Been 'nursing' for 1 year, kinda disenchanted

[jbphburg]

Although I graduated with a BSN with honors I'm working at the only full time job I've been offered, in which I'm really just giving out pills and doing paperwork, hardly worth all the time, effort, and certainly expense. Despite repeated applications to all of the hospitals even remotely within driving distance I've managed only 1 interview. I'm feeling very disenchanted and feel that I'll never get a 'good' nursing job, which gives me an opportunity to really develop a skill set and advance as a nurse. Any thoughts?

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

My first job was in a LTC rehab unit. It was not my "dream" job, but I worked with great people and learned a lot of valuable skills, like time management (when you have 15-17 pts) and quick "gut" assessing when some one is not "right". It gave me time to learn the geriatric population, which you are going to encounter everywhere (and appreciate).

After 10 months or so, I applied for my dream job and the experience I had helped me get that job.

Try to look at the positive and be patient. Don't just brush your current job off. I have found that nursing is an EXTREMELY small world. You'll get where you want if you are positive and patient.

[ddaviddudley]

Yes, I too started in a SNF and eventually got my dream job in the ER. And it took me 2.5 years after graduation to finally get there.

[RNperdiem, RN]

If you look on the bright side, you do have a job that pays the bills. You have a BSN with a year of experience. Don't lose heart; a lot of us started out with the only full-time job we could get, and with some grit and good luck managed to find a job we like better. Keep those applications coming and hopefully the next interview might lead to a job.

[Jules A, MSN]

Although I graduated with a BSN with honors I'm working at the only full time job I've been offered, in which I'm really just giving out pills and doing paperwork, hardly worth all the time, effort, and certainly expense.

Any thoughts?

My thoughts would be now that you have a year of experience and likely a better handle on doing the tasks of your present job you can do some extras to make it more positive for you, your team and your patients. I'm guessing you are in long term care? Why not be one of those wonderful team members who takes a real delight in going above and beyond. Organize a craft group for the residents, do a quick nursing education group, bring in snacks for your hardworking team, see if you can spear head a family game night to encourage families to visit and bring the little ones.

Although the examples I gave are LTC specific I would bet there are many things you can do to breathe some life into your present position. In my experience the positive, enthusiastic vibe of someone with pride and passion who is really engaged in their job is infectious and people want them around. I bet your interviews would improve.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Said this before, will say it again: "BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED".

So you think cause you got a "BSN with honors", just last year, you should have a "better" job already? Lots of us graduated with honors and had to work our way into the job/position we felt suited to us. I sure as heck did not start giving up after only one year, however.

Did it occur to you, you are lucky to have a job in a market where LOTS of "BSNs with honors" have not found work after 2 or more years post graduation?

Maybe, it's a good idea to do your best where you are now, and keep an eye out for a job more suited to you as you do. Being disenchanted so soon is a bit premature. A year is nothing. Your whole career will likely span decades. Don't be defeated so easily.

Some of us have spent several years doing jobs that were not what we felt were suited to us, with an eye on the prize (a "better" job). As for myself, I did work a couple of jobs I did not especially love, but gave it my all, and kept a good attitude the whole time, making up my mind not to be miserable. I "bloomed" where I was planted. A good work history, and good references are what you should be working on now.

That job you want is there; when the time is right, you will get it. But you need to really be more patient.

Keep in mind, also: You are as happy as you make up your mind to be. So, change your thoughts, and change your life, as our member Jnette says. Keep going, keep looking out for the job you want, but don't make up your mind to be miserable so soon in your career.

In other words, be patient and stay positive, don't give up, work hard at the job you have now, and remain vigilant for the next opportunity.