Confused new RN!

ckh23, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2011

If you really don't like it that much than I say start looking for a new job. Just don't quit this job until you have new one lined up.

RNawoken2anesthesia · Feb 12, 2011

I agree. Keep an eye out for new openings while working at this job. Look for other types of jobs for rns. Home health, offices, hospitals. Look in the paper, craigslist, hospital websites. You have to try a little harder these days. If you can't find what you are looking for go back to school and get your BSN while you figure it out and if you are sure this is what you want to do. You shouldn't feel overwhelmed everytime you are at work or that unhappy. If so that is not the place for you. Good luck.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Feb 12, 2011

I would say to look back when you were applying to the nursing program and telling others what made you so excited for nursing, what was it? Was it a calling, was it helping others who couldn't help themselves? Was it money (its alright, be honest with yourself). Also look into what specifically is giving you trouble. Is it time management, patient care, high expectations placed on you?

While you look for another job as I'm sure you're doing, take in mind that the patients you have deserve your full attention while you're there, so work really hard at what you're doing now and get those skills down. I think no matter what you do it should start by doing that.

taalyn_1, CNA · Feb 12, 2011

You know, almost every single nurse I have talked to said they felt the EXACT same way when they first started, no matter where they began. Anxious, frustrated, wore out, questioning... it seems it all goes with the territory. LTC is a stressful job, they are ALWAYS understaffed and there is never enough time to get everything done (or at least it seems there isnt any time). My suggestion would be to stick it out for a year. See if you can find a more experienced nurse to mentor you while there. LTC is a great place to build your skills, as well as your self-confidence. IF you really cannot take another day there, then by all means don't keep torturing yourself. Just remember that no matter where you work, you are gonna have some difficult days ahead until you become comfortable in your own "nurse's" skin.

(I am not a nurse yet, but my sister is one and i have many nurses as friends who have given me LOTS of advance warning on what to expect after graduation. I hope this helps you too).

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Feb 13, 2011

Spend some effort trying to find ways to enjoy your job. I'm currently stuck (for a variety of reasons) in a job I don't particularly like. I've had ups and downs but have worked hard to find ways to make it work for me. Maybe you can't do that but I think you should hang on until the job market improves. You can change your attitude if you are motivated. Best of luck!

NaKcl, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2011

Nurse2033, sounds like I am in a same boat as you are.

It was so hard at the beginning of my nursing career, so I have been thinking about changing to different floors or hospitals ever since my first 6 month was up. After the 6months, I wanted to have 1 year experience, so I stayed.

Well,,,, along the way, I began to like/ deal with my work place better and I am still working at the same floor. I still don't care for some of coworkers, but it is workable.

ashalina213, your job situation is different from mine, but I think following Nurse2033's advice is good idea.

"I mean don't get me wrong I'm very greatful for the opportunity I got and know I need the time and experience. But I'm just so happy, I'm really doubting if it's just the job and LTC that I don't like, or nursing itself! I'm thinking, can I not handle the responsibility? Can I not think like these other women?"

This shows that you are considering your profession seriously. just like you said, other nurses made it through, and you will too. you don't know what other nurses went through in the beginning of their nursing career.

Whatever you decide, wish you the best!! :nurse:

pbilbrey · Feb 13, 2011

I didn't like the very first job I had when I started, didn't like my co-workers thought they were mean kind of. After couple of months I got more adjusted to the position. Made friends with the co-workers and really learned a lot. I started to like my job. It is just hard to adjust from being a student to being a nurse and being responsible for your actions.

I hope things get better for you , just give it some time. After 6 months eval again and if you do not like look else where you have some experience under your belt.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2011

Go thru an agency and see if you have enough experience to start working with them. I will never, ever, ever do LTC or nursing home work again - it is a dangerous, sad place for the residents and I too can't handle it at all; it just suxs and I hate it. There is no shame in saying a particular part of nursing doesn't suit you - I don't prefer cardiology either.

With an agency you may be able to choose where you want to go, and also what hours you want to work. Shifts do get cancelled but that is part of the job. Look into studying something else in nursing that you want to do as well.

Do any agencies there do internships for nurses, or we call them graduate nurse programs? Look into this aspect also. You need to look after your physical and mental health to be an effective nurse, and you are obviously distressed. Get your CV out and re-vamp it - take some positive action and apply for everything and anything, but do contact ALL the agencies. If no nursing work comes up, I would say get out 4 a while if you really can't handle it all and do something else for a bit, but keep your RN registration current.

Good luck.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2011

Oh sweetheart, you are most definitely in a scary situation that would make anyone unhappy. Here you are, a brand new nurse and you have a ridiculous patient load. LTC nursing is backbreaking work.

I like carolmaccas's suggestion of looking into facilities that offer internships. If there are hospitals near you that offer nurse residency programs, that would be a wonderful place to start.

Yes, you should start looking immediately for a new job. You are overwhelmed, as anyone would be. You must be proactive in your search. Spend every free moment you have searching and searching some more. The opportunity will be there, you just have to be vigilant.

