Does everyone feel like they can't do it?

[Womb Service]

I have been an LVN for 3 years and recently completed my RN transition. I worked for 3 years for an OB/GYN. I loved my job and was even able to become his surgical assistant and assisted with C/S and other Gyn surgeries. That was my favorite part of the job. Earning my RN was my goal though and unfortunately he was not able to afford an RN and unfortunately I had student loans and a family to support so I decided to move on. This has proved very difficult because again, I loved my job.

I have been head strong at using the experience I have and trying to find my way into L&D. I got a job in post partum at the hospital that I had done our C/S cases at. 3 months later our unit was closed, so I was able to find a position for an RN at a large OB/GYN group but it was 60 miles away and was only for phone triage. The pay was good, but I missed patient contact and the OR. I've applied to several residency programs, most I won't qualify for because I did my RN transition through Excelsior and don't have the clinical instructor letter of recommendations. The one great opportunity I had, I blew because I failed the math exam. I'm not one to make excuses but I had an unimaginable migraine that day and was not able to reschedule. I recently took a job closer to home but it is in Tele/Stroke floor.

I dread every day. I have panic attacks at home and cry on the way to work each morning. I'm still being preceptored and this is what I'm doing! I am severely depressed because I am in an area that I am not at all interested in. I miss the passion I felt. I took this job with the attitude that if I put in the time, I can transfer at some point.

I feel pathetic because I've never been one to feel like I can't do something but I feel out of control here. It scares me to death to think that I am going to be on my own soon. Is this a common new nurse feeling? I know it will get better when I get more comfortable but it's killing me in the mean time!

[OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN]

This feeling is common with new nurses and when transitioning to another specialty. Try to get your experience and transfer as soon as something opens up.

I'm a firm believer that it takes time to get settled in our nursing niche. We may have to kiss a few frogs before getting to our prince sort of speak.

Great news is that you know what your niche is, you just have to get there. Sometimes a step back is a set up for a come back.

This is only a stepping stone. Hang in there.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Very common. Hang in there. It takes a few months to get your feet under you.All the things you are learning in your current position can only benefit you when you get into L&D. You will know sooner when things are heading south and will know how to care for women with chronic health conditions on top of pregnancy. What you are doing now can do nothing but make you better and more marketable.

[Freedomsong, NP]

Those feelings are common. I'm a new nurse as well, I've only been nursng a year and a half. I started in an ICU fresh out of nursing school and I've felt that way multiple times. It's starting to get easier with each passing shift but still very challenging. I Pray all the time that God helps me and guides me along the way and that seems to help me. I hope you get into L&D because that seems to be your passion. Good Luck :)