New Nurse Thinking of Quitting

Dear Nurse Beth,

I have been an RN for about 6 months now. I am in a residency program and have been on my own for a month now. I am having a really rough time and have been thinking of quitting. I have been wondering what other career options I have with my BSN since I have only been out of school for a couple of months. I really need some advice.

Dear Needs Advice,

I'm sorry you are having a rough time. You don't say what the nature of your problem is, but it's common to be discouraged during the first year.

If at all possible, try to hang in there for 6 more months. By then your feelings may have changed and at 1 year, you'll be more marketable. You don't say if you are thinking of quitting your unit, or bedside nursing, or nursing altogether, so it's hard to offer advice.

If you have a good relationship with your manager or educator, talk to them before you do anything drastic.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!