advice on what to do

sabatical · Sep 9, 2011

I think that a big problem was I did not know how to defend myself, so the bullying escalated.

I guess they thought that they could walk all over me.

Also, the unit was difficult for me, and I think the other nurses thought I constantly asked for help. However, I was a new grad , and put into a specialty unit, and that was hard for me.

The manager just hired anyone to 'fill the spot'. (It was a 'problem' unit with a lot of turnover, and a lot of bad rumours-which were true).

I thought I would ask less questions if I tried a slower area of nursing.

Where I am now, I find I still ask lots of questions, but I am a little bit more independent. However, there are nurses that I feel still dislike helping me.

My learning curve is quite different from others- my nursing school tried to help).

I feel I am learning a lot, about my weaknesses and social skills etc. I hope the nurses like me. But I don't think so.

I do a lot of at home studying when I am not working. Reading books over and over to increase my knowledge and skills.

Maybe I need to make another change, to another area of nursing, that is even easier for me than where I am now.

ruralgirl08 · Sep 13, 2011

Hi, I am sorry you are having such a problem finding your fit. I think what you need to do is some self reflection, and focus on what your strengths are. Make a list of what you feel you are good at, and possibly start looking at different areas in nursing that may utilize these strengths more often.

Also make a list of what you like about nursing and what you don't like. Try to find an area that you feel will align more with your "likes." Remember that your goal, does not always have to happen immediately, it can be something you are working towards, say in a couple years, ect.

It is good you ask questions, there is nothing scarier then someone who is learning and doesn't ask questions. Remember, not everyone has to like you. You just need to get along to get the work done for the patient. If you ever played sports, think "team" . Anyway, I hope you find somewhere for you. Try to think more positive about things, a positive attitude can do wonders, and people may warm up to you easier. Also, don't stay in a toxic environment. You need to be in a supportive environment, to foster your growth and confidence. Try shadowing in a workplace, before accepting a job. I hope you find your place in nursing, if this is something you really want to do.