I hate my job (vent)

Anna S, RN · Jul 31, 2014

I've been a nurse for nearly 25 years, and have not found a job I love. To love a job is a rare thing for nurses. I found a job I like on some days and can just tolerate on others. That's more than a lot of nurses ever find.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jul 31, 2014

And be careful about "emotionally connecting" with patients, or spending energy on "making friends". That is a whole bunch of energy that could be redirected into doing what you need to do at present.

I would make an appointment with some of the L&D, PP, NICU managers of a couple of the hospitals in your area. Have discussion with them on what you need to do to be a viable candidate for a job with their department.

Another thought is to start with a job within the hospital system. Even if it is not your ideal position, it can get you into the facility.

Remember, your personal life outside of a work setting is where you need to cultivate your friendships and do things you love.

Surg-OncRN · Jul 31, 2014

Some good advice from jadelpn and Anna. After eight years I have learned that in order to love my job it is up to me. My stress and job satisfaction depends a lot on the attitude I take towards the challenges I come up against whether that is a person or too much to do in too little time. When you work you have to have a since of purpose and feel like you are doing something of meaning or you will lose your drive to get through the tough times. Your company needs to support you in that effort. Also, how others treat you has a lot to do with how you treat them and the boundaries you place on their misbehavior towards you.

The company culture has a lot to do with your job satisfaction. If you work around positive people it will rub off on you. If your current place is not like that then work on finding an organization that will do that. When interviewing ask to speak to other employees and ask them about their experience at the organization. Don't just accept the first position that comes along because you may be making a lateral move when dealing with this problem. Do your homework by talking with the employees that work their with permission and asking the right questions. It will make you not look desperate as well.

Also, make sure you are taking care of yourself and have balance in your life. Have things you are involved in and people who can support you emotionally outside of work.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2014

I have been a nurse for 5 years and have finally found a job I love which is post partum nursing. I really love this job, even on its worst days it compares nothing to what I have done (LTC,ER, ICU).

Don't give up. Keep looking and know it is possible to find a job that you actually love.

sadiemae1123 · Jul 31, 2014

If you're interested in women's health, there are many avenues you could take. You could become certified as a lactation consultant, childbirth educator, or doula. This might help make you resume look a little more impressive when applying for jobs and get your name and face known to people in the position to hire you.

grudgrime · Jul 31, 2014

First off, I would say not to worry too much about making friends with the "cool" crowd. That may be one of your problems in and of itself. There is no "cool" crowd. Focus on making a friend or just getting to know any one of your coworkers. Just be yourself.

As far as finding another job, I would say it will get easier after you have your first year under your belt. Concentrate on mastering your skills and being the best you can be. I would also check to see if the hospital you work at has any classes that you can take to improve or gain knowledge in certain areas. If it has to do with your current job - great - it shows that you are a dedicated employee and dedicated to patient care no matter what. If it is on a subject you just happen to have interest in - great too - it shows that you are versatile and working towards your goals.

Good luck!

Mr. Murse · Jul 31, 2014

I was fortunate that the first job I got is one that I love. I'm on a busy surgical floor with a great manager and good coworkers. I feel for all the people I read about on here that haven't found that, and I hope them, and you, all the best.

As for your situation, first of all, I've always heard LTC facilities are usually rather miserable. I have yet to meet one person that has worked in those places that has enjoyed their job. So my advice would be first to get out of that place however you are able. Don't give up on women's health or L&D but don't let that keep you from taking other jobs away from where you are. I would suggest trying to get into a facility that has a good women's health department, even if it's on a med-surg floor or whatever. Then once you're there start working your way in that direction. At least 2 or 3 nurses from my floor have moved to L&D over the past couple of years as positions have opened, but they had the advantage over outside applicants because they were already in the facility and knew people in the department.

Don't give up on nursing. The nursing world is huge. Just keep an open mind and try to get out of where you are.

MarrahRN91 · Jul 31, 2014

Thanks everyone for all the replies and positive support. I underestimated how hard working as nurse would be my first year. I have been applying for multiple positions in the hospital regardless of any specific field. I definitely agree with not applying so much focus on developing a friendship and gear my energy towards something else. I'm thinking of taking a neonatal resuscitation program course to see if that will help even my chances as far as women's health. So I'm making plans to get out hopefully soon. Prior to receiving the not so good news on the L&D offer I asked a few coworkers as a reference/recommendation only to find out specifically from human resources that they weren't responding. I'm not going to play the blame game but who would be the best resources to use a a references as I continue to apply for new openings?

drowningdaily · Aug 3, 2014

I started in LTC and SAR, as a new nurse, it is very tough. I would consider trying to get in an acute care environment after you get a year under your belt. I understand what you are saying about making friends. I am guessing you mean just a friendly casual acquaintance- not new bff's. It is a little tougher to do what you have to do when you feel shunned by the clique. Been there, done that. When you find the right job, it should click.

iPink, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2014

I wanted to quit my PCU job within a month of starting, so I know how you feel. I longed to be in women's health. But I stayed on my unit for a year till the postpartum unit at the women's hospital within the same hospital system became available. Never looked back sine the transfer and plan to be in women's health for the remainder of my nursing career. It is possible to find your niche. Keep applying while getting the experience.

Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

futurerpn4lfe · Aug 3, 2014

I've been a nurse for nearly 25 years, and have not found a job I love. To love a job is a rare thing for nurses. I found a job I like on some days and can just tolerate on others. That's more than a lot of nurses ever find.

What area of nursing do you work in?