Flippin burgers at Mickey D's might not be so bad...

STL2008, RN · Jun 1, 2011

I was just telling my bf the same exact same thing about McDonald's yesterday. I know what your going through. Im going through the same thing. I constantly cry before work and have a sick feeling everytime I think about that place. And I've only been at that place for 2 months. It's gotten so bad that I've started counting down the shifts to my 6 months.48 to go. I hope we can get through this

ahintonRN · Jun 1, 2011

STL2008- Maybe I should start counting down in shifts instead of in months.. 8 months sounds overwhelming. What type of unit do you work on?

STL2008, RN · Jun 1, 2011

I work on rehab and I'm overwhelmed. I feel like I have no support on my floor and like you I'm always thinking about my liscence. I'm already looking for another job. I wasn't even given the proper orientation and was put on my own after a few days. And its been down hill ever since.

ahintonRN · Jun 1, 2011

Same thing happened to me! I pretty much trained myself.. I hope we find somewhere that makes us happy (and keeps us safe)! Good luck to you!

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Jun 2, 2011

Add me to the future McDonald's employee list.

Just wrapping up my 12th week and I'm already getting burned out of this profession. The staffing is crappy (6-7: 1), never get a break or lunch, and I never get out on time. Let's see how long I last.

Hugs to you both. xoxo

LadyMonteCarlo · Jun 2, 2011

We have all been there many times over. One thing I have certainly learned over my 30 year career is that sticking it out and hoping things will get better just won't happen, unfortunately. Considering leaving the profession because of your current circumstances is, also not an option. Well, it is if the only reason you became a nurse was because of being able to get a job. It's tough to become a nurse and only the tough students make the grade and get through it.

None of us labored through all that crap we went through in school just to have our license flash before our very eyes every time we walk into a patient's room. No need to throw in the towel just yet unless, of course, you really hate being a nurse.

If you are miserable in your job, then, get another. Explore your possibilities, but never, NEVER burn bridges. As a nurse, the world really IS your oyster, IMO. There are so many areas to delve into with this profession and there will always be the really bad experiences. In the end, you WILL find your niche and leave each day behind with a sense of fulfillment in the knowledge that you have done your very best to render the best care that your assigned patient's could possibly receive.

It's tough, I know, but you must remember in school you were taught with idealistic approaches. Now, you are in the "real" world and it is nothing like you dreamed of, right? Of course not! However, those instructors were producing nurses with the thought, "AS IT SHOULD BE." Make it so, for your profession, for yourselves, and above all - FOR YOUR PATIENT's.

Your patient's need you fulfilled too and if you are not happy how can you truly fulfill their needs? You will get there, but not overnight and not quickly though you may get lucky. However, wallowing in despair has destroyed the compassion of many so get out and move on. Accept defeat PRN and prosper in the knowledge you gained from the experience.

Best of luck to you all! Now pick yourselves up and dust yourselves off. Then get out there and kick some serious butt by taking care of those in dire need of a NURSE! I have been there on more than one occasion and I'm STILL HERE.

ahintonRN · Jun 2, 2011

Thank you, Lady! Now.. if I only knew where to go? :)