First nurse job...not what I was expecting

[ilia_RN]

I've just recently started working in the ED as an RN Fellow. I chose this specialty because of the fast paced nature and exciting learning opportunities this field has to offer. After several shifts, I'm starting to feel as though I chose the wrong specialty for this fellowship. I am seeing that I am more passionate about caring for the pediatric clients and have more joy in helping them recover than working in the ED. I do not look forward to going in to work. The classes offered with this externship are amazing and I enjoy learning what is taught, but the time spent on the ED unit is not as wonderful as I thought it would be. I feel myself already hitting a wall and getting burned out, and I've only just begun. Should I speak with my program director about possibly finding a place for me as a pediatric fellow or should I wait it out til the end of the program in June and apply for a pedi position then?

I am feeling so lost and overwhelmed. I really thought I wanted to be an emergency nurse but now it is becoming clear that my true passion is pediatrics. I never thought those words would come out of my mouth as I have never really been one to like kids. As I've spent time with pediatric clients in the ED, I am finding that my feelings have changed. Please HELP!

[Larry3373]

I've only worked med surg, telemetry, and then icu. I would have loved to be offered a job in the ED just out of nursing school, especially where I received good classes and training. I would ride it out for a year or two so that you have that invaluable experience under your belt, and then I would try to transfer to a pediatric unit if possible, or apply to a pediatric hospital.

[nursemeanie]

Maybe you could find a peds ED? Best of both worlds!

[sourapril]

I would stick out until you finish your program. Grass is always greener. If you try something, doesn't like it, and want to change, that just shows to your employer that you are not flexible and not willing to take challenges. You can bring up your concerns to your manager but I am not sure what good it does to your job. There are two sides of the coin, right? Your current situation makes your realize that you are more drawn to pediatric population. So that's good. Now ask yourself what about the ED that turns you off? Is it the chaos? Too fast? Adult population? Like the previous poster suggested, do you have a children's hospital in your city? Maybe working for their ED? Good luck! You will find your calling.