I nned some advice very DOWN IN THE DUMPS

4rom2bRN · Jan 22, 2008

I am sorry to hear that. I have approx. 15 more weeks before graduation. I am very excited to start working.

The questions you should ask yourself are:

Are there personal things going on, alongside with work? If so, is it reflecting with work?

What do you like to do? Do you like to travel (travel nurse), solve mystery (forensics), love to read (research nurse), paper work (case management) there are so many other avenues for you to chose from.

If its your co workers can you work on another floor, or specialized clinic? Maybe... cosmetic or doctors clinic.

Could it also be, that you went to work right away after nursing school. My sister told me that I should take some time after I get my license to go to work. Like now, I have really no time for friends.

Maybe you need to take time to breathe. You were probably sprinting all through nursing school.

Take the Dr. Phil self assessment tool to re assess yourself.

I will send a prayer your way. When I get down on the dumps, I watch Joel Olsteen.

God Bless. Good Luck! You will be just fine. If you need anything let me or us know.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2008

Just guessing here, but maybe you haven't found your niche. Put in whatever time you need to on your floor and try something else. Also, the first year out can really throw you for a loop. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to let other people drag you down-you can still love being a nurse but not have it be your life. I would try to reconnect with people you know who are NOT involved with work. Sign up for a class in something fun, start planning a little vacation or go for a massage or something spa-like. You have to be good to yourself given that we work in a stressful profession. Hope you are feeling better soon..

iwannabeanurse06 · Jan 22, 2008

It sounds like you are depressed Correct me if I'm wrong. I don't have any personal experience but just wanted to reach out and give you some support.

Here are some questions that may or may not help you....Is it possible to transfer to another unit or cut back hours (if you can afford it)? What was your favorite clinical in school? Have you considered talking to a professional to flesh out why you are feeling so sad? Just food for thought.

Anyway, sending you ((((hugs)))).

weezyljm · Jan 22, 2008

Dear New RN: Welcome to the wide-awful world of nursing....sorry that you don't like your telemetry job - but hang in there for at least another 5 months to get that first year under your belt. That first year's hospital experience is crucial to being able to transfer within or job-hunt outside your current situation. Reality in the nursing world is a

lot like waking up in the Twilight Zone, at least. Just get through one shift at a time. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY. Nurses are notorious for "eating their young". Sad, but too true. If there are any Code Blues, pay attention, so you can learn something that you will be able to use later. My sister burned out in Cardiac Intensive Care (open-heart, etc.) after the first year of it - and went on to work in Recovery - which was less stressful for her, at least. It is something you may want to consider -- but regardless of what you decide; You NEED that 1st year's hospital's experience. You are a warm breathing body with a nursing license...that's all you are to other nurses and management. Try to take comfort in what care you provide to your patient's and the thanks they show. Therein lies the reward.

Just for the record, i'm a 30+ year experienced LPN, mostly med-surg in hospital and found it rewarding, but also VERY FRUSTRATING for the most part. Now, I can't even find a job. I work agency when I can get it - and lately it's been totally absent - and no one here in my area is hiring. Now that's depressing - cuz I am single and self-supporting.

Good Luck for the next 5 months!!

StrwbryblndRN · Jan 22, 2008

I would speak to your primary about this. Especially if you are feeling sad on your days off too.

mianders, RN · Jan 22, 2008

I agree with weezyljm, hang in there and get the first year out of the way. You can start looking at what is available in your area and when your year is up make a change. I worked in the ER for a long time and got to the point where I was feeling the same way. I finally made a career change and went into infusion therapy and I love it. It gave me a whole new perspective on nursing. Remember you have so many different directions you can go in nursing. Don't give up. :icon_hug:

ruthiep · Jan 22, 2008

Hey Down In The Dumps! I'll bet you didn't realize it, but you posted your depression on "Blue Monday", officially the most depressing day of the year! I woke up feeling down yesterday, and absolutely dreading going to work last nite. I ended up not having to go to work because it was an extra shift for me, and we had low census. I heard later that it truly was the most depressed day of the year. As far as your job goes, I spent my first year out of nursing school in a job I hated. I cried frequently before going to work. I changed jobs and now work in an area I really love, although it is often scary going to work because it is a high stress job, I work in a neonatal ICU. As far as unfriendly nurses, and other hospital employees go, just keep your chin up, and keep saying "Hi" to others. I think it takes some aback, being friendly that is. I've found that people get used to it, and eventually become your friends.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080121/workplace_depression_080121/20080122?hub=Health

