so frustrated

lady_jezebel · Feb 25, 2004

Just wondering if anyone else feels like this. I started a new job about a month ago (first RN job) and feel like a complete idiot. Somedays are really good then other days I feel so overwhelmed with what paperwork to fill out, who to call, etc. I feel that I can't do anything right and that people look at me like "who let this girl graduate school!" It's just so frustating sometimes. I know it takes a while to feel comfortable, I just want it to happen already! Anyways just really wanted to vent a little....thanks. :uhoh21:

:)

Don't worry. Just go with the flow, pick up things day by day as you can. i'm also a new nurse. I felt completely overwhelmed at first, and had a stomach ache every day before work. I dreaded going to my job and facing yet another day of all that stress. The worst part is not knowing where to find forms, whom to call for what, how to solve minor problems... Really, it takes time to learn all of these things, for it's not written in a manual anywhere (at least not on my unit). You have to ask a lot of questions.

I've now been an RN for six months, but FINALLY everything is beginning to make sense. I actually enjoy this job sometimes. Please trust me, it gets better if you stick with it. Just be easy on yourself.

sharann, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2004

Larlar81,

I've done this for 4 years and I have the same bad days at times, we all do. Some days I blow EVERY IV start, and someone bleeds on my shoes, and the Foley bags all leak....It goes on infinitum! You just keep hanging in there! Find some good role models and stick to 'em. I hope you have some great days though. Sometimes it takes one great one to make up for the many lousy ones. If you are truly miserable after 3 more months, talk to your supervisor honestly. Perhaps he/she can offer suggestions.

Son't give up over the paperwork. This is just one of the awful parts of the job...but it IS only paperwork, and you will eventually learn it (but don't be surprised if thats when the change to another system!!!! :) )

heart queen · Feb 25, 2004

I've written something similar on another post, but a frustrated nurse is worth the retype :chuckle

I've been nursing 9 yrs. switched jobs 6 months ago. from a CCU/CVICU to a heat transplant unit. I was so overwhelmed, paperwork differences, policy changes, patient load that I called in more in this 6 months than in my 9 yrs. no lie! I wanted to quit every day, drove home each day saying "I'll never go back there", only to get up with that darned alarm clock the next day.

it's not only that you are new to nursing, you're new in your job position :uhoh3: This is a HUGH life stressor, filled with really bad days and a few so so days where it begins to click, only to fall apart the next day.

WHEW!! know that this is expected, normal, and even those of us 9 yrs. in are going through what you are with a job change. I stuck it out, it is now comfortable where I no longer dread, okay, hate going in, I'm no longer in a panic, and I'm comfortable.

Part of my problem was that due to my exp. I was pushed through orienation because I already could care for patients. The policy's and paperwork were my undoing, plus different standards. I can't imagine all this, plus having to learn how to nurse (I've blanked out my first year of nursing, it only comes back as nightmare flashbacks :chuckle ). make sure you've bee given enough orientation. If not ask for more. Many times I've taken a new nurse off orinetation for a month or two and placed them back on after we've identified new needs. This is not failure. It's learning. pure and simple.

So be EASY on yourself. I spent th last 7 years training new grads into the ICU it took 18 months solid for them to be comfortable. I hear the stats for a reg. med. floor are a year.

So dig in those heels and know that it only takes time. Form a netwrk of nursing support, our families don't always understand. This site, although I'm new here seems to be a great place too. so keep at it.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2004

Its called reality shock

jetsetter · Feb 25, 2004

do you dislike the pt care.... or is it just details. I'm new to med/surg and they put me in charge. (morons). So not only did I have to learn a different style of nursing but how to deal w/ every little problem. Give yourself time, and give yourself a pat on the back for every little victory that comes along... the pt your really help, the problems that do get solved.

On the other hand, if it's the pt making you crazed, time to look for a new area of nursing to explore. There are so many options, each one different in it's good parts/bad parts. Life is too short to waste it being miserable. Find your niche.

*Peanut*Vennie* · Feb 25, 2004

Im a new nurse, and Ive been at my job for 8 months now. And the beginning days there I felt the same way. Frustrated on who to call, what to do, where to go, but like some of the other posters said, it gets better. It may not seem like it at first (trust me I came home for 3 weeks saying i was going to quit :chuckle ) But before you know it, things become routine and all of a sudden, you are ok! So dont worry, it does get better :)