I think I need help, or maybe a place to vent. I graduated nursing school in December and started my first nursing job in April at a rural hospital. I don't like it. Somewhere between don't like and hate is how I feel. I always thought I would like hospital nursing, but I am discovering I really really don't. (And to the many wonderful hospital nurses out there, please don't take offense! It is just not for me!)
I hate working nights, I hate working weekends, but mostly, I just don't like hospital work. I don't like dealing with IV's, round the clock medication schedules, etc. I initially thought I was going through an adjustment phase, but I'm now reasonably certain that it's not adjustment, I just don't like it. Plus, I started in ER for six weeks, but moved because I thought medical would be better for me. It was. Then they decided to put me in ICU. I had one month in ICU as an orientee and then was a primary this past Friday night. I just don't think I should be a primary yet anyway, but on my second night after orientation? That is another problem with the hospital, at least in my case... You get all these great promises of orientation and nurse to patient ratios, but in a bind, they don't hesitate to stick it to you. I feel so overwhelmed, but I am trying very hard to hold on for a year, because I know the experience will be important. My goal is an office job.
Any help/suggestions to help me make it to a year? Seems so far off right now. Any new nurses who can commiserate?
This is an example of arrogance, a poor attitude and great disrespect for an employer. Trying to hold on to a job you detest for a year is abnormal and self-deprocating in the face of a profession that has a shortage. What makes you think that you will like any other kind of nursing? I think your impressions are correct. . .you made a mistake and got into the wrong profession. However, education is never wasted. If you really desire to be in a health profession, go back and look over the various choices again. You already have the pre-requisites. But, unless you change your overall attitude I fear you will never be truely happy in any profession.
I don't see how that shows arrogance or a poor attitude or great disrespect. Maybe I missed something, but I think being annoyed that a hospital pulls a bait and switch is normal. Since a lot of non-hospital jobs require one year of acute care experience, there are plenty of nurses in the hospital for a year and planning on leaving. They may be great assets to offices, public health, LTC, etc.
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
You are missing my point. I've had a hospital pull a bait and switch on me twice over my years in nursing. You don't sit around and wallow in your misery. If you can't advocate for yourself, how can you be an advocate for a patient? You eventually have to get pro-active and do something about it. That's what nurses are called upon to do in their jobs day in and day out. This young woman is running from her problem again and again--I see the pattern from the few lines she wrote. Since April (5 months ago) she's worked on 3 different units and found fault with them all including the one she's currently still new at. I would call that arrogant and disrespectful, not only to her employer, but to the rest of us who worked through some of these same emotions and have logged in a lot more time in these same areas. Hospital nursing is hard, hard work. Those of us who are experienced know that the first years out of nursing school are learning years. What I see here is someone who runs from their difficulties instead of facing them; someone who seems to be refusing to adjust, grow and learn from her situation.
There is a difference between missing your point and just disagreeing with you. I just disagree. I don't think her choices reflect on nurses like me "who have stuck it out" over the years. I don't feel disrespected. She may be running from things, you're right this could be more about her than the hospital. But, she may also simply have not found her niche in nursing yet. I'm hesitant to tell someone they should leave the profession for having job hopped a bit as a new grad. Maybe I misread her post, but it sounded to me like she only changed units by choice once (when she realized med-surg would be better for her than ER), the second change was not her idea if I understand it right. She could still become a great nurse, her fate isn't sealed yet.
Starting as a new nurse today is much different than it used to be 'back in the day'. I've spoken to seasoned nurses about this many times. The patient acuity is through the roof now and the sickest of the sick are 'allowed' to be inpatient per insurance company mandates. Remember the days even 15 years ago when vag-delivery moms could actually stay in the hospital for 48-72 hours?? Good luck on that today.
Sometimes it's good to have a paradigm shift before pronouncing someone 'arrogant' and not right for the profession.
Specializes in Transplant, Trauma/Surgical, Pre-reg.
I have to agree with 4EverHis about nursing. I don't like it either. There are things I hate about it. But just because I hate parts of it does not mean I am arrogant or disrespectful to my employer like Daytonite suggests.
What about the verbal and physical abuse that doctors give nurses? Am I disrespectful to say nothing back to the doctor who throws papers in my face and cusses me out because she's inconvenienced about giving me medication to help my patient's dangerously high BP go down? And, when I take it to my nursing supervisor I'm told, "to get used to it and that I'll just have to put up with it." Am I disrespectful to work through lunch and breaks and through the next shift just to make sure things get done for my patients? I can tell you what IS disrespectful and arrogant, and that is how nurses are treated by their employers -- and sometimes -- more experienced nurses. I have been lied to by supervisors and managers, physically and verbally abused by doctors, I've witnessed false imprisonment by PA's, and I have unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios! I suspect 4EverHis is in the same position I am. I have been with my current employer for 4 months now, and I can tell you I will be job hopping as well.
Until nurses unite and equality is evident among the entire nursing spectrum, nurses -- especially new grads -- will continue to hate their jobs and job hop until they either fortunately find a decent employer and area of interest or until they leave the profession all together.
