I started my nursing career and I am so unhappy!!!!! :(

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 24, 2015

What is it that has you so unhappy? One of the great things about nursing is how many different specialties there are. Right now, hiring is tight as there are more applicants than open positions, so many nurses are working in specialties that aren't their first, second, or even third choice. Maybe where you are right now isn't your niche, but you've got to give it more than one day to make such a decision (unless there are blatant issues such as staff abusing patients and nothing done about it).

Also consider that there is a big transition from student to practicing nurse, and a big reality shock that goes with it. Again, just give it time as you adjust to your new role. Look around the first year after nursing licensure forum and see that you aren't alone and that others have given suggestions for getting through that crucial first year.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 24, 2015

What is it that has you so unhappy? One of the great things about nursing is how many different specialties there are. Right now, hiring is tight as there are more applicants than open positions. Maybe where you are right now isn't your niche, but you've got to give it more than one day to make such a decision (unless there are blatant issues such as staff abusing patients and nothing done about it).
Also consider that there is a big transition from student to practicing nurse, and a big reality shock that goes with it. Again, just give it time as you adjust to your new role. Look around the first year after nursing licensure forum and see that you aren't alone and that others have given suggestions for getting through that crucial first year.

This.

Most office jobs require experience; and can be just as intense as facility nursing.

If you are having issues with organizing time, then look up nursing brain sheets on here to help with organizing and prioritizing nursing care.

Keep plugging away until you get that office job position; gaining experience will help you eventually get to your niche.

Best wishes.

CHERBEAR819 · Jan 24, 2015

I also hated my first job! I'd come home crying! You just have to find what your interest is in. I was working in cardiac PCU and all I wanted to do was psych but I knew I needed medical experience first. I put in four month there and was then able to transfer to the psych department. And now I really like it. Trust me , if I could do it so can u! Once u have experience anyone will hire u and u will always have a job and be able to go different avenues. I promise it does get better, u just have to find what u like doing. Once u have experience you can do anything :) best of luck to u

alaber · Jan 24, 2015

Yes I'm on a telemetry unit which I really didn't want but had to take due to being new grad. I think would be happier when can go into what I want

alaber · Jan 24, 2015

Not to mention the rude pcts and nurses because they are all burned out there and understaffed

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Jan 25, 2015

Yes I'm on a telemetry unit which I really didn't want but had to take due to being new grad. I think would be happier when can go into what I want

So what is it that you want?

Look, my first RN job out of school (in a large ICU) sucked donkey. It was terrifying. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Tele is as equally terrifying. Stick with it at least until you've mastered the basics. It will serve you well. Trust me.

enuf_already · Jan 25, 2015

Not to mention the rude pcts and nurses because they are all burned out there and understaffed

This can happen anywhere--even in an office setting. Or you could be the only nurse in an office setting with dangerous doctors and unlicensed personnel who are giving crazy telephone advice.

Nursing is not easy no matter where you are. You're the new kid on the block. Use this time to soak up everything you possibly can, learn time management, how to get along with grumpy people, and build confidence.

In a year, apply for your dream job and discuss all of the great experience you gained and challenges you overcame. Hang in there!

martymoose, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2015

its normal to be scared out of the gate.Nursing school hardly touches on the real world. Unfortunately,because the floor is understaffed,is probably why you got hired. Tele/med/surg SUCKS.There will always be shortages and low staffing, as the cheap asses are being told to do more with less, and they know there will always be high turnover.

Too bad they didn't tell us these things in school.

I've come to the conclusion I have to move out of town/state to get a different job.We have so many hospitals here, there's no point in going to another- for what, same thing different location?

Also, office jobs, at least where I am, don't want RNs, much less BSN's, and then they would only pay 12-14 bucks an hour if they did hire RNs.

I feel for you. I have chosen to live the tortured life so my family has a roof overhead.One day at a time. And each day I hate people more and more. Get out if you can before you get to this point.

tknrosales · Jan 26, 2015

Hi there,

What made you choose to go into nursing? Go back to that! Patients are often grumpy (especially on med surg) because their life in not in their control at this moment, they are lonely, worried, and sometimes scared. If your floor is understaffed then I am sure the patients needs aren't being met in a timely manor which adds to their frustration. Try to kill them with kindness, or take a little extra time just to let them vent. If you have ever been a patient for more than a day or two, try to remember how that feels ( it sucks).

As the new nurse you will be picked on, they will give you the difficult patients, and you will cry, but at the end of the day it won't kill you, it will make you a stronger nurse.

If you are looking for a office/ management job in nursing, you will probably have to continue with your MSN, but you will need floor experience before they consider you ( unless you look into nursing homes).

Good luck with what ever you decide, but you have to come to some kind of peace with your job or you and your patients will be unhappy!

thevez · Jan 26, 2015

Have you heard about Kramer's Reality Shock

I was like this too BUT I would suggest for you to endure it.

Ask yourself, what are the aspects you are unhappy about and how could you turn this around?

Nursing is not nursing unless you experience bedside, as per my own opinion.

Your dread affects how you look forward to everyday. I suggest to keep a positive note and that this phase too SHALL PASS.

You also might need some emotional support from your family or other former classmates and new nurses LIKE ME.

Message me if you want to vent out. It's a good thing.

What helped me the most is that before my shifts, I write a few goals to myself that I would do at work and then after the shifts, I write a reflection of what I did good and what thoughts I've had at work and encouragement for myself. I write what I've learned as well and then write goals for the next shift.

You have to have some avenue to where you put all those pent up emotions you have at this point.

Don't keep it inside.

I also graduated in May and realized that though there are BAD moments in nursing, the GOOD moments are worth it especially when you see ill patients from before smiling as you discharge them from the hospital to their HOMES.

This is in no way to offend you but ask yourself: What's the reason you decided to pursue NURSING?

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Jan 27, 2015

I am sorry you like like, but really it's pretty normal. The shock when dealing with the realities of real work world nursing vs school clinical experiences is often overwhelming, especially for new grads with no previous health care experience. Just remind yourself daily that you were smart enough to finish school and pass the NCLEX, you are smart enough for this too! You will learn more as a working nurse that you ever learned in clinicals but it will take time to feel competent. The first few months feel like hell, it will gradually get better. As much as you say you hate the floor you are on, give it at least 6 months before you think of trying for a different floor. You still won't feel, or be 100% proficient at your job but you should at least feel better about going to work every day. If you still hate as much 6 months in as you do now then start trying for another floor that may be a better fit. Just don't count too much on getting away from bedside completely with that little experience. I won't say it's impossible, but it's probably not very likely to find a position away from direct care at that point in your career. If you are lucky enough to find such a position, don't count on it being be all sunshine and daisies either.