[teriadn2004]

I just graduated in Dec. I have wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl. Now at almost 50 - I've made it, but it hasn't turned out like I imagined. I thought it would feel great to be able to "make a difference" - and sometimes, maybe I do - but most days, I just feel like getting through the day without giving the wrong immunization or not making another staff member angry with all my questions is my only accomplishment. When I passed the NCLEX, I guess I thought that the "hard stuff" was behind me - but it sure doesn't feel like it. I hope that with time, I will actually go home feeling like "I love my job" but for now, I don't. I have always dreamed of being in OB - can someone tell me, is my current unhappiness most likely just "beginner blues" ? Is it possible to be "in the wrong area for you"? Is it realistic to think that I would be happy if I were in L&D where I think I want to be? Right now I am in a Primary Care VA clinic - geriatrics, mostly men - more like a doctors office - not exactly L&D. Help - need encouragement!

[jrwest]

I could have wrote this ! I graduated in Dec too and feel the exact same way!!I had just commented on how nursing school didn't prepare us AT ALL for what it is like in the REAL world!I feel so overwhelmed- I hate coming home hoping i don't get a call for doing something wrong, or forgetting something major. And trying to juggle the workload- I can't go at that speed- I feel like I'm in jello, and with being overwhelmed, my brain just goes into shutdown.I posted in the career forum if maybe there's a better path. I have been told this is " beginner blues" and it takes a year or so to get comfortable,but I cant see that in this very busy setting. So, maybe we are in the wrong areas, and something else might be suitable. My friend went into L and D and loves it. Maybe that might be your niche. I'm still trying to find mine- Good Luck and hang in there JR

[Tweety]

I wish you well in whatever do. I does sound like beginner's blues. Realize that you are making a difference in people's lives, but you're so stressed you don't see it. Stop a moment and think about.

I read a study somewhere that said L&D/OB has the highest job satisfaction in nursing. So following that dream just may be an itch you gotta scratch before you're truly happy with nursing.

Good luck in whatever you do.

[Marie_LPN]

Welcome to All Nurses

[teriadn2004]

Thanks for all the support - I needed to "hear" this! I have friends who went to the hospitals and are feeling a lot better about themselves than I am. Being "locked" into my job for the next 15 months - I need to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.