fooling myself

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I have been a nurse for almost two years, have worked in long term care, but I still can't shake this feeling of dread every time I go to work. At first, I thought it was just the facility I was working in, but I'm in my third facility and I still feel the same feeling of inadequacy and lack of confidence. I'm 46 and in the process of working on my Rn through the Rue Publishing systems. I don't feel the "fulfillment" I was told I would feel when I was a nursing student. Did I pick the wrong profession. I'm really confused. I did well in school, graduating second in my class, but this ongoing feeling is really not normal for a new nurse. I don't know what to do.

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Hello Discuraged,

Dont give up just yet. Keeping ones eys open and looking for opportunity is how we strong willed strong working amanginative RN make it in this changing world of Nursing.

Check out my web link and get back to me through my email link and I will answer any questions you may have.

With 24 years behind me perhaps I can be of some assistance.

You have opportunities galor and maybe you just havent fond the one that works best for you.

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

There are numerous possibilities:

Perhaps you ARE in the wrong field for you.

Perhaps you DO need more hands-on training, precepting, education (NOT classroom instruction alone).

Did you do your "year of med-surg," as has historically been recommended to one and all? And still feel inadequate? If not, maybe you have the kind of learning style that requires that year.

Perhaps you are in the wrong area of nursing, FOR YOU.

Are you committed to staying in LTC for some reason of your own?

If not, you might think about trying other areas of nursing, and consider seriously ONLY ones where you will have a good preceptor to orient/train you.

What do other RNs you work with suggest? What does your NM suggest?

Have a chat with various nurse recruiters in your area to explore other working environments, their training programs, get their suggestions.

A few sessions with a career counselor and career testing at your local community college (usually free) might help clarify your goals.

Dread is not good company and, as you have realized, indicates that something is very wrong. The same function as physical pain. It is not likely to fix itself. Good luck.

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Dear Fooling Myself,

Long term care is a very challenging nursing position, despite the old myth that "bad nurses work in nursing homes". I have been in LTC for approx. 14 years & find it to be very difficult still. Your assessment skills are imperative, esp. the ability to notice minimal changes in condition. Your time management & able to determine priority are a must. On a positive note, the fulfillment comes when a resident smiles at you or thanks you for making their facility life a little better quality of life. Don't give up! It does have it's rewards!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I could never do LTC ...ever.

It would discourage and depress me. I admire those who do.

examine what you are doing and any changes you can make to help yourself out of this situation. Best wishes.

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Well, I decided to leave long term care. I have been thinking about doing this for a while and finally decided. I don't feel its the right area of nursing for me. I have about 2 years under my belt so I think I'll be alright. I have worked in three facilities since graduating 2 years ago, and I still couldn't shake that feeling that I wasn't happy with what I was doing. Change is always scary, but I have to be true to myself. Wish me luck.

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Specializes in Everything except surgery.

I wish you all the luck in the world, and if you can survive in LTC for two years as a new grad, you will do just fine! I couldn't work in LTC, and I have been a nurse for 23yrs now!!! Don't be down on yourself, as I totally admire you for hanging in there as long as you did!:). Keep your head up, and keeping looking for what suits you best!

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Good luck and let us know where you land. renerian

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I know what you are feeling. Take it from someone who's been there. I'm sure many of us can remember those jobs, but it doesn't mean that you should get out of nursing. Just keep searching until you find the job that is enjoyable, even on a bad day. I've been with hospice for over 2 years and I can say, without a doubt, that even my worst day is much better than an average day at my previous place of employment.

I do have one suggestion for you. I'm not sure how much acute care experience you need, but I worked as a FT in house float RN at a 250 bed facility. I loved it! Somewhere different everyday. The nurses were always glad to have me because they would've been a nurse short if I weren't there (big perk). I did not get involved in the "politics" on the units (not enough time spent there to even know what was going on, politically). I had much better pay. My schedule was much more flexible. I was only required to work one weekend a month and 2 holidays a year. My knowledge base was increased significantly. The hospital payed for any education that may have been required to work on a specific unit (ACLS-for ICU, basic EKG course for tele). Also, being the extra had its perks. If I was scheduled and they didn't have an immediate spot, but felt that the need would arise soon, they would call me to go in and just keep me busy (so I wouldn't talk so much, I guess) by sending me to pharmacy to help out. Or, one time the lady in the cafeteria who ran the register callled in sick, they called me at home on my day off to see if I would come in- of course I couldn't miss out on that. I had a blast. Being a floater, I knew many people from the units. Everyone laughed with me. It was great-the hairnet and all. Bye the way, I was payed my reg. RN pay. It's amazing what these guys will do when they are desperate.

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I know how you feel. I am also a fairly new nurse of two years in LTC. I feel there is so much I don't know and should. I wonder on many days if I made the right decision with nursing. I do love that i get to learn something new everyday i go to work. I'm trying to get up the courage to apply at a hospital. Just imagine how much more you'd learn. LTC does have it's good points. I love that i know all my pts and thier dx. They make me laugh every day. I know I'd miss that. I feel that the cure to the lack of confidence is to equip yourself with as much knowledge and expierence with new skills as possible. I let my charge nurse and other staffers know that if there is anything out of the norm on their unit to let me help. I hope you gain what you need. There are so many fields to try and i believe if you became a nurse for the right reason you will find your spot.

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Originally posted by slp

I know how you feel. I am also a fairly new nurse of two years in LTC. I feel there is so much I don't know and should. I wonder on many days if I made the right decision with nursing. I do love that i get to learn something new everyday i go to work. I'm trying to get up the courage to apply at a hospital. Just imagine how much more you'd learn. LTC does have it's good points. I love that i know all my pts and thier dx. They make me laugh every day. I know I'd miss that. I feel that the cure to the lack of confidence is to equip yourself with as much knowledge and expierence with new skills as possible. I let my charge nurse and other staffers know that if there is anything out of the norm on their unit to let me help. I hope you gain what you need. There are so many fields to try and i believe if you became a nurse for the right reason you will find your spot.

:rolleyes:
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Specializes in Everything except surgery.

slp did you just quote yourself???

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