I certainly don't want to come across as being negative, but I read so many posts of other new grad nurses who feel exactly like I do. When I read about the arrogance or disrespect, it burns me up inside! If the majority of us are feeling this way, don't you think something is wrong? I certainly don't like feeling this way. I don't like crying everyday or having that sick feeling inside when I have to go to work. Experienced nurses: if you have suggestions, PLEASE pass them on. Right now, the only way I see it getting better for me is if I move to the west coast where I know I'll have safe patient ratios.
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
i certainly don't want to come across as being negative, but i read so many posts of other new grad nurses who feel exactly like i do. when i read about the arrogance or disrespect, it burns me up inside! if the majority of us are feeling this way, don't you think something is wrong? i certainly don't like feeling this way. i don't like crying everyday or having that sick feeling inside when i have to go to work. experienced nurses: if you have suggestions, please pass them on. right now, the only way i see it getting better for me is if i move to the west coast where i know i'll have safe patient ratios.
here are some suggestions for you. stop crying every day, get motivated and get yourself back to school and get your bsn so you can get into positions where you can make a difference. be a mentor of new graduate rns. take the initiative to help settle problems regarding how the work load is distributed among the staff on your unit in your hospital. get involved in other nursing activites in your hospital that are off the clinical floor. staff nurses can make staff meetings productive and meaningful--if they take the effort to show up, show interest, and are willing to follow through and work within the system. when you obtain a management position you have a lot of influence over the attitudes and treatment of the individuals you supervise. with that kind of legitimate authority over your own unit you can put a stop to the bullying and meanness that goes on and save a few new grads from some of these unpleasant experiences. writing and responding to forums like this, and crying and complaining about your situation is not productive. sounds like you are walking away from your problem too and bringing it out to my neck of the woods. california has patient-ratio laws because nurses came forward and worked within the system to do something about what was going on. come on! be courageous, step forward and do something to help out your fellow nurses! being proactive puts the pro in the word professional. there are any number of ways you can pitch in and do more than just be a staff nurse. i did. why can't you? i hope this has made you angry because it may be the only way to get you and all the others who are crying into their beer into action.
4Everhis I don't consider your post arrogant nor disrespectful I find it to be filled with emotions that I can totally relate to as new grad nurse of 3 mos on an extremely busy rural med-surge floor. There are certainly days when I hate my job and those are the days when I have 7 pts with tons of meds, a hospitalist that changes orders constantly and is unsafe in HIS practice to where I am constantly having to call him for clarification or it's my butt on the line as well as license!! Not to mention the hosp going back 20 yrs on technology to where everything is handwritten and now instead of the 12 hour shift being 14.5. I have also gotten the bait and switch with this hospital w/nurse pt ratio. I am extremely sick of this employer b/c everything that comes out of their mouths are lies!! And yes, if the company doesn't sell and things improve I will also be job "hopping" for my sanity. Maybe these companies should as well as the Doctors show some respect to the nurses too!! Maybe the Doctors should look at how many pts we have when they right that now order when you have 2 d/cs (pts chewing your butt to get out) and a new admit from home not to mention all the other pts we have to care for that are riding the light for bullsh** things!! This post is definately shows anger on my part and yes it is very disrespectful to the employer but when they learn to respect me then I will in turn show that respect to them. I am also trying to stick it out for 9 more mos so I will have experience to where I can go where I want. Just b/c I am posting my feelings in no way tells me that I won't find a hospital or another position that I like better that has more respect for me as a human being!! Nor does it tell me that I should not have gotten in to nursing and no one on these boards are going to degrade me either. If this sounds arrogant and disrespectful then so be it!!! I know what I need to do to acheive the goals that I have and this board was created exactly for the purpose of NEW nurses to ask questions, vent, give uplifting moments, and to offer support when we new nurses need it. Please don't give up on Nursing 4everhis b/c most of us on this board have alot of the same feelings and frustrations.
I can totally relate to you. I graduated in dec. 2003 and have worked psychiatry, LTC, rural hospital, and with disabled adults. I find the nurses do nothing to help you learn or build your confidence, and many are so concerned with finding fault that they make it the focus of their day. In the rural hospital, I found it was mostly LTC waiting placement, or palliative. Very few active, acute cases. ER is not for me, and at this hospital it was expected. The LTC work is great, I love the residents and the work load is consistent through the day with few lulls. However, I find the nurses to be negative, nit picky and out right rude to casuals (in Canada no one starts out with a position, you "pick up shifts" that cover holidays and sick time) and don't understand at all what it's like to try to work all three shifts in one week and all your weekends and holidays. They'll tell you it's "paying your dues".
Nursing is taking a toll on me, my family and my view of nursing. I got into the profession because I had worked in it for many years as an aide, enjoyed the people and wanted more of a challenge. I find very little challenge in it anymore, and if I do go out on a limb and say what I think I am usually either shot down or outright ignored. Right now I would be happy to take a lessor paying job, just to get away from the negativity.
Specializes in Transplant, Trauma/Surgical, Pre-reg.
