First Nursing Job....

I'm really sad to see this posting. I expected to see something like this, but I hate it just the same.

Here is the thing. Part of me should say, "You poor thing, how dare those other nurses not recognize the awful facility they work in and that in those horrible conditions live real patients that cannot help themselves. You recognized it and you've been a nurse on your first job, for two months. Of course you should storm out and just run, everyone in your future will totally understand." But, sadly the part of me that might tell you that does not exist.

If you really want advice, here it is.

Stick it out. Yeah, it sucks - but, nursing should at two months in. If after meaningful reflection, you think your previous interpersonal style might have contributed to your misery, you should still stick it out. A job is not a place to make friends and for folks to "be nice" to you. Right now I think your problem is NOT a nursing skills issue, but one of trust and respect. Look at your practice and find ways to build trust and respect among your co-workers. It will take time. It will be worth it in the long run. You will look back and be glad you worked through the hard parts. And make no mistake, it will be difficult.

I'm going to say it again. Nursing is a team sport. Team building will be important. There is no "I" in team.

Nursing is is a tough business in every speciality. Nurses are awesome. This is one job that it is impossible to do alone and do well. Nursing is a team effort.

Want success as a nurse? Work diligently to be a clinical leader. Be a strong patient advocate. Be involved in professional development. Be a nurse advocate, too. If you are consistently "this nurse" other nurses will know, management will know & you will become a success and leader. You will be sought out and have your pick of opportunities.

Want to fail? Find consistent fault with your colleagues, be haughty, superior and difficult to work with. Become a constant complainer, "brown-noser" or management reporter (once worked with a nurse who started shift with a blank stack of incident reports, she didn't last long). Meddle in things that do not concern you. Be petty and fault finding at every opportunity. Brag about yourself. You will find nursing a miserable experience.

In the end, you will likely leave anyway. Just because it IS so UNCOMFORTABLE there. But, please let this job serve as a learning experience. Nursing skills are far easier to master than interpersonal skills or winning at facility politics.

Good luck going forward.

. . . . .

she's not management or anything, a cart nurse like me . . . ..

What's a cart nurse?

My advice is do what makes you happy-nobody should be miserable at work especially in a position you worked so hard to get to! I quit my first job after three months and have never regretted that decision!

I thought you were rocking it there...I would think being a stand out nurse would be very fulfilling.