Burnt out and just started

[Ariel_89]

Its been my dream to work with children or babies like labor and delivery. However, I did the mistake many people make and took the first job available. To me, it ended up being a super busy med surg unit. I am not happy here. Heres why:

The CNA are horrible on my unit. It seems crazy how much a difference a good CNA makes. The CNA are not helpful. In fact, I had nurses float from other units tell me how much the CNA suck. Ex: I have an admission and the CNA never send in an admission kit (towels, soap, deoderant, etc.) Then the patient is yelling because he has no soap or toothbrush. Other nurses are complaining to me too, saying similar things. I feel like I am doing double to work sometimes!!! I can't even remember the last time I had a break.

Too many patient to nurse ratio: Its overwhelming. Its crazy how they expect us to be able to chart and pass out meds, track acute changes, monitor labs, change wound dressing, admission, discharges, and keep on top of customer satisfaction. We have a limit; at least supposed to of nurse to patient ratio on our unit, and sometimes they try to give us on top of that limit. I even talked to the nurse supervisor and she said, "eh, sorry but nothing I can do. You can't refuse patients." I am still a new grad (5 months on my own), and this seriously put people at risk. And if something were to happen, they aren't going to blame the anyone but me.

My question ultimately is: Is is like this everywhere else? Im considering anything now. ICU, labor and delivery, pediatrics, or should I try to stick out the full year. I don't want my resume to look like Ive been job hopping.

[ED Nurse, RN]

You need to stick it out a year to gain experience and make yourself appealing in the job market. The grass isn't always greener- sounds like a typical hospital to me.