Do you hate this job, & think 'how can I keep doing this?'

[BrendaH84, BSN]

If you feel like you hate your first or second job and you are thinking why did I do this? Here are some of my thoughts, from MY experience or observations, in Nursing and in a regular office job before nursing.

Remember, the 1st few months might be really awful and you might feel like you don't have a clue and everyone thinks you're clueless, but it really does get better,I promise! For me it got better in about 5 to 6 months of working as a nurse. I worked in LTC for a few months with a preceptor, then I obtained a hospital job and had to have a preceptor again of course.

Everyone may not agree with me but these are my thoughts.

1. just agree with everything your preceptor says, with out being long winded into why, just do it, it will make your life easier and hers/his.

2. Never ever gossip

3. Do not tell too much about your personal life unless it's good stuff. people talk and you are "building" a new reputation, so only put into the pot, that which you want incorporated into that "building". Please please please please keep this stuff to yourself!!!!! You don't want everyone to know your significant other is an idiot, or your kid is in juvi or your sweetie is or was in jail, or how many times you've been on diet pills or any other ridiculous crap you think about blurting out.

YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL NOW. Say you and a Lawyer you hired were in court for a probate hearing on your Grandma's house and estate etc etc. would you think it odd if the Lawyer told you about his cheating wife, or problematic kids etc etc. just do not divulge that stuff. Lawyers, Nurses etc etc are professionals, act like it, it makes people feel comfortable around you!

You are in a stressful environment and someday I promise some tired stressed out nurse, WILL walk up to me & everyone else, roll their eyes and tell me all the stuff you told them! Especially because you are new and have not built a ton of respect.

4. Have some fun when you are not at work.

5. It sometimes helps to think of this first year working as a nurse, as a "class" so sometimes you say to yourself "This is just a class and will be over at the end of the year"

6. When it's REALLY bad, get your whole paycheck from the bank in CASH, in 10 dollar bills, spread it out on the bed, look at it and remind yourself "I am getting paid for this, more than a lot of people make maybe, they WANT me here, look at this money they paid me!"

7. Sometimes at work just chant in your head your hourly wage :)

I am thankful the DREAD of going in every shift has passed. You are NOT alone in how you feel my fellow Nurse sisters and brothers :)

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

thanks because im feeling every bit of , can I do this/I am overwhelmed!!!!

[LaceyRN12]

Thanks so much for your post. I will take everything you said into consideration. I guess I just need to read more positive posts to make myself feel better... but I'm still nervous and anxious. I'm also thinking about the money I'm making, lol. I feel like the new job is like a new nursing school.

[owlRN01]

Thanks for this :) I can totally relate!

[BrendaH84, BSN]

yep, it is like a new nursing school, arg! lol

[tyc1115]

thanks for your post. i'm half half...

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Excellent post!

[KPOV]

Very helpful advice...I will use it! Thank you!

[ERICRN1985]

"6. When it's REALLY bad, get your whole paycheck from the bank in CASH, in 10 dollar bills, spread it out on the bed, look at it and remind yourself "I am getting paid for this, more than a lot of people make maybe, they WANT me here, look at this money they paid me!"

I prefer to get it all in $1 dollar bills and make it rain! :)

[norlns24]

Yeah, the part about not over sharing. Goes for any job, not just "professional" jobs. Goes for school, too. Heck, I even practice that advice in my social/ private life!

[bdec87]

Thank you for this. It's hard to be new at something.

[OncRN30]

#6 and #7, were priceless - I literally LOL'd!!

Thank you!!!!