Discouraged new PCT/SN

[Pearl13]

I am just about to enter my third semester of nursing school. I also recently started a PRN PCT position in the float pool of a major hospital. This is my first job in healthcare. I was so excited to start this position, but I'm honestly having a really hard time adjusting to it. I get very anxious and nervous before every shift. Not to mention I dread going in and want to cry! I hate that I feel this way. I love nursing school - and am hoping that this adjustment to healthcare is normal. Did adjusting to 12 hour night shifts and healthcare take a while for anyone else? Any advice? HELP!

[green34]

I am like that with morning shifts. It also takes time to get used to. I give every job 3 to 5 months to feel adjusted.

[green34]

At my computer so I can give a more indepth answer.

I want to cry every time I have to work mornings. I refuse to work before 7 am now. I can't jump around too much. I will come in at 1 pm at the earliest. This is the best way in my opinion. Jumping around from morning to night is too hard. If possible, I would schedule your school classes in the evening or at least afternoon.

Also, it's a new position so it can be frustrating trying to do well at first. I would give it at least three months. The other day, I realized that I am pretty good at triaging now when I came in early and saw a new person struggling with it. I was like her before, but now I am not. I managed to get the rack cleared fairly quickly (9+ waiting to be triaged with some over 30 minutes of wait time).