So Glad I found this Forum

Nurses New Nurse

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg..

Hi All,

The AllNurses Student Boards helped me out so much through Nursing School. After Graduation in May, I found the Grad. Nurse forum, but not much going on in there. I just stumbled on "First Year Nursing" and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Not that I'm happy to hear that everyone is struggling with their new jobs, but I'm glad to know that everything I've been going through is "Normal". A lot of posters said they're - their own worst critic and that's definitely ME. I think it's some sort of defense mechanism - if you joke around and make fun of your flaws before others have a chance to - sort of cuts down on any criticism they might give, or at least takes the sting out of what they might say.

Everytime I'd catch myself forgetting something - I'd beat myself up about it - in one breath, my Preceptor or Supv. would say - stop being so hard on yourself, you're new and doing great, it takes time to learn everything - the next breath they'd say - you forgot this or you really need to get quicker at x, y and z... Sort of a mixed-message - so frustrating....

Long story, I'll try to make as short as possible. I just decided to leave my first job on a surgical floor at a major medical center. Several hundred new grads applied to this place, only 80 of us were offered positions. I was the only one in my class to get a position at this hospital, so I felt really fortunate. I trained at a small community hospital, thought a lot of their ways were very antiquated and I'd have more opportunities to learn at a bigger place, but found out bigger isn't always better. It's huge and chaotic - you either sink or swim and most days I not only feel like sinking - I want to run out the door and never come back. It's not the patients (most are wonderful), it's just the place. As many years as I waited to go to Nursing School and as excited as I was to finally Graduate and get my RN - the experience I've had in the last few months has been a major let down. We were told in school that everyone eventually finds their own little "Niche" in Nursing and this definitely isn't mine.

I applied for a position at a small hospital in the next town. The few Nurse friends I have at my current hospital, told me "I'd lost my mind" and was making a huge mistake. During the interview - the Mgr said - well, this is a switch, usually people leave here to go work where you are now (thinking they're going on to bigger and better things), not the other way around. I wanted to be honest and started to tell her the reasons I was leaving my current hospital - she said - don't worry about it, I've been there, I get it and know what you're looking for.

This hospital definitely doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" like my current place -actually, some parts of it are really old, looks like something out of the 50's. Like some place Ward and June Cleaver took the "Beaver" when he broke his arm (it's old)... :lol2: I'm probably a weirdo, but that's what I liked about it - had that homey touch, very inviting, friendly atmosphere. My husband's been a Therapist at my current hospital for years - he said, you like "old stuff", that place suits your personality.... HMM, I think that was some sort of sideways compliment.....

I asked 2 little old ladies (volunteers at the info. desk) for directions to my interview - they proceeded to ask me about nursing school, where I was from, what job I was going for and wished me luck. After the interview, they saw me leaving the lobby, called me over, asked how it went (I got the job) and these 2 ladies I'd never met before said - Honey, we're so happy for you, you'll love it here. WOW, that would NEVER happen where I'm at now. I've sat in our break-room eating lunch (alone) and some co-workers wouldn't give you the time of day, let alone actually have a conversation with you...

If I have to spend 12 long hours working my behind off - I want it to at least be in a friendly place where I feel like a person with some value and not just employee #1234. I don't usually stick my neck out into unfamiliar territory, so I'm just praying that I'm taking my Nursing Career in the right direction. I love Nursing, just have to find the right place to practice it. Wishing you all the very best....

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Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

Congrats on your new job - it's always great to find your niche. There are so many opportunities for nurses out there, there is just no reason to stay somewhere that makes you miserable.

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The new place sounds very encouraging. So nice when you feel welcome somewhere. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in CCRN.

Boy, do I know where you are coming from. When I accepted a position at our community hospital one of my nursing instructors blew her top. "The best and brightest do not work at ....hospital" she told me. Maybe so, maybe not. What I was looking for was an opportunity to learn without being in over my head as well as an opportunity in critical care. Something I was not sure I could accomplish in the "big" city. I could have entered a critical care fellowship upon graduation, but those programs do not guarantee a position upon completion. And there was also the drive time. The local facility I work at is 10 minutes from my house. The "big" city facilities are 45 plus minutes. If I work a 12 hour shift, sometimes becoming a 13 hour shift if everything breaks loose at end of shift, add an hour to and from, that becomes a 15 hour day. Not intrested! Not to mention gas prices. I am sooooo glad that I decided to listen to my own thoughts, instead of someone elses. The nurses I work with have been wonderful about teaching me the ropes. And I may well take a contingent job at one of the bigger facilities in a year or so, just to gain experience. But it will be on my terms.

I guess what I'm trying to say is follow your heart. I believe we are where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there. It doesn't matter where anyone else thinks your career should go. What matters is what you want. I'm sure there were those who thought Florence Nightingale chose the wrong path. Thank goodness she did what she did!

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.

Welcome you will like it here!

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I know what you mean! I'm also glad I found this forum :) It really has been a blessing. And congratulations on the new job! Really sounds like the place has a nice friendly atmosphere. Best wishes to you! :)

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Specializes in CV Surgery Step-down.

Susan-

I sent you an e-mail. I'm so sorry that it hasn't worked out. Let me know how your new job goes! All the best to you...

Kelly

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.

Congrats on your new job also

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Specializes in OR.

I have worked at both kinds of hospitals and like you, I like a smaller atmosphere where workers and patients aren't just a number...If you want a bigger environment later, you can always take a per-diem position at a big hospital and still stay at your current place. You have to follow your instincts, and it sounds as though you have! Congratulations!!!:welcome:

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