Feeling weird about graduating

Published

I am graduating next month and everyone keeps asking me "What do you want to do?" "Where do you want to work?" "Have you found a job yet?". I guess when I started nursing school I thought that I would have answers to all of these questions and I would know exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Now I am here and I have no idea what I want to do. I thought I would have found something that intrigued me by the time graduation approached and it hasn't. I can't say I am thrilled about floor nursing (man that it a lot of responsibility). I am doing my senoir practicum in L&D which I thought I would love and it turns out I don't. I just feel lost and I am not sure that this is normal for a new grad to feel. UGGGHHHH I hate transition!!!! Any advice would be helpful!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey, don't feel bad! I'm there with ya. Lots of us are suffering from what's called " imposter syndrome". You feel like you're acting out a role- you're not really that person everyone expects you to be. Like you said, the transition is hard and lots of us don't have our heart set on one place to work. Many people thought i'd go into L&D, but I did not like rotations there at all! Many facilities here are NOT even considering new grads, it's frustrating, so right now I'm focusing on finishing strong (keep that GPA up) and getting thru NCLEX. Take a deep breath and things will come together! Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

I am totally with you!

I know how you feel about not being sure which specialty you're interested in. I actually enjoyed all the different rotations and I'm finding it hard to choose between them. Do I want to go for a higher paying field (CRNA) or the one that will give me most satisfaction? And where will I find a job?

I also feel a certain safety in numbers, knowing that my classmates are in this together with me and I can always turn to them for support and encouragement. Once we graduate we'll all go our separate ways and I'll be on my own...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health CM.

Peeker ~

Like Jojo said, the transition is difficult. I was sad and glad it was over. Sad because I was going to miss all of the friendships I had made. We were together for so long while at the same time, ready to move on and get the sleepless nights and crazy schedules over with.

I'm still adjusting to life as a real nurse now. School is nothing like the real deal. However, school does give you a good solid foundation on which to stand, to boost your confidence and help you to realize that you actually really do know something about nursing....lol.

Like yourself, I really didn't know what I wanted to do at first. I still have mixed feelings. I'm still testing the waters to find out what I like and what I don't like. I took a position in med surg, like most ppl suggest, to get that first year of experience. Sometimes I like it, other times I don't.

I like the excitement, when there is a change in a pt's condition and we have to call the doc or admit them to ICU, etc. I don't like walking the floors. It is killing my back. I am hoping it will get easier. At least I'm losing weight. :) I also don't like how med surg is so repetitive and task oriented, like when passing meds. On the other hand, at least the variety is letting me learn what I do and don't like.

I think for a lot of ppl, it takes time to find what you do like. Congratulations on graduating and good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Surgery, Post Partum, GYN.

It's completely normal that you are feeling this way, and eventually you will find your niche. When I first graduated (8 years ago), I took a position on a 50-bed GI Med/Surg floor that NO new grads ever went to. The nurses were notoriously hateful and it was fast-paced and stressful. Everyone thought that I was crazy. And yes, there were times when it was overwhelming and I went home crying and I was stressed, but it was the foundation for my career and what I learned there has been invaluable.

In today's economy, new grad positions are hard to come by. My husband is graduating next month from nursing school too and is feeling the pressure of trying to find a position as well. Don't worry though about not knowing exactly what you want to do in nursing - that's the beauty of our profession - it's so dynamic and if you don't like an area, you can move on to the next.

I worked in Med/Surg for many years, and then one day an opportunity is surgery came along - and I found my passion! I still enjoy acute care nursing though and continue to PRN for the floor to keep my skills up. Whatever position you accept as your first nursing job, be positive about it and remember that every day is a learning experience. Spend time getting to know the older nurses on the unit and soak in everything they share with you.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.

hmmm...welcome to the new grad jobless market...if you do not have a job now then I guess you are going to join the rest of us RN's without jobs until such time. What a shame!!! I am so damn ****** about the job market and I hate florida! Florida wants new grads to work for nothing what a nerve!:madface::madface::madface::madface:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you to everyone that responded! I am so glad I am not the only one out there who is feeling like this!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I felt the same way but graduating five months ago and not getting a single interview changed my attitude from "I want to work where I am gonna be happy" to "I just want to work". Luckily I have had my old job all through school so at least I am not homeless. Hopefully you'll secure a job sooner rather than later but finding any work is my priority. You can always move to another job you like once you have the all important experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

for now, just try to find a job. it may not be something that you really like, but there may be parts that you do like and it may help you to specialize more. you sound like the type of new grad that i am able to work with. the ones that have all of the answers are going to have a very hard time with real nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Acute care.

Hey, Peeker19, I'm with you too. I'll also be graduating next month but my dilemma is that I seem to like all areas of nursing and I feel like a dweeb when people ask what area I want to work in and I say I like it all. The truth is that I really do like it all and feel like there's no unit I couldn't work in. I don't know if it's a bad thing or a good thing. Right now, I'm doing my practicum and because my instructor is not on the floor, I take this phase as a weaning process.

All I'm concentrating on now is to finish my practicum, take my final exams and then graduate. I try to take it each day at a time so I don't freak out. Here's wishing you the best in the rest of the few weeks that remain before you graduate!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Caring for patients and giving shots.

Peeker19,

I've been there before as well. I didn't actually find a job until after was I out of school believe it or not. I really like all areas of nursing, but eventually become more interested in being an OCN. I know whatever you choose you'll love it and I wish you the best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU.

I'm so glad I came across this thread, I feel exactly the same. I am also graduating next month and don't really have any idea where I'll end up. Haven't found an area that I love yet. I just recently started working as a tech at a hospital with hopes that I can be given preference for RN positions. I noticed a lot of positions arent open to new grads and so I am frustrated right now with the fear of the unknown. I feel pressured to find a position right now, because many of my classmates already have something waiting for them and I have yet to get an interview. But like someone else mentioned, just focus on graduating and preparing for boards. At least that's what I am doing to keep my mind off the worry. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion