I'm new to this forum and new to nursing, as well. I graduated this time last year and started working in August in tele, at one of the largest cardio hospitals in Chicago. Now, less than one year later, I'm already on job #3. At an early age, I always knew I wanted to work in health care, and I always admired the nursing profession. Now, that I'm "in" it, I just don't know anymore. I had a pt last week who annoyed the hell out of me with her numerous request for pain med; her admitting dx. was hyperglycemia..go figure?). She's a frequent flyer. She was on MSO4, 50mcg Fentanyl patch, and toradol. Finally, I got frustrated and told her, "I don't know what else to do for you???". She was on the call light every 10 minutes. I feel so used and unappreciated by the end of the day. Used by every pt., family member, MD, inconsiderate RN I last received report from, administrators, social workr d/c planner, etc. I think the new ad campaign "Dare to Care" is very befitting for this thankless, overwhelming profession. You know something...when I get sick and can no longer care for myself, I but I won't be able to get anyone to give me even a glass of water;) Maybe bedside nursing simply isn't for me. I would like to try public health. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to cope????
Change is good and there are CRAPPY jobs out there that eat nurses alive. I've been there (3 jobs in 4 years). Keep faith that you will find a good match. I think this is a common problem for new nurses in this day and age. They pump you up so much in school and the real world is a big letdown because you ask yourself where is this great opportunity they told me about? I graduated in 98 and I don't know of many classmates who are still working in their first positions. Also, it's hard to find your niche.
You need to talk to someone you trust about this whole situation, maybe someone that knows you better than we do on this board.
First of all, realize that all that job change keeps you in constant crisis. It has always taken me one year to even figure out if I like a job. Perhaps someone with a counseling background could be helpful. Also read the posts of new nurses and nurses in new jobs. First year in any job, much less first year in 3 separate jobs gives you plenty of moments where you feel profoundly stupid. If you work with people you like OR you have stuck around long enough to build up a support network, you get some support while working through those dark days. What are your expectations of job? I don't want to overwhelm you with questions here. You need to find someone you can trust who will sit and listen to you and then you need to see what brought you to leave two jobs already. Are they similar or different reasons? These are things that this board cannot help you with, except for the kind of support you've already seen.
Again, rndiva, find somone you can discuss this with: trusted nursing instructor, counselor, therapist.
I dont know if it sounds like compassion fatigue, Who coined that, or burnout. Or maybe its just a good case ole case of reality shock setting in, happens to most new nurses. Rule number one anybody who tells you take meds, avoid them. Rule number 2 Check with yopur supervisor or human resources to see if a counselor is available to talk over you feelings with.. Rule number 3 PLAY MORE GOLF... Rule number 4....PLAY MORE GOLF... Rule number 5 Talk things over with your supervisor , a trusted coworker, a friend a precher or whatever... Rule number 6... Stay away from all alcohol or other intoxicants or medications. Explore your feelings dont indulge in them..
Rule number 7 DONT GIVE UP.................................
Tom, You always remind me of the character in the wonderful book _Mount Misery_ by Samuel Shem who was constantly exhorting his fellow psychiatric residents and psychiatric patients to "Play more SPORTS!"
I would agree with Tom, too, to avoid the quick fix of psychotropics, find someone you can talk to and play more SPORTS!
Also, something I read many years ago: It takes six months in a new job to reach 50% of your capacity for efficiency in that job. My first year out of nursing school, I clung to that thought as if it were a life jacket in a stormy sea. I kept reminding myself of this...through the nausea & headaches that first year...and made it through.
Thanks everyone for your comments and support. I'm glad that I can share my feelings about that trying times of this profession anonymously and not be judged. The great news is that I started job #3 today, and I really think I'm going to like it. My first job was at an extremely large hospital, the second was extremely small. I went from feeling overwhemled to complete boredom. This hospital falls right in between. The pace isn't too fast or slow and that goes the same for the acuity level. Additonally, my new employer is under the same corp. as my first employer, so some things are still the same (i.e. equipment, forms, protocols, etc.), making the transition much more easier. I know today was only the first day and there will be bad days ahead. But I think that I've found my "new" home and I think I'm going to be happy there, at least for a while:-).
You move fast gurl...:chuckle! Great to hear you have moved on to bigger and better things:cool: I hope sincerely that this will be your home for years to come, and grow and become stronger each and everyday. Best wishes, and take care of yourself..
Diva, one thing Ii keyed in on in your post and related to was all the SUITS demanding things from you....
One thing we CAN change in nursing...we can move to NIGHT SHIFT where there are no discharge planners or social workers or administrators bugging us. :)
Worked for me...there's still an occasional doc around...but much less than days.....I LOVE night shift. :)
Also, something I read many years ago: It takes six months in a new job to reach 50% of your capacity for efficiency in that job.
Wow, that IS good advice. Especially for someone like me, perfectionist that I am, expecting to know how to do my job perfectly yesterday. I've found in the past that supervisors and co-workers are much patient with my learning curve than I am.
I swear to God....in 98 first rn job on tele, you sure you don't work at my facility??? Nursing has many wonderful oppurtunities, I finally found an area I love! You need to seriously find a job that is right for you. I like going to the human resources idea, you could shadow nurses on other units to see if it would be right for you. Floor nursing was not for me and I happened to be lucky and find a nursing job that I love. Honestly, I was about to leave the profession
adrienurse, LPN
1,275 Posts
Change is good and there are CRAPPY jobs out there that eat nurses alive. I've been there (3 jobs in 4 years). Keep faith that you will find a good match. I think this is a common problem for new nurses in this day and age. They pump you up so much in school and the real world is a big letdown because you ask yourself where is this great opportunity they told me about? I graduated in 98 and I don't know of many classmates who are still working in their first positions. Also, it's hard to find your niche.
keep on trucking