Advice, plese...

Published

Hi, I am a new RN - for 8 months- working in a large corporate run hospital in the city on the oncology floor. I LOVE being a nurse, I love caring for people fighting cancer. However, I do not love my current place of work. We often have horrible patient ratios - I had seven patients the other night. Our staffing is based on this horrible midnight census "grid" which only seems to save staffing costs and forgets patient care. Our NAs our horrible - there are a few that are more than wonderful - and have even refused to do things when I asked them only out of being desperatley busy and spend more time shopping online than doing work. Sorry - I am venting here. What concerns me more than anything is that because of being worked like dogs, we do all respitory treatments, no IV nurses - we do it ourselves, blood draws, on top of a huge patient load, I often am unable to give the care that my patients deserve. More experience nurses admit feeling this was as well. I do not know if I can stay here much longer. In a few weeks, I am going to be certified in chemo administration. Is it too soon for me to be looking for another job? I've heard I should wait a year, but I do not know if I can make it there past this summer! Any advice would be greatly apprecitated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, CCU.

Sounds like a tough situation and I don't personally have the insight to help you on this one, but I hope you find a place where you're happy, either where you are at or somewhere else. Good luck and hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I never think there's anything wrong w/ a change of location. If you feel you'd benefit from a move, then I say, do it! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

i think its a great idea to at least start looking. 6 months experience has got to get you somewhere. and having your chemo cert makes you even more valuable. if you love what you do and want to continue loving it, see what else is out there. best of luck to you:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Second Year LVN Alzheimers Nursing.

You worked way to hard to be working short. To say the least what if something was to happen to one of your pt. Do you think the Board of Nursing will give you a break because you had to many pt. When you accept your pt load for a shift you assume responsiblity for there care. If you feel you are unable to give your patient the care because you have to many patients then get out. Its not worth your license.

On the other hand you may be able to resolve the whole issue with the Nurse MGR by bringing to her attention what the CNA's are doing. DO you have the authority to write them up? You should not feel like you can only ask the CNA to do something if your to busy after all they are there to help. I to worked as a PCA?Med Aide and I never disrespected my nurses like that.

Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all so much for your responses. I have a lot of thinking to do, and what you all wrote helps so much. What is hardest about being a new nurse is that you are still trying to figure out how to be a nurse...and gaining the confidence that goes with that knowledge. I think if I had a few more years experience as a nurse, I would not be so afraid to venture ! Thank you all again!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Second Year LVN Alzheimers Nursing.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do. I hope everything turns out for the best.:specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

coffeeRN what did you decide to do??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Did the job hop, now in MS. Not Bad!!!!!.

Good Morning CoffeeRN!

I think Oncology is a huge specialty to undertake for a new grad. You held up well and should be proud of yourself for that. But after being in a similar situation myself, and not being able to endure it as a first-job-out-of-the-gate-hit-the-ground-running-and- get-slammed morning, noon, and night by staff and assignments almost did me in.

I allowed myself to think I could handle it, would be able to take the experience and spend time w/ pts and families. But no one ever told me it was so difficult and draining.

Having to learn technical skills, speed, organizational skills, critical thinking, ETC....and be pushed constantly is a LOT for a new grad. 7 pts is a lot! Learning to administer chemo after 6 mos is crazy!

CoffeeRN I hope what you decide brings you peace. I truly believe it depends on your geography whether it's a good idea to job hop in your first year. Some NM's expect it like I"ve read on this forum. Others are truly against it from what I've experienced in interviews.

But as a new grad? Oncology will deliver you skills you will bring with you! I wish you luck and peace as you search for it!

Chloe

:nurse:

RN-BSN, BA

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I worked for about 11 months on my first unit. I had to get out, it was mentally killing me. I needed out for my own health. :crying2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion