A New RN, Quit Job after 5 Months

[I_Scream]

I am a new nurse and had my first nursing job in a medical/surgical unit. I was in orientation for only 6 weeks, and I came from another country, so it was twice as hard for me to adjust to everything. Every single night from work, I'd come home drained out and miserable. I usually stay in the floor 2-3 hours after my scheduled shift to finish documentation, which killed me more. I used to be very resolved that I was going to be a great nurse. I did great in school and my instructors believed in me. However, when I came to the US and started working, I myself lost the once vigor and confidence I had. The longer I stayed in the unit I worked at, the lower self-esteem and self-fulfillment I had. And I thought to myself, "I can't work like this." Although everyone told me that it would take a year or two before you really become comfortable with nursing, everyday I felt like hell and questioned myself for being there. After a little less than 5 months on the job, I decided to resign...because the job was eating me up slowly that I didn't want to start my career with misery.

Now that I am in search for another job, I am questioning whether I did make the right decision of leaving. I was so resolved to leave that time, however, now that I am going through interviews and waiting for calls, I feel down and ask myself, "was I a coward? OR was I brave enough to get out of the situation that was dragging me down?" I know not everyone could understand what I went through, and every time why I left the job, I feel too tired to explain already since they wouldn't really understand.

I have been looking for a specialty other than bedside nursing, specifically med/surg. A place with lesser acuity, something that would hopefully rekindle my love for nursing. However, it's been 2 weeks and I rarely ever get a call back.

I am getting depressed as each day comes and although I am trying to stay positive, I don't know if my career will ever get back on track. However, a very good friend would always reassure me, "it will just take time. take your time and have faith. You made a bold decision, right or wrong, that was your decision. Don't worry, it will get better."

I hang on to her words.. but I don't know what hope nursing profession has in store for me.

[LadyQT]

Praises be to God! I found a new job! I begin on Sunday! My advice, keep the faith and trust God. I was becoming depressed and worrying way to much. I decided to use my time off from work towards having a closer relationship with God. I stopped worrying and stressing myself out and decided to let go and let God. I knew that He would step in just right on time and He did! Right in time for the New Year! During this time of economic turmoil, I know that it is hard to find a job but things will get better. I look at it this way, nurses are ALWAYS going to be in demand. It's just that right now many nurse recruiters are not hiring new grads until February for the December grads who need to take and pass boards. Also , some hospitals only recrut new grads once a year. I was blessed to get in before February but encourage everyone to keep the faith. PM me if you have any specific questions!

God bless!

Happy Holidays....despite.

[towerofpower]

This last post of yours brought a smile to my face...what could be more important than your relationship with God? Blessed are they who put their trust in Him! How are you doing now? I am a new grad. I just resigned last week after about 3 months on an intense onc/hem/HIV_AIDS unit. Bottom line was "fit" apparently. I'm doing like you and building my relationship, and trusting God. It's good to hear that things have worked out for you...it's encouraging =)

[Quilter0225]

I was asked to resign after five months d/t a bad "fit," too. That was six weeks ago. I just found out this morning that I got the job I interviewed for over Christmas. The new job is better in every way: better pay, better benefits, better facility, and hopefully a better fit! I am excited! This experience was a faith builder for me, too. I kept telling myself that God has led me this far, and He's not going to drop me on my head now! Maybe the other job just wasn't the best place for me to do whatever He's got planned for me to do. I start the new job in three weeks. I will be thinking of you. It helped me a lot to get on this site and realize that I'm not alone in my situation.:heartbeat

[towerofpower]

It's so good to hear those very same words that I tell myself, "God has not brought me this far just to fail"...it's good to hear that again. Yesterday I went online to help my sons with their college fees and decided to try once again to add an Organic Chem. class for myself that has been full for which I'd planned to crash (I was thinking that I'll use this opportunity to get that last remaining class off my plate for the bridge program that I want to do to become a MSN/nurse practitioner eventually). Well, oddly enough, I got right in and maybe that was God's way of showing me that I'm just where I'm meant to be. He seems to have reaffirmed that goal/plan while the managers at the old job were discouraging it.

[MiaLyse, APRN]

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I agree here. I am currently orienting to a new floor and realize that these nurses run circles around me because they have been doing it for some time. I have to give myself the time to become familiar with things and get a routine that fits me and will help start my day better. I think it all takes time and it's hard not to get intimidated but think of it as a learning experience and with time we all get more comfortable with anything we do. I can be hard on my self but realize it will take time. I'm going to give myself the time this time and pooie on the nurse who doesn't like that I'm slower during orientation then she is on the floor, that's why it's orientation, we need time to LEARN. lol :) Good luck to you in whatever decision you make.

[towerofpower]

Wow, these posts are truly encouraging!!! You have no idea (or probably you do!) how 'fitting' your comments are =)

Thanks be to God!

[karma482]

Hi there.....i totally feel what you went through, because i am going through the same thing. I have been off orientation for 2 months now, and every morning i have to go into work i have a full-fledged panic attack. i vomit every single morning and know hospital nursing isn't for me. i left a clinic job, that i am dying to go back to. also they still have my RN position open at that clinic, so i think they would take me back. the only reason i tried hospital nursing is b/c everyone told me to be a good nurse, you have to work in a hospital. DON'T listen to them! There are other jobs that are less stressful, and satisfying at the same time. the biggest mistake i ever did was quit my old job, to transfer to hospital work. i feel like i let my family down, b/c the hospital pays more, and has better benefits, but they are losing the real "me" every single day of my life. i haven't been myself for months. i worry every single minute of every day that i have to step foot back in the hospital. it's really sad. anyway, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone, and you WILL find your niche someday....

take care and good luck,

:):)