Asking for advice

[rn2be15]

Hi Everyone,

I recently got my first job working on a med/surg floor at a nyc hospital. I absolutely hate it. The floor is extremely busy and has a bad reputation of many nurses leaving. I hated it even during my orientation but I assumed it would get better. I know a lot of people say I should stay and work there for at least 1 year but I can't see myself staying there for that long. It's beginning to affect my emotional and physical health. I know I should be grateful for having a job so soon after graduating but it is not what I expected it to be. I guess my mistake was wanting to get some med/surg experience prior to going into the specialty that I actually wanted which is maternal/child health. I've tried looking at applying at other hospitals but it seems nearly impossible to get in without having some sort of connection which I don't have. Would anyone have advice as to what I should do?

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Stick it out. Seriously. You can do it for a year and then you will have choices.

[db2xs]

Hi rn2be. As much as you may not want to hear this, I would agree with CrunchRN. I hated my job for the first 1.5 years but I have learned a lot and the time has gone by quickly.

Having said that, if you are amenable to not working in an acute setting, you can always try applying to clinics or other outpatient settings. I don't know what the job market is like in NYC, but I hear it is fairly competitive. You may be able to be eligible for another job elsewhere after six months, or even a transfer.

I relate to that feeling of being trapped and unhappy. I wish I could tell you something to make you feel better, but the only thing I can tell you is either Poop or get off the pot, i.e., stick it out or quit. It will get better, but it will take time.

[rn2be15]

Thanks. I really appreciate it. I will see how it will continue to go. Thank you very much.

[Jasmin910]

Sorry to hear that your experience has been so bad. Unfortunately sticking it out might be the best bet, but maybe try to focus on learning and growing every shift as much as you can rather than the floor itself (which I know is a lot easier said then done).

I don't know what your "dream hospital" is, but maybe keep your eyes open for Career Fairs or Networking Events and attend them starting around your 6 month mark, because by then you'll have more experience.

Since your interest in maternal/child health maybe see if you can volunteer/connect with March of Dimes to boost your resume in the mean time.

Not sure how helpful this is, but good luck and stay positive! I'm sure you worked your butt off in nursing school so don't let this job bring you down