Is this it? Really?

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi all,

I hope that this doesn't sound too whiny but some days I wonder "is this as good as it gets?" I graduated last June, worked med/surg then decided to make a switch to oncology and now feel like I am a student all over again. The change was a good move, it's more personal contact with patients as opposed to trying to "keep it together" with 10 patients but between balancing work bs (one severely caddy co-worker) and life stuff (sleep deficit), I'm starting to feel really bummed out.

What's funny is that I'm a glass half full kinda girl and hope this is just a funk I'm going through but then I hear other nurses complain and just look like....well, the passion is gone and I mean GONE.

Anyone else feel it too?

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Specializes in NICU.

Hey there. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I'm about to go through a big change in my job ..... moving to a different area. I had one night of orientation so far and I just feel so clueless! I was finally starting to get comfortable in my original position but now I feel like a student again too. I hate feeling so new and stupid all the time.

I'm usually a pretty optimistic person too, usually try to see the good in things, but I totally know what you mean. All I hear is the other nurses bickering and complaining about management and griping about EVERYTHING. Nothing is good, everything is bad, blah blah blah. It just really wears you down after a while, after hearing about all that, so often :(

Yikes, sorry I didn't mean to turn this into a whine fest ...... I just know exactly what you're feeling. Sorry you're having to go through this too, but it's good to know I'm not the only one.

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Hi It saddens me to hear your disappointment with your new found Nursing career. I think once you find your niche you will be happier. I understand what its like to feel like you finally get it, but then realize there is so much more. Over the past few years I have realized thats just part of growing professionally.

I suggest you get all the experience you can. Try whatever might interest you. So you can find your niche.

As far as the nagging and complaints by fellow coworkers, I decided to travel to get out of the politics. It has been the most refreshing experience. I started out as a new grad in ICU and have 5 years Nursing experience. Since traveling I have got experience in ER and M/S and have realized how much I love Critical Care. So Keep in There Until you Find Your Niche! Email me anytime with questions! There are so many rewarding aspects of being a nurse.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I think there's a bit of reality shock that we all go through as we adjust to what the real world of nursing is about. The ideals and innocence go by the wayside to the realities of what it is really about. It's hard to keep that student/new grad "passion" for long.

I think you're just in a bit of a transition, but a little burned out from what you acknowledge is lack of sleep.

I sure eventually you will find that nursing is what you are about and it's the job/life for you. You may not always have a burning passion, but you'll be at least o.k.

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Specializes in Med/Surge.

It is so easy to loose the joy that initially brought us into nursing in the first place. The best thing that I have found so far is when the complainers start, I leave. I don't want to get into that b/c it is so much easier to be negative than positive and I try to be the exception to the rule. It is hard though and lack of sleep only makes it all worse. Are hours or worry keeping you from sleeping?? Just making a job change and "starting over again" and all those of those feelings of not having the confidence that you got used to would be draining in itself. I thought I was going to change hospitals to the same unit like M/S that I have worked since graduating in 05, but, after I went through 3 weeks of orientation to the unit with nothing but negativity I went running back to where I was and have learned to just adjust to the situation at hand and know that no matter how crappy I feel I do make a difference to my patients if it is only with a smile or a kind word.

Hope you get some sleep and snap outta the funk that you are feeling. The longer you get adjusted to your new surroundings I think that the funk will go away. Good luck and God Bless.

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My sleep is definitely an issue but more so, I am inpatient and want to be more secure than I feel right now. I know time will give me more knowledge but some days it's hits me harder than others.

Thanks to all of you for the support:)

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I love Tweety's posts. Remember the artist Bob Ross? I think that's his name. He had a really soothing voice and a bit of what looked like an afro (just so you get a visual). Well, when I read Tweety's posts, I associate them with Bob Ross. I always get this soothing, "Ahhh" feeling after I read them. What's my point? Bob Ross was relaxing, and so are Tweety's posts. Ok. yeah. I'm done :). Anyway, thanks Tweety.

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Specializes in Med/Surge.
My sleep is definitely an issue but more so, I am inpatient and want to be more secure than I feel right now. I know time will give me more knowledge but some days it's hits me harder than others.

Thanks to all of you for the support:)

I still have days where I feel like I know nothing and everything fails with time management, pt care, dealing with the Docs, etc......There are still days when I feel like I don't have a clue what's happening.................then, my co-workers step up to the plate and help me learn or just uplift me when I am feeling down. Best of luck to you getting to know your new surroundings.

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