Dealing with change...new grad challenge

Published Nov 24, 2011

96 Posts

Specializes in Med-Surg, Step-down and ICU.

I passed my NCLEX in AZ last April and at the time i was working in LTC. I searched and searched my area until Jul/Aug for a new grad job. I ran outta options in Phoenix so I applied and was hired in a small town 3hrs away. I was making great pay and had a nice working environment before I moved the job was as a care coordinator/mds nurse and I was doing well but just wanted more from my career and felt like I was wasting my time in LTC. Now as I am working in med/surg tele with 6:1 ratios and a $6/hr pay cut, from what I was making in LTC, I am feeling really stressed and overwhelmed. I am in a 2yr contract and really neeed this experience..but I am finding it hard to pay the bills even after cutting back on my budget. The floor I work on has high turnover and management is not concerned because "we just got approval to bring in 6 new travelers". I am getting my 90 day review and my supervisor told me I am doing excellent. Would it be out of hand to ask for a raise? :confused: I feel to new to ask but honestly I work so hard and dont even make what I did as an LPN last year...I am so stuck right now and supper bummed!!!