Advice? Overwhelmed and Unhappy please help!

[ddd2012]

So I graduate from nursing school in may of 2012. I got my license in June of 2012 (RN). I wanted to take a little break before I got a job because I'm still taking general Ed classes so I can transfer to a 4-year university to work on my BSN. I had no intentions on getting a full time job until January. Well jobs were hard to find and after many applications were turned down I sucked it up and applied for a nursing home job. Unfortunately it was full time and I was going to school full time. But I made it through. I worked in a nursing home when I was a CNA and absolutely hated it. I only took the job because it was all that would give me a chance. Well I've been here 4 months and I am absolutely miserable. I love most of my residents but hate my job. I don't want to lose my benefits though because I'm working for an Indian reservation. I don't have a year of experience yet and I feel really guilty wanting to apply elsewhere, but at the same time I feel so overwhelmed and miserable at work. I keep trying to stick it out but I feel like I'm getting more and more depressed. Would it be bad to start applying other places? I really need advice!

[newrnltc]

Hello. I've worked in 2 nursing homes since graduation about 1.5 years ago and have now switched to clinic. The pros and cons I feel are: clinic has better schedule, less stress and less signing a bunch of silly sheets day in and day out. I say silly cause sometimes u spend more time signing then doing. But I do miss my grandmas and granspas. There is a bit more action on in patient units. Clinic pts are mostly walkie talkies. At both places u get to know the pts more than hospital because u spend more time with them which is nice. At the clinic I'm the only rn and miss working with other nurses and my old CNA team. The hierarchy is not as apparent in office sometimes. I would say its best to stay at a place for 6 mos to 1 yr so future employers won't wonder if its cause u can't cut it. I stayed in my first job 5 months (was part time) got offered full time nights elsewhere (stayed 6 months) and now was offered days, same pay and working 1 day less. I've been here 7 months so far and intend to stay for 2 yrs and at least get certified in this specialty. I feel while its good to try and find your niche it is also good to prove that you can meet the challenges of any setting. Each place has something to teach you and you will be a better nurse for it. Good luck!

[ddd2012]

I want to stay at least 6 months, it's just not where i pictured myself working. I just get depressed seeing my residents pass away. I would much rather work at a hospital or clinic if I can get one. It just sucked that no one will hire someone with no experience.

[Genista, BSN, RN]

I was always told to stay for at least a year. It takes that long just to get into the swing of things. That being said, I know what misery on the job feels like and I don't see what harm could come from looking at other jobs that may be a better fit. Chances are, it might take several months to find a new job anyway (it took maybe 2-3 mos from the time I got the interview call till I started my last job) so maybe your 1 year will come up before you know it. If you happen to find another job that seems great & they want to hire you, I would probably go for it. I would try to stay with the current employer till something better comes along. Good luck!