I want to ask you to keep an open mind. This first job was not the best introduction into nursing. Please do not let this leave a bad taste in your mouth about nursing as a profession. The beauty of nursing is that it is vast and that there are many different avenues of the profession that you can pursue. Keep your wits about you during this difficult time and continue to be positive.

I am pulling for you!

BrookeeLou_RN · Feb 13, 2011

Step back and look at why you became a nurse..honestly like one poster said.. if you still feel that way.dig deep to motivate yourself to be happier with life..not your job.. but life..Happy people have higher levels of tolerance!

Stick with your job till you find another.. but actively look but make sure YOU are happier with your life or else another job won't matter. Co-workers are a part of nursing..sometime for whatever reasons nurses can seem be mean. It happens but then maybe it happens at Wal Mart too!!

LTC is a very special area of nursing,, I do not know hardly anyone who started out madly loving it..I do know many who learned to love it and have stayed and made it their life. I have known some like myself who have worked it, tolerated it, learned much from it and then moved on. And then there are those who can not no matter what make it past 3 months let alone 6 mos or a yr.

Each nurse needs to do soul searching to decide what category they fit into.

Figure out what the problems you have are.. do they only exist in LTC of in nursing everywhere. If everywhere you should try to work on them while looking for another job..You will not feel confident, comfortable in the short time you have been a nurse. Girl..give yourself a chance.. Find an experienced nurse, a friend, co-worker, anyone you can sit and talk to,, say your peace then listen..really listen to what her and everyone on this site have to say about being a new nurse.. Frankly I think being a new anything is really tough!!!!

The idea about getting BSN is good one if you are happy really being a nurse.. but may not be feasible.. But you could take a CEU class, pick something you would like to learn,, go to a site that lets you take unlimited for a set $$ amt.. Once you learn something, no one can ever take that from you! Pick something interesting, even fun and short to start with,, then go on to things you want to learn more about or totally unrelated new stuff. Cost wise online CEU's make most sense but if you find a seminar you can afford and it is local or you can afford to get there..go for that.. CEU and seminars can be easy, fun or totally challenging but unlike school it is not a big grade thing. Most if you show you get certificate but I suggest going to learn.

Another option that might help is can you go to 4 days/ 32 hr type thing. Sometimes over not losing you,, employers offer options....

I, personally do not suggest agency till you get alittle more experience and have good time management skills and are very organized.

Agency nurses need to know how to get by with very little orientation or assistance.. Home health will train you and if you can find a job and have good skills and are organized..it may be a good option to look into. Advantage is one patient at a time.. disadvantage is paper work is daunting for almost every nurse and many patients plus driving all over in one day.

I have worked majority of my career in homehealth but I'm OCD about paperwork, organization and time, plus I like to drive, have great sense of direction and like one patient at a time.

So thank goodness we are all different. You just need alittle time to figure out who you are.

But if you are crying every day about your job or even your life..... please do something to change it. You could actually be depressed and you should not suffer alone.

I will share this story.. I started my nursing life in L&D and OB..Then I needed a day job during the week so after being in L&D for 3 yrs... I fought so hard to get a job in a OB office as RN,, near my house, great salary thought it was my dream job,, and I got it.. First week was orientation and I was still looking at silver lining, 2nd week reality hit,, the place was not run within my personal beliefs about life. I cried in driveway every morning for 3 days so hard i could barely see to drive once I could start the car... My husband had lung cancer and we had 3 kids.. I was so unhappy but I had to work.. My husband came to driveway on day 4 and told me to go in and re-sign...he said somehow we would make it and God would understand how hard I tried. So I did,, NM screamed at me till I left still in tears just joyful ones. On Monday I got a call from a DON who wondered if I would come talk to her about home health as my name had come up at a luncheon she had attended. Of course I said yes.. we had to eat.. I was offered the job on the spot but was so scared as I had never taken care of anyone who was not "female and pregnant"! She actually said' Try it you'll like it", I was still looking petrified (I had been a RN for 3 yrs and was totally comfortable with L&D) so she said if after a week you hate it no questions asked and then offered me a bonus up front day one!! So I said okay, took the money bought groceries and went home to share the news. 20 years later, home health is still my love..even though a few times i got wonderlust and tried other things ... I always come back.

Now looking back I know the DON needed help, there was a nursing shortage and nursing is different now... But I still believe nursing is God's work and somehow he will get you into the right place.. might be a windy road with lots of detours but have Faith!!

If you want to PM me I will be a friend and listen.. Best of luck with YOUR decisions!

Cessna172 · Feb 13, 2011

I offer this suggestion, get out of there fast. If you already don't like it then you probably won't like your job in a month, or two, or three. If you can somehow find a job in a hospital taking care of acute patients, it will help your skills immensely, as compared to LTC. Personally, I don't see how those nurses manage, and in alot of LTCs they are too overwhelmed with a patient load. Congrats on getting your RN too.