discouraged at work, need to vent...

[nurse nina]

hey all,

i had a rough time at work and just need to vent.

i am an lvn and have been filling in as the nurse at an a.l. community for the past month because of vacations and the previous nurse quitting. i was hired as a medication tech and the d.o.n. knew i had my license which is why she asked me to fill-in. now the nurse position is available and i have expressed my interest in the position but i don't think i'm going to get it even though i have seniority. first, i am an old-new graduate and this is my first nursing job. i know that the e.d. wants someone with more experience. second, most of my co-workers are some of the worst people i've met in my life. they gossip, tell lies, are two-faced, and say negative things about me to my boss and the e.d.! i was shocked when i heard that this was happening. i was thrown into this position to help out. i am a hard-worker and have been doing the best that i can do. i know that there is a lot that i still have to learn but geez, give me a break. i have never experienced a work-place environment like this my whole life. and my family and friends will tell you that i am the nicest, most caring person. i got the florence nightingale award in school!

i want to quit but i can't (rent, bills, etc.). i've been trying to find another job but there's nothing out there. i am so discouraged. is this the common experience in every new nurse's job?

thanks for any advice.