Dread Work

[BSN_TN, BSN]

New nurse almost 8mths to the day. I work on a m/s floor at a small hospital. I dread my job everyday. As a new nurse I get zero respect from others both licensed and non licensed. I've had 7 pts while another nurse has one. I feel like my voice isn't heard and most days I question myself into what the heck did I get myself into. Is this just a first year feeling or will it be like this all the time.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

This is a not-getting-any-respect issue, not a first-year-feeling on your part issue.

True, in one way you gain respect as your clinical credibility increases. But you are being taken advantage of.

Often when your voice isn't heard, you have not learned to speak assertively to get what you need. Say it's seven hours into your shift and other nurses are not busy. The charge nurse assigns you another ED admit. "I have 5 patients and have not had a break yet. Would you like me to skip lunch and admit another patient or take my break?"