new RN - need advice

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Apr 10, 2004

Hi im a new RN, working in a new york city hospital for the past 2 months..I've been on orientation for 2 months (day shift) and now i just started with night shift orientation and will be on my own in May. I will be working permanent nights 12.5 hour shift. I am having doubts about working where I am. I am on a med-sug floor and smost of the time i absolutely dread going to work. I just don't know if this is normal. I like taking care of patients and the nurses on my floor are nice and helpful but I don't think med-sug nursing is for me. Is is possible for me to switch to another type of nursing or is it too soon? or too late? please help!!!!

You are facing the same feelings that many new graduates face after getting out of school and starting in the real world of nursing. In days past, there use to be the unwritten rule that you needed a year of med-surg in order to work in another area of nursing. I think this notion is slowly fading as many areas within the hospital are welcoming new graduates.

Before you begin to explore other opportunities, you need to look within yourself and discover what it is about med-surg nursing that does not appeal to you. Some nurses says it is because the knowledge base of a med-surg nurse needs to be so broad. Others say it is the pace. You need to discover what you dislike about it most.

Once you have finished your self discovery, then you can explore what areas of nursing you think will best meet your needs. The nice thing about nursing is that there are so many different avenues to chose from. Good luck and I hope all works well for you.