Discouraged and Frustrated new nurse

[manicas]

Hi!

This is my first post on this site. I'm a new grad, been working 6 months now on a med surg unit. I've been on nights since October. I thought nights and this floor would get better as I adapted, but honestly I'm comfortable being a nurse now and going to work, but I absolutely hate it. Nights are killing me, I'm on the list for days, the techs basically do nothing to help and when you ask for them to help they complain which makes me end up doing both jobs all the time. I will certainly help and do tech work, but not being able to count on them or ask for him from them is so frustrating. They don't answer call lights or help patients to the bathroom or change patients, or turn them, or even chart anything. They are just rude to the nurses and patients and it's terrible.

I also feel feel like a failure because I have worked so hard to be where I am and to hate this job and nursing, just sucks. I want to be there for my patients and think critically and as of now I'm just going through the motions and rushing around.

My questions are: 1. Does nursing get better? 2. Is all med surg like this? 3. Advice on other floors or options?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

All first jobs are like this; and it does get better. At about the one year mark, something will "click" and you'll start feeling comfortable in your job. When you're comfortable, you may like it.

As for the techs -- you have to make them think that you like them, that you're on their side, that you're all in this together. Try being friendly -- greet them enthusiastically each time you come on shift. Ask them about their families, their hobbies, or even how their commute went today. When you ask for their help, ask as if they're really doing you a favor (yes, I know it's their job -- but you're having problems dealing with them so just try it for awhile) and ask NICELY. When you were brand new and scared to death, you probably asked the techs for things that were in their job description, but you may have asked without stroking them first. Stroke them. It helps.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

Most new grad positions require you to work nights. It just isn't normal to work this kind of schedule, however if it sucks to a point you can't manage anymore, try to get out of there. You have 6 months of experience. Some places will consider 6 months enough of experience. You will have to get your co-workers to respect you. It is easier if you can get along with them.