Daytonite,
You assume much. I'm already enrolled in an RN-to-BSN program and I don't intend to stop there. Although I have not been involved in nursing organizations since I graduated in May, I was president of my student nurses association as well as class president at my school. I have an overall 3.93 grade point average with a 4.0 GPA in nursing. I look forward to donating more time to the American Red Cross. If I hadn't just started my career, I would gladly go to the Gulf ragion on a disaster relief mission. I simply cannot afford to be gone two or three weeks at this time.
Perhaps you should take a travel assignment to learn something about Midwest mentality. For one thing, the state where I live is one of the few without a nursing shortage. The state is very right-wing and anti-union. Trust me, trying to get a patient ratio law passed would be an exercise in futility.
There are many states here in flyover country that are little more than rural ghettos. A ghetto is defined as a place where folks are so poor that they can't afford to leave. People here want and need the few jobs that are available, so they kiss the backsides of managers from the bottom of the organizational chart to the top. Nurses here are among the lowest paid in the nation, yet a new grad RN makes several thousand dollars more per year than the median household income. These factors combine to keep Midwest nurses' mouths shut about working conditions and patient safety.
Giving nurses anywhere from 10 to 17 patients with shared aide is unsafe on any shift in any hospital. Could I stick around the Midwest and try to make a difference in patient ratios and working conditions? Well, maybe, but I'd probably have to do so from the unemployment line. Nurses who start unions and lobby state legislators are viewed as troublemakers where I live. Before you start blaming me for not taking a stand, please consider moving to the "heart"land and refusing to give up your seat on the bus. You'll learn quickly what happens to uppity nurses in my neck of the woods!
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
Daytonite. . .Perhaps you should take a travel assignment to learn something about Midwest mentality. For one thing, the state where I live is one of the few without a nursing shortage. The state is very right-wing and anti-union. Trust me, trying to get a patient ratio law passed would be an exercise in futility. . .Could I stick around the Midwest and try to make a difference in patient ratios and working conditions? Well, maybe, but I'd probably have to do so from the unemployment line. Before you start blaming me for not taking a stand, please consider moving to the "heart"land You'll learn quickly what happens to uppity nurses in my neck of the woods!
SherBear. . .I was born, raised and got my BSN in the midwest. Also, spent 6 years in Kansas City and know the Midwest mentality very well. I worked in several rural hospitals and know well the kinds of situations the nurses who work in them face. I believe that we nurses should think more in terms of working with management and administration rather than against it. I think we are now way off topic and this has become personal. I'm sorry if my comments have caused you distress; I was merely trying to stimulate some intelligent debate.
.We have enough stress to deal with without having to cope and support fellow nurses who profess to "hate" the work. Better she move on to another profession.[/quote
Why does the phrase "Nurses eat their young" come to mind. Maybe you were lucky enough to find your niche in nursing from Day 1. If so, I congratulate you.
For some of us, it took a little hopping around to find our place in this profession. I would rather give this person the benefit of the doubt, and encourage her to find a nursing speciality where she feels happy and fulfilled.
She may well decide after some time that this is not the profession for her and move on. However; I feel that with today's nursing shortage, it is not in our best interest to encourage people to suck it up or leave it, without the opportunity to explore all that the profession can offer.
Working with administration is a two way street. Sounds great, but often administrations dictatorial style leaves no room for negotiation. Some comments in this thread sound like the type of rhetoric and political doublespeak we hear from administrators all the time.
I graduated nursing school in December and started my first nursing job in April at a rural hospital. I don't like it. Somewhere between don't like and hate is how I feel. I always thought I would like hospital nursing, but I am discovering I really really don't. (And to the many wonderful hospital nurses out there, please don't take offense! It is just not for me!) 
here are some suggestions for you. stop crying every day, get motivated and get yourself back to school and get your bsn so you can get into positions where you can make a difference. be a mentor of new graduate rns. take the initiative to help settle problems regarding how the work load is distributed among the staff on your unit in your hospital. get involved in other nursing activites in your hospital that are off the clinical floor. staff nurses can make staff meetings productive and meaningful--if they take the effort to show up, show interest, and are willing to follow through and work within the system. when you obtain a management position you have a lot of influence over the attitudes and treatment of the individuals you supervise. with that kind of legitimate authority over your own unit you can put a stop to the bullying and meanness that goes on and save a few new grads from some of these unpleasant experiences. writing and responding to forums like this, and crying and complaining about your situation is not productive. sounds like you are walking away from your problem too and bringing it out to my neck of the woods. california has patient-ratio laws because nurses came forward and worked within the system to do something about what was going on. come on! be courageous, step forward and do something to help out your fellow nurses! being proactive puts the pro in the word professional. there are any number of ways you can pitch in and do more than just be a staff nurse. i did. why can't you? i hope this has made you angry because it may be the only way to get you and all the others who are crying into their beer 
into action.
fergus51
6,620 Posts
I don't see how that shows arrogance or a poor attitude or great disrespect. Maybe I missed something, but I think being annoyed that a hospital pulls a bait and switch is normal. Since a lot of non-hospital jobs require one year of acute care experience, there are plenty of nurses in the hospital for a year and planning on leaving. They may be great assets to offices, public health, LTC, etc.