first nursing job, i hate it!

[newnurse446]

hi i just graduated nursing school in may. i was hired on a medsurg floor for 3-11. i was oriented to the unit for 3.5 weeks on days, 3 days on evenings, and put on my own. ive told my manager several times i think i need more training and she basically said she needs me to be ready because the hospital is so short staffed. there are several other new nurses who started the same time as me and they all feel the same way. i dont know what to do. i have horrible anxiety when im coming to work and i think some of that is expected but i think this is much worse. she also will schedule me for 3 weekends in a row and try to force overtime on me and other new nurses with the threat that we'll be written up for noncompliance if we refuse. i have gone to clinical supervisors with no help. i have no idea what to do. i know the first year is the worst but i feel like im being abused.

[tokumoshi, APRN]

I would think about finding another job. No one should dread their job so much that it causes severe anxiety. That is putting yourself and others at risk at well. Your focus probably is compromised too. As a veteran nurse with over 30 years experience, I am honesty embarrassed and ashamed of the way new nurses are treated by nurse administrators today. It's hard for experienced nurses! Believe me, it wasn't like this years ago. I'm sure you've heard the expression about "eating our young." What you're going through, is a prime example of that. I am very sorry this is happening to you. My suggestion is that you start to look for other options that provide a more supportive environment for you. Check into behavioral health or community non- profit agencies that need nurses. Many of these places are crying for help. Don't worry about leaving your first job after 6 months or so. Everyone understands that new grads just need a job. Best of Luck!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

That sucks, but every new job I have ever had felt like that. Try to ride it out if you can.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Usually, I tell people to give it a little more time ... but the examples you gave (3.5 weeks of orientation, 3 weekends in a row, etc.) are indicative of a bad place to work.

Start job hunting. And when you get that other job, please tell the people at this job why you are leaving. They need to know that you left because you were not giving the training or support you needed to do a good job and be safe.

Good luck to you.