Originally Posted by angel337
you might be pleasantly surprised what the hospital can do for you. it is very expensive to train new nurses and most hospitals will try to transfer you to a different unit than have you quit.
Or you might be surprised at how little they will work with a nurse to keep them employed there despite cries of "nursing shortage!" and complaints about how much it costs to train up a new nurse.
Still, if you're that unhappy, it would probably be worth it to address your concerns with someone on the unit. Of course, they probably don't want to hear it and will likely try to assure you that you're doing fine and not to worry about it or try to rouse your fighting motivation by saying something like "well, not everyone is cut out for this" or sigh with frustration because they've lost other newbies and can't seem to figure out the magic formula to get them to stay. But you DO have your own needs and this could be an opportunity to practice advocating for yourself (and for your patients since a better, happier you means a better nurse for them).
Try to stay focused on your needs as a new nurse and as a unique person with your own strengths and weaknesses. Could you use more exposure to emergencies so that you'll feel more comfortable? Could you use less exposure to emergencies (eg set up a system to let the senior nurse take over in emergencies) so that you can nail down your other skills? After another few months, you might feel secure enough in your basic skills to better handle the chaos of emergent situations. Are there any classes that focus on the type of emergencies you're having to deal with?
Could you drop a shift here or there to allow yourself time to recouperate & reflect and to study up on conditions and situations you come across at work? Could you come in on a day off to observe and learn without having any nursing responsibilities to distract you and keep you busy? Could you schedule to work any half shifts which might not be as draining?
Before switching out of this area/unit, consider how much you've already learned to this point. I'll bet it's a ton! It probably still doesn't feel like nearly enough, but compared to your first day there, I'll bet you've come a long way. If you start over another on unit, you start the learning curve all over again... well, not completely over, as some general skills and new self-awareness will transfer.
Remember that if they haven't let you go, your unit considers you valuable enough and safe enough to keep you on the schedule. In other words, as insecure, unprepared, or as miserable you may feel, your performance has been good enough.Take it as the pat on the back that you probably don't get enough of.
Try to remember that when colleagues seem to expect more from you than you feel you have to offer, take it as a compliment that they haven't written you off as a hopeless case, remind yourself that only you know what you know and there's no way they can know what you are and aren't ready for, and if you can't do what they ask or know what they're asking about, you can simply let them know that without feeling ashamed or stupid. Even if they roll their eyes or huff with exasperation. Take it as frustration with the situation, not as frustration with *you personally*.
Good luck with whatever you do. One way or another, you will make it through this and come out on the other side.
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