dont want to be burnt out this early...help!

[andsoitis]

I knew going into nursing would be tough but I thought I could handle it and the rewarding aspects of making a difference, being challenged and learning so much would get me through. I've been a waitress for years, nursing assistant, consulting, etc so I really thought I could handle it because I succeeded in these areas.

I am now off orientation and the last few weeks have been hellish. I've had doctors chew me out even though the nurses thought I made the right decision, I've had mostly good but a few crabby coworkers that won't give me the time of day with questions and roll their eyes at me like I'm stupid, and of course I've had verbally abusive patients, depression/anxious/addicted/bipolar/dementia patients, and just plain angry patients all on a busy stepdown floor give me crap. I feel like I can barely sit down before something else happens. I feel stupid half the time even though overall I think I'm doing good but who knows. I don't know where I'm supposed to be at as far as competency goes. And then of course there is office politics, people gossiping frequently about others, and unhappiness from many with management compounded I think in nursing.

I am a naturally an anxious person and I wonder if I will get through it. I'm already thinking where I can go next in nursing that will be a better fit for me but I have no idea where. But I feel like I need to stick this out for at least a solid year or two to have a base under my belt that I could hop around. I just can't imagine coming home crying almost everyday for the next two years. I'm thinking I need to see a therapist. I have a few friends who are nurses and I've never heard them talk about this! Is it just my floor or does this occur in a lot of places? Please tell me what to do to get through this without going crazy.

[girlpolice]

There is nothing wrong with you. I think all of us go through something like you're going through in their first year. I cried at least every other day, sometimes in front of the other staff!

If you're naturally anxious and know this about yourself, I'd go see a therapist and especially one who works with cognitive behavioral techniques. If things are really bad, ask your MD for some anti anxiety meds, but I'd combine that with some talk therapy. You have to make sure you're continually mentally healthy so you can give your best to your patients.

Finally, every job will have *******s. Do your best and be gentle with yourself and then the *******s won't get to you as much

-girlpolice

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

I was very anxious for about the first 5-6months. It got easier with more experience and seeing the same things over and over again. Some of the things you mentioned are just part of the job. I accepted that as the reality. Don't think it is completely different everywhere. office politics are everywhere. angry/upset pts are par for the course. your coworkers that dont give you the time of dat for questions , in their defense, I work with a ton of new grads and get asked 573636 questions a day. some i dont know the answer to and usually when i am super busy with my own work , now here is another interruption. but i try to answer patiently but not always with a smile. how many hours do you work a week? i stopped doing overtime. Three 12s a week became so much more tolerable as did night shift, although now i dont have a social life , it was/is worth it

[rita359]

Calm down.

Some doctors have a habit of not liking to be called. If the nurses thought you made the right decision you made the right decision. Doctors will have to live with it. You do what you have to do.

You will have to continue to learn your whole career. Asking questions if you don't know is far superior to doing the wrong thing because you didn't ask. You are new. There will be a lot of questions. If co-workers answer your questions you are learning. You cannot change their reactions but you can change your reaction. Just know that soon you will be more proficient and won't have to ask so much. Someone newer than yourself may soon be asking you questions at the busiest time of your day. Watch the reaction you give.

You are still adjusting to the reality of nursing. Unfortunately school doesn't do much to prepare you for this. 1 or 2 pt a clinical for a couple hours is NOTHING like 5 or more a whole shift. It takes time. You have to give it that time for adjustment. Know that as you become more proficient crying will become less and less frequent.

Good luck to you in your new career. One day you will find it very rewarding.

[Born_2BRN]

It's very normal to feel that way. Heck, I'm on the floor almost a year still I come home somedays a wreck. I had patients verbally abused me this past week based on my look. I just smile and walked away. My advice is hang in there as long as you can until you get that solid years you think you need. I personally cannot do 3 12s consistently. I had done it but learned from my previous job where I worked 8 5s I felt so burnt out that I made mistakes not due to competency but my lacked of sleep and rest. Don't be too hard in yourself! Take one day at a time soon you will reach your goals. That's what I also keep telling myself.