First and Last Year in Nursing

[K98]

I've been an RN for six months. I had a half-a**ed orientation to the SICU that I work in, and have been off orientation for about 2 months. The work load can be ridiculous, the pay stinks, and it gets really tiring working 12-hours shift with a 30min. break (some days, no break). Now, I get to work 12 hour shifts on all of the holidays (actually, did 16 on Thanksgiving so that one of my co-workers wouldn't be mandated). I won't see my family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I expected all of this, but now that I'm up to my neck in it, I ask myself, why? I'm going to try another position after the first of the year, but I'm most likely headed out of nursing much quicker than I headed in. I can find other positions that pay more, afford me more time with my loved ones, and take much less of a physical and emotional toll on me. Make no mistake, there is good reason for the nursing "shortage".

[K98]

All I have to say is: What exactly did all of you expect? Flowers and balloons at the beginning of each shift and a foot massage at the end?

If you graduate, if you pass your boards, then YOU will have a chance to set the health care world on it's ear and show all of us how it's done. There is a reason why there is a nursing shortage. I didn't think I'd be contributing to it, but I'm looking into some other opportunities at present. I actually feel better about going to work knowing that I won't be doing it much longer . Maybe I'll get flowers and balloons in my next career .

[GrnHonu99, RN]

im a new grad in an ICU. however it is funny bc I am having the exact oppisite experience as you. I love lvoe love my job. I love working only 3 12's a week. I worked 5 8's before I went into nursing school and I felt so trapped, I hated it so much. I love the freedom and flexability that I have with this job. The way my facility does holidays is this: Day before TG and TG, Xmas Eve and Xmas day, New years eve and day..out of those 6, you have to work three. So not so bad. No one hsould have to work all the holidays. Our pay here is good too...I know its different, different parts of the county. I guess, I just love my pts. and thats why I really love my job.

Im sorry you feel this way, perhaps before you give up on nursing give yourself some more time. Im sure you feel extremely overwhelmed and in time you will settle and things will get easier. 6 months is such a short time to be a nurse. Hang in there!!!

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

You know there was a post recently asking nurses not to express their dissatisfactions with nursing because it was scaring them off. I asked whether people wanted to go in blind.

I wonder if they will read this.

[RS0302]

I also agree that there is a good reason for the nursing shortage. I only lasted 2 months in nursing after graduation. Now I am working at an afterschool program with elementary kids and I get paid 11 dollars an hour. I was making 15 at the hospital, but let me tell yout he 4 dollars an hour difference doesnt bother me, because at this job I have about a million times less stress. I also have alot more fun!! Right now I am not sure if I will ever go back to nursing, which does sadden me in some ways.