NEW RN & Hate it already

[marcemart]

I have tried changing jobs 2 times in 5 months I think I am just postponing the inevitable.

[cougarnurse]

I'd been an LPN for years, and have worked many places. I loved 2 agencies, but...one got merged, and the other one had positions too far away. I got lucky with my current job; been here 7 + years, and that was after a few years of being a nurse. If you need to, shop around. At least you can get some experience?!

'Cat'

[HONEY22]

Hey darling i read your post
omg, i feel for you so much, you have only been their 4 months, its good we have boards like this, just give it a chance, think postively, no one wants your licence, dont worry

[BurntoutRN]

I'm new to the forum and realize the original post is fairly old. I hope things seem a little brighter for you, but here is my two cents:
Nursing is never what people expect it to be, unless you are a nurse you have no idea of all the tasks that we do in a shift. It is completely normal to always feel nervous, like you don't know what your doing when you are a new nurse, and the only thing that cures that is experience, time put in. I suggest every nursing student and new nurse to volunteer for any procedures that come their way or view whatever you can, even if it's not your own patient. That's the only way of getting experience.
I also do believe it depends on the area your working and who you work with on how happy you'll be. You have to view the pros and cons of places, and if you feel unsafe, unsupported, or overworked, it is a good idea to see what else is out there.
A lot of people have said speak with your supervisor. Take that with caution. In a perfect world you can do that, but I have seen many supervisors who I wouldn't trust, somehow they always use things against you. So, if yours is one who will genuinly care and listen, then go for it.
I agree that it is not the best idea to start out at any acute area, it's better to get your basic skills down including organization first, which is why most places suggest starting at med-surg areas first.
I also hate nursing at this point, but I believe I am burnt out, and I hope to pull through it eventually. I am not in a place in my life where I can find somewhere where maybe I'll be happier, but once I have more flexibility a.k.a. when the kids are grown, I'll be looking for something else that is not so hard on my mind and my body.
Good luck!

[Ricu]

Originally Posted by BurntoutRN

I'm new to the forum and realize the original post is fairly old. I hope things seem a little brighter for you, but here is my two cents:
Nursing is never what people expect it to be, unless you are a nurse you have no idea of all the tasks that we do in a shift. It is completely normal to always feel nervous, like you don't know what your doing when you are a new nurse, and the only thing that cures that is experience, time put in. I suggest every nursing student and new nurse to volunteer for any procedures that come their way or view whatever you can, even if it's not your own patient. That's the only way of getting experience.
I also do believe it depends on the area your working and who you work with on how happy you'll be. You have to view the pros and cons of places, and if you feel unsafe, unsupported, or overworked, it is a good idea to see what else is out there.
A lot of people have said speak with your supervisor. Take that with caution. In a perfect world you can do that, but I have seen many supervisors who I wouldn't trust, somehow they always use things against you. So, if yours is one who will genuinly care and listen, then go for it.
I agree that it is not the best idea to start out at any acute area, it's better to get your basic skills down including organization first, which is why most places suggest starting at med-surg areas first.
I also hate nursing at this point, but I believe I am burnt out, and I hope to pull through it eventually. I am not in a place in my life where I can find somewhere where maybe I'll be happier, but once I have more flexibility a.k.a. when the kids are grown, I'll be looking for something else that is not so hard on my mind and my body.
Good luck!

Good post, BurntoutRN,

I agree with the things you said and understand too the feeling of being unable to move into something else until the kids are grown. You said that you feel burnt out and that you believe it might pass. I've been there too, several times and think it does pass. Even though it might feel like the last thing you may want to do, sometimes it helps to take on a new project or to change your work location. Changing my weekend even helped me at one time. Good luck.

R

[zooparade]

Dear New Nurse,
Run from this job like your hair is on fire!! There is no reason for a new nurse to be "thrown to the wolves" like that IMHO. It takes YEARS to gain the experience and knowledge necessary to be a great nurse. Find a position where you get adequate orientation and co-workers have time and knowledge to assist you. Perhaps a small community hospital. Having worked in homecare and hospice, I do not recommend this without a few years under your belt. Keep looking until you find you niche. Good luck

[txnexus]

" bitter....party of one"

[Sailorbob]

Originally Posted by LAD_RN

I need some advice. I am a new RN of only 4months. I work on a cardiac step down floor in a michigan hospital. I have always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was in 2nd grade. I knew there was a staffing shortage and that it would be hardwork. However I never thought 4 months after achieving my dream and starting my career I would already hate it. SInce I have started my job 9 nurses, on my floor alone, have quit. We constantly work short staffed and nurses are always calling in. I should also mention I work midnights. I love being a nurse and I am very disappointed at the way i feel. I don't want to leave nursing or the health profession but I don't know what to do. Everyday I go to work I am nervous and constantly feel that my license is in jepordy. I guess I am looking for advice on whether this is a normal feeling for a new nurse to have? What should I do? I would love to get involved more in the political aspects...in michigan we have no limits to patient nurse ratios or overtime. A persons health is the most important thing in life, without health there is no life....yet there really is no prominent political support for nurses. Atleast not in michigan. ANY ADVICE?

I'll never forget how disillusioned I felt during the early days after graduation. For the first 6 months I think I went home in tears almost every day. It seems our training is biased toward hospital positions but nursing encompasses so much more and there are those, like me, who do not at all enjoy hospital work.
Perhaps you could give yourself a year before making up your mind about nursing. By then you will have enough experience to be able to move around in the profession. And in the meantime, there is no shame in looking for a less intense unit while you find your balance.
Good luck to you.

[singer7]

HI,
I worked in Michigan for 25 yrs. so I know what you mean about no staffing quotiont. Are you tied to the hospital you are now at due to student loans or contract? It sounds like you are at a big teaching facility. Perhaps a smaller community hospital or even just a different unit at your current facility would work better for you. Going into cardiac stepdown is a big step for a new grad. I've always loved obstetrics. Also, if you ever want to get into travel nursing, the pay is great for L/D nurses. Hope this finds you feeling a little better with a few more options!

[Texasunionguy]

This Thread has nothing to do with union nursing.

Therefore, stay on topic



But it does. This nurse needs an union to help her. This is why nurses need safe ratio laws to protect laws you all. In Mesquite Texas a panel of concerned citizens have said that Texas Hospitals are unsafe for the patients and the nurses with out safe ratio laws. LAD RN please do not worry things will be better you can go to www.nnoc.net or www.calnurses.org and they can and will help you. They are fighting for ratios national and are standing with RNs who have been fired for invoking safe harbor in Texas and not taking unsafe assingments. Your freedom and lively hood could be at stake if you take an unsafe assingment