Dont want to be a nurse anymore due to the politics and lack of support

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone,

Lately I feel not supported at work, the mangers have kept me with the same patients for three weeks now, they have changed my roster and got rid of all my weekend work (no penalities) and the skill mix for my next shift is crap, I mean Im an RN2 and Im the most senior on in an heamatology and oncology ward, now if they put me on as team leader Il decline as I have not done the course they promised to send me a year ago (thats because they havent applied me in yet). I always do them favours but I think I'l stop now.

Another thing, the lack of support is reflecting bad on me and causing me to be depressed. I feel like I dont want to be a nurse anymore. So, I have a question, can I do anything else with nursing, Im in australia so things might be abit different other places and I just finished my masters of nursing, so what could I study thats health related and I still help patients (no medical school for me lol)

Thanks guys, I just really feel down and dont want to go to work anymore which is a new feeling, Ive always loved my job.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

You want to be a nurse educator such as staff development, with this position you be able to do inservices for nurses that would benefit the patients.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Hey Ruby Red. I doubt there's a nurse who hasn't felt the same way. Glad to see you recognize it and are looking to make changes. Stopping the extra "favors" is a good idea. Too often hospitals treat licensed nurses as a commodity. They'll get all they can out of you, but do nothing to take care of the staff. The great thing about nursing is that there are so many different ways to work as a nurse. Make some changes, maybe try a float pool or travel nursing if they have that down under. I did travel nursing and found I could put up with anything when I was outta there in 13 weeks. Never there long enough to get into the politics. Hope this helps. This is a good website for peer support too. Post as much as you need, if we don't take care of each other, who will?

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It seems like this is how nursing has been for the last 20 years and it doesn't look like it's getting any better. I don't blame you. I'm sticking to nursing until I find something better. I am currently exploring better options in regards to a new major.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

dthfytr this is good advice. I had to make some changes in the facility I worked. I was working on one unit which it was micromanaged. The unit has a high turnover rate for directors and NM. I couldn't deal with anymore. So, I decided to work in resource pool at the same facility, this allows me to work three units but I work five. I just do my shift and go home. I do listen to others vent about their problems and concerns. Traveling nursing is a good idea. I had plans for that but a family issue came about so unable at this moment.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

ruby red: are they giving assignments to less experienced nurses due to popularity? or do they think there is something missing (rumored or real) related to you and your skills? either case, you need to stand up for yourself. first request that you get more complicated assignments. if that does not work, demand it! you have the years of experience and the talents to perform at a higher standard so do not let them reduce those expectations.

i work in an er. if people get the same assignments shift after shift they start to develop a reputation (warranted or not). for instance, if people only work traumas, the thought is that the nurse is good with traumas. never mind the fact the nurse has little to no experience or is a new grad! on the flip side, a nurse who always works the medical and or the rapid patients but has twenty years experience in eds, icus, etc. will be seen as an incompetent nurse. does this sound right to you? it sounds completely stupid to me, but it happens!

thus, i think you need to break out of the mold they have created for you and change the impression others may have of your nursing abilities and skills. on the other hand, if there are bigger problems going on at your facility that is creating a toxic environment for you to work, then start looking for another job. i do not know the market in australia, but here in america it is not as hard for working nurses with experience to move around... it becomes hard for nurses (new or experienced) that are currently unemployed. gl!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

Hey I'm an RN in Australia. Tell them you are not going to be doing anything extra from now on (I've done this b4 by staying back 15-20 minutes, not getting paid, etc). Be firm & let them know they can't push you around. Tell them ur annoyed cos they've cut ur weekend work. Scared of losing ur job? Well, I work for an agency in WA, and there is plenty of work going. What state r u in? Maybe you could contact all the agencies & get some weekend work - the money is great. U can get booked shifts in the same hospital or different hospitals; also many of them will look for permanent work for u. This might be a temp solution till you can find something permanent. If you have your masters, there are many different jobs u could do. Look on seek.com.au for a start. Agency work is not bad, u've just got to find the right agency! Anyway, just a thought.

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Specializes in LTC, hospice, home health.

That's why I always used to float and work agency. Too much politics. But the best thing is that you went back to school for your masters. Maybe you can work as an ARNP at a clinic or something. Supervisors are always trying to please certain nurses. You never know.

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Specializes in LTC, hospice, home health.

Yes, you have to. There are other majors out there and the work is great sometimes.

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Specializes in Emergency Midwifery.

I work in Australia as well and the situation you describe is all to common to me - an unsupported work place with poor skill mix.....

the final nail in our coffin is not being able to request shifts (we are taking this to the union). We can take a set roster if we want to take a 2 week reduction in our annual leave.

However, I am still of the belief that not all places are like this - there must be some out there that are nice to work in??? Unfortunately I am not in a position to go looking - I hope your situation is different.

Nicky.

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Of course there are other options out there. Not every work environment is negative and unsupportive of their staff. You don't have to stay where you are unhappy.

I'm not sure I understood everything in your post correctly, due to the differences in US and Aussie nursing, but it seems reasonable that, if you are the one with the most experience, you would be team leader. When I started charging (I assume it's the same as team leader, ignore my post if it's not!), it was terrifying. I was accustomed to having more experienced nurses as a resource, and suddenly *I* was the most experienced, the one that everyone looked to for support and answers. I think many charge nurses go through this state of panic. Of course, you don't have to accept the charge/team leader position if you don't want it, particularly if in your area there are classes you are to take which you haven't yet been offered. But I think if you find yourself in a similar situation again, be aware that the feeling of panic and frustration with inexperienced staff is a common one with a beginner charge nurse.

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