the queasiness. However, if you truly have a weak stomach and do not feel you can overcome feeling ill or are unable to handle assignments because of what they require, you may want to consider another career path.
SIGN #16: You are against taking vaccines.
About The Sign:
There is a lot of controversy over whether a person should be required to take vaccines against their wishes. Some people cite religious beliefs as their reason for not wanting vaccinations; others say it is simply a personal choice based on what they feel is best for themselves or their families. While these are valid arguments, healthcare workers are not necessarily exempt from vaccines.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
Federal law implemented in November of 2021 requires hospitals and other healthcare facilities to ensure staff is fully vaccinated, or they risk losing Medicaid and Medicare funding. Although you have a right to choose whether to be vaccinated, your choice does not overrule the responsibility of hospitals and other healthcare facilities to protect patients and staff and their right to terminate employees who refuse vaccines. Therefore, if you are against taking vaccines for any reason, you may want to reconsider becoming a nurse.
SIGN #17: You cannot meet the physical demands.
About The Sign:
During the course of any day in nursing, you may lift patients and move equipment several times. You do not have to be a power-lifting buff to do so, but you must meet a certain level of physical strength and ability.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
It is important to know your physical abilities and limitations. If you are unable to lift patients or equipment safely, it could result in injury to you or your patients. When injuries occur because you attempted something you knew you could not handle, you set yourself up for being sued, losing your job, disciplinary action from the Board of Nursing, or all of these. The simple fact is there are many jobs that do not require physical strain or strength. If you cannot meet the physical demands of the job, you could conclude that nursing is not for you.
SIGN #18: You become overwhelmed easily.
About The Sign:
Nurses not only need to be physically capable of handling the job, but we also need a sense of mental resilience. Do not get me wrong; we all feel overwhelmed at times. However, if you become overwhelmed or easily frustrated and find it difficult to find balance quickly, nursing may not be the best job option to pursue.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
One of my closest family members suffers from an anxiety disorder. She takes medication daily to help control her symptoms, which can be severe, depending on the situation. Since being diagnosed and starting a medication regimen, she has learned to recognize the things that trigger her anxiety, and she does her best to avoid them.
While there is nothing wrong with feeling overwhelmed, you must know your limits and how much you can handle. If you experience an overwhelming feeling of anxiety or fear often and have not yet learned ways to handle those feelings, I suggest seeking help to address your issues before committing to a nursing career. Please know I am by no means discouraging you from becoming a nurse. I am simply stating that you will be a better nurse when you care for yourself first.
SIGN #19: You do not want physical contact with others.
About The Sign:
So, this one is pretty self-explanatory, and you may wonder why I even mention it. Many years ago, I was teaching first-term nursing students how to perform nursing assessments and vital signs. One of my students refused to touch her partner's wrist to check her pulse. No matter how many times I explained the importance of the assessment, she simply could not bring herself to touch another person's body.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
It is important to recognize this sign in yourself so you can decide if nursing is not for you. While most people do not have a problem with physical touch, if you do, you should consider a job that does not require it.
Keep in mind having issues with physical touch does not make you a bad person or less capable of having a job in healthcare. There are many opportunities in healthcare that do not require physical touch, including Medical Office Assistant, Health Information Management, or
Healthcare Administration.
SIGN #20: You have a passive personality.
About The Sign:
One of the main responsibilities of nurses is to be an advocate. Being an advocate means being willing to stand up for what is right. It requires you to speak on behalf of patients, staff, and the profession. If you tend to be passive or feel uncomfortable voicing your opinion and standing up for others, I will venture to say nursing is not for you.
Why This Sign is Important to Know Nursing is Not For You:
It is important to recognize your own personality traits and know whether you come across as passive, especially in certain situations, like patient care. If you prefer letting someone else take the lead, not addressing conflict, or bowing out when it comes to making important decisions, you may wish to consider a career that allows others to be in control and advocate.
My Final Thoughts
If you are considering a nursing career but feel a bit unsure whether it is the right career path for you to follow, it is natural to ask, “can someone tell me how to know if nursing is not for you?” In this article, I shared 20 definitive signs nursing is not for you. As a nurse and healthcare instructor, I encourage you to consider each of these signs carefully and see how they apply to your unique situation. If you feel nursing is for you, go for it! On the other hand, if the signs discussed in this article give you pause and make you wonder if another career path would be best, take the time to explore options and decide based on what is best for you.
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).