Check out this link, and good luck!

ruthiep

loopingrace · Jan 22, 2008

Sometimes I feel the same way. I recently graduated in June and have been working since in the emergency room in a busy trauma center in LA. I work night shift and the adjustment to sleeping during the day plus having so much responsibility makes it hard for me to sleep during my days off. Sometimes I cry because my thoughts about my shift are racing, and I'm so frustrated I can't concentrate on sleep.

However, I know I must stick through it for another year to get that experience then I can move on to something else. That's the beauty of nursing-- if you're unhappy with one specialty, there are many more you can choose from.

I also suggest getting amply amounts of stretching and exercising, peeing when you have to during your shift (I know you're busy, but you have to take care of yourself too, otherwise nobody else to take care of patients!), and tons of water when you work. And also, finding something outside of work that you love. For me, it's my dog, my fiancee, and cooking. Eating too. Hang in there. Know you're not the only one feeling down. Every new nurse goes through something like this, I think.

buddiage · Jan 22, 2008

While *yes*, maybe you will and need to develop thicker skin with time, why don't you jump out of the toxic work environment until then? There's a million areas you could go into.

Speaking as a nursing student about to graduate AND a tech on the tele floor, I can say from my limited experience that the tele unit is run-run-run-run, because I nearly feel I start out behind in a no win situation. When I went to Surgical for a day because of staffing issues, I thought to myself, "I LOVE this place." I didn't feel used up, had some extra energy to actually enjoy myself at work, and wondered if other hospitals were like this too. I loved it.

Maybe it's time to change. Look in your employee handbook for transferring, they may have a minimum of 6 months or whatever in a certain area before you transfer. Try something else. Talk to other nurses. I'm sure that first year is baptism by fire regardless, but it may help you get a fresh start at another unit, or even, another hospital.

Maybe part of the problem is you say "yes" sometimes when you should really be saying "no."

lorabel · Jan 22, 2008

Read my earlier posts! I felt the exact same way as did many others. I quit my job after 4 months...it truly was a toxic environment; poor management and nasty nurses......I was miserable...so I got the courage to quit! I do not have another job yet...but I couldnt stand one more minute in that place! This forum has been VERY supportive of me! Its like my counseling session!!!! Dont kow what I would have done without it. I was getting physically sick fom job..losing weight, insomnia, depression......now I feel free! I know a job will come up and I will be happier. Do whats right for YOU. Hang in there........I'm very sensitive too and that was part of the problem......I cared too much and never stood up for myself.......I felt guilty at first....I miss my patients! I was in onco and I sometimes see my pts in my dreams!~ crazy isnt it? I find myself wondering how this one is doing and if this one has come back in d/t complications........I absolutley loved my patients...........you will be fine!~ start looking for something different......

Tait, MSN, RN · Jan 22, 2008

I don't personally think you need to complete the year. I did 7 months at my first job and then moved for my fiancee and got hired immediately on another hospital floor. Don't forget you have lots of clinical time under your belt as well.

I went through a spell of depression when I was working my first job which was 11p-7am, I had moved from all my friends, I never knew when to sleep, plus the regular day to day "self esteem" low days of nursing.

I highly suggest you start looking at other areas, like folks here said. Maybe home health would be more your style, or clinic. At least to give yourself a break from the intense frustration of your current job until you can find another spot. Talk to other students from your class who graduated and see what they think. And of course, take a week off! You have been working steady for 7 months, tell them you need a personal break on the next schedule and take some "me" time. Go visit family, friends, veg