New nurse with job that is causing anxiety and depression - Page 4

I'm so NOT a new nurse but I still have times in which my job causes me anxiety and depression...Actually,I'm in the middle of one of those times right now- trapped between unrealistic families who will twist your words and lie to admin about you,admin who will let the crap slide downhill so the frontline takes the blame,being blamed for things that just can not be prevented in elderly end stage demented residents.My co-workers and I have joined forces and travel in pairs for protection now.We won't talk to family members or visitors without another staff member as a witness,we do skin checks together,double and triple and quadruple check ourselves. It's defensive nursing.
That "o,please no" feeling in the morning when the alarm rings,wondering what fresh hell awaits.Fearing making one wrong move,fearing loosing your job at any time.It's not fun,we all feel your pain.

I'm so sorry that you're going through this... My only advice would be to document the things (be specific) that you feel are making it difficult for you to succeed at this job (NM attitude, absent preceptor etc) That way if you do unfortunately get terminated, you can file unemployment and have specific examples on why you shouldn't have been let go.

And I've been where you are right now, it sucks. I got fired from my first nursing job within the three months, I was absolutely heartbroken.

Just lovely.....this is what we went into nursing for! I love that phrase.."defensive nursing". Might have to borrow it for our next staff meeting!