Deeply saddened.....

[TXNurseBSN]

I have been perusing this board for the last few weeks and I feel so much sadness and frustration coming from us new nurses. Was it only a few months ago that so many of us were so happy posting on the NCLEX board that we passed and had finally obtained that elusive title of R.N. behind our name? What kind of profession takes that optimism and excitement and completely squashes it in a matter of a few short months???

Few of us chose this profession because we wanted to become rich, we did it to make a difference. Then, we start our first job and have so many patients and so little time that we question our decision as to why we work ed our ***** off to get through nursing school. For what? No respect, stress, hunger pains, bad bladders, and fear that our brand new license is on the line every time we clock in for a shift.

I just quit my job after only 3 months and when I walked (ran) out of that hospital, I felt better than I have in months. I am a dependable, reliable person who has always stayed at a job at least one year, many times 5-6 years. My sanity and my new pregnancy could not tolerate this job. At this point, I cannot see myself ever doing floor nursing again. I got a job as a school nurse and will see how things go. I am excited and optimistic about it, though. In the meantime, I am researching all of my options, maybe a return to school (not for nursing). I am reading Nursing Against the Odds by Suzanne Gordon. That book should be required reading for anyone even considering nursing school! What an eye opener.

I guess I just wanted to reach out to all new nurses who are having similar problems and let them know they are in my thoughts and my prayers. I hope we all find a path that works for us whether it be in nursing or elsewhere.

[healer27]

TxRN,

thanks for this post, I've had a "rough" start too but things have gotten better as I have a new preceptor which has helped ALOT.

All of my friends though that have graduated with me this past May have expressed similar feelings, you think your finally done with school, the boards you can enjoy your new career, um no it seems it only gets harder. So your not alone in feeling how you do. We are all pushed every day to do things faster quicker, but to always remain safe and learn at the same time. It's like two opposite forces.. I'm trying to hang in my new preceptor has made a world of difference. Honestly if it wasn't for her I also probably would have left where I'm at. My personal happiness, my marriage and health are way more important to me. I'm hoping I can hang in on the floor for at least a year and become a really good nurse if so, I swear I'm taking every new grad under my wing.

In any case good luck with your new job, that's awesome. I know it's going to be great for you and if you are happier there that's all that matters. Best of luck!

[HeatherLPN]

I too, had a horrible experience at my first nursing job. Forcing myself to go in, crying all the way home. Hated it. Walked out after a month, got a new job and really like where I'm at now. I still have frustrating days, but I had that in a factory, in fast food, ect, for a lot less money.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

FWIW, EVERY new nurse goes through an adjustment period, and it's rough......so many times what we learned in school turns out to have no practical application in the real world, and it's very easy to become disillusioned when the fantasy career we imagined meets cold, hard reality.

You all have my sympathies, for I went through much the same thing in my own first year, and then again in my NINTH year when my hospital job became hell on earth. I can't even imagine going through what I did there if I'd been a "rookie" nurse---I'd probably have fled the profession entirely. Unfortunately, that's what a lot of new nurses do, and it leaves us poorer as a profession when we can't even hang onto our newbies!

SO.........please hang in there, not all of nursing is like that hospital---somewhere the right nursing job is waiting for you. You have only to look for it.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

My idea of hell would be to go through the first year of nursing all over again. I feel your pain.

Good luck to you in your new endeavors.

[sh0rtii]

I thought NCLEX exam was the worst part of nursing, and that if you pass it.. then its all cookies and cream from then on. Well, it turns out that all those sweat and tears that I shed when i was going to Nursing school wasnt anything compared to the "real world."

[jonear2, RN]

OK, so you mean I'm NOT the only one having a nervous breakdown after only 6 months? Thank GOD!

But for every bad day there is a good day and another trick Ive found is to work 3 days straight and then have 4 days off in a row, enough time IMHO to recover/refresh yourself.

Im sorry you feel so discouraged. I would tell you to stick with it and it will get better, but I think only you can know how you feel in your heart.

PS You said that you got into nursing to make a difference. There are many other "helping" professions out there to choose from. In all things remember to make yourself happy and satisfied.

[traumahawk99]

i think if you look at it the right way, you'll see that the first year is just one big party, sort of an all-you-can-eat buffet :).

it's a great opportunity to learn, no matter where you work.

[RNKay31]

I am going through my rough times now, wish I was still in school, LOL

[sabrn2006]

I had a tough day today---14 hours long. I was very busy with patient problems, calling MDs, discharges, admission at change of shift, students on floor..... I had to stand up for myself a couple of times too - once with an IV therapist who thought she shouldn't have to put in an iv for my pt with nausea who needed her zofran. UGH. At the end, though, I feel tired yes, but still satisified. I made it through. My patients survived. They got their meds. Nobody fell. Ha ha. Some days that is all we can wish for. I have always been told it takes a good year to feel comfortable. I believe this sincerely. I guess I am 1/4 of the way there then.

[MIA-RN1, RN]

Im about 4 months in and I think all is going as it should. I have realy frustrating moments but I have learned to speak for myself--I call the pharmacy and give them grief if my pts abx are not on the floor. I ask people for help when I need it. (OK I am still trying to figure out a tech) I get assigned nursing students which I LOVE.

A month or so ago I was ready to cry every shift, and I think that was the reality shock part I went thru. One of my newer coworkers is going thru it now and I tell her to hang on, it gets better.

I never expected it to be easier than school or the NCLEX, and I think that has helped me adjust.

[perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN]

Over a year in I can tell you that I feel much, much better than I did about six-eight months ago. It was very gradual but it DID happen. The first year of nursing is like trial by fire sometimes... ANd there is still craziness, quite often, but I do have much more confidence in myself as a nurse now. I just wanted to add this to tell you to keep up the hope and if you look at my old threads you will see I have felt absolutely horrible sometimes over the past year, and overwhelmed, but it HAS gotten better and it will for you too I bet.