Feeling like a TOTAL loser (long)

[Jen1228]

I am a new RN, graduated in May. My first job was in the rehab dept of a LTC and assisted living facility. I quit because I relocated. Before that, I worked as a CNA in LTC. Anyway, I moved to Pensacola, FL from TN about a month ago. Not only am I homesick, I am having a hard time finding a job.

I don't know where I want to work. I feel so comfortable in a LTC/SNF/rehab. I like having the same patients and schedule everyday. Problem is, I don't really get the opportunity to utilize all of my skills, which I feel is important as a new grad. I get stressed out easily, so it is easy for me to gravitate towards working in a nursing home or rehab. With all the stress of moving and missing home, I don't want a super stressful job. So I have applied at six different nursing homes. One called back, and I do have an interview tomorrow. But the position is for 11-7 full time, not too happy about the hours mainly because I know I will have a big pt load on that shift.

There are three big hospitals in the area. I think I could get hired on but I am afraid they would stick me in a department I hate. I don't have much experience, so probably med-surg, which I did three semesters of in nursing school. I know they say to get a years worth of med-surg, but I don't really want to.

I went on an interview today for assisted living. The administrator, who is also the owner and an MD, made me feel like an idiot for applying. He wanted to know why I wanted to work as a pill pusher versus in a hospital setting. He said he could pay a med tech $8/hr to do my job, but it looks better to have an RN on staff, that's what families want to see he said. He would orient me with a med tech because there are no nurses on staff now. I was told I would not get to do nearly any nursing duties because it is assisted living. Only PO meds, no wound dressings, labs, anything. And my patient load would be about 75. I am not interested. At least in a nursing home, I would get to use some of my skills. I am also interested in becoming a nurse practitioner one day, maybe geriatrics. Would working in a hospital be a better place to gain experience?

I don't know what to do. Working in a big hospital intimidates me. I just applied online at one of the hospitals for a graduate nurse position. Maybe they will call, or one of the other places I applied. Does anyone have any advice? I am ready to pack up and go back to TN where I know I can get a job I feel comfortable in. But now, I need to work and save up enough money to pay my moving expenses to get back and find a place once I am there.

Am I being too picky? Should I just suck it up and get a job working med-surg in a big hospital? Am I selling myself short by not working in a hospital? I am so confused and depressed. And I feel like a total loser with no job. Any advice would be greatly appreciate, and thanks for letting me vent.

[MotivatedOne]

TrudyRN

Do you think telling them I really want part time would affect their decision to hire me?

Sadly, the answer is yes...at least in my opinion. I couldn't get a job because of my honesty...how crucial is that? Interviewers would ask me what my future plans were and I told them I plan to go to nursing school within the next few years. I also told them that I was planning on taking a few classes at the community college that next semester. They would tell me that they think I'm overly qualified for the position and they were looking for someone who was going to be there for a while. I'm thinking to myself just because someone tells you they're going to be there within the next 5 years doesn't mean LIFE doesn't happen and they eventually end up leaving you out in the cold. I just thought that was stupid.

The bad side to you not telling them you would prefer a part-time position is you'd end up getting a full-time position. I know at the hospital I just started working at, you have to wait 6 months before switching units...they didn't say anything about shortening or lengthening your work week. Basically it could go either way...GOOD LUCK. I'm sure you'll find something that will fit your needs...At least I hope you will.

Take care,

Tiff

[Jen1228]

Update: I went on an interview today at the med-sug/oncology floor. It went awesome! ;)My patient ratio would be 5-6 (alot better than 30 like in LTC) and my orientation would last around 6 weeks, depending on how comfortable I feel. I can have 2 different preceptors if I want, I do cause I think it will give me different points of view, how to do things. I really liked the floor so far. I go back Monday night for a peer interview to see if I will "mesh well" with my coworkers. The nurse manager said it was no big deal, very casual. If all goes well with that, I will do my paperwork with HR and get my physical. I will start classroom orientation on the 29th then start the floor the next week! I am excited. She said it was a great place to start out because they have other new grads and nurses that have been there for 20 years and like to teach. It's 7p-7a, which I didn't really want, but I know it will be alot more relaxed and easier to get used to everything. Just wanted to keep you guys informed and say thanks again for all the support!

PS While I was taking a tour of the unit, one of the nurses came out of a pt room and said "There is a tornado outside!" Sure enough, there was and then I heard CODE BROWN. It dissipated quickly and didn't damage the hospital, but as I drove home, nearly every road was blocked by fallen trees or the traffic signal were out! Apparently that's where the eye of the storm was. I'm glad I was inside a huge building when it happened!

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Jen,

I am so glad you found a good job! I'll be right there with ya...starting on a med surg floor soon. Did you get part time? I wanted part time but to be honest, I found that IMPOSSIBLE to get..atleast in a hospital. All the new grads are hired on full time, I think because of the additional orientation you get..the have to get their $$$ worth out of you, lol.

I'll be pulling for you! Keep us posted in the First Year forum on how it goes!

[withasmilelpn]

I am a new grad RN, too and I can definately relate to some of what you are saying. Maybe you could look into an acute rehab facility. Not as stressful as med surg for a new RN since the patients have been stablized for the most part. I am currently working as a rehab nurse and at first I was afraid that I would lose a lot of my med surg skills but its quite the contrary! I see lots of PICCs, wounds, VACs, trachs, burns, etc. And the patients come in with all sorts of comorbities so you get exposed to a lot of different medications. Time management is something that you become a pro at (not me, not yet anyway!) because you have to plan your day around your patients therapy schedule. And the best part is that you get to develop a relationship with your patients since they are there for at least 2 weeks and the difference you see from the time they come in to the time they go is amazing and rewarding! I am only just beginning my 3rd week off orientation and I find that I am learning so much everyday. I work with a variety of age groups. Since LTC is something you are interested in, but also want med surg experience without that big hospital environment, I thought acute rehab might be something you would like.

Keep your chin up! Being a new nurse is tough...hang in there!

Off topic, how many patients do you have?

[Jen1228]

No, I didn't get part time. They want new grads fulltime like you said. It's 12 hour shifts so only 3 days per week, but they are always scheduled 3 in a row. Some people do 7 on/7 off. It'll take some getting used to, but I think I can handle it.

[TrudyRN]

Best wishes and keep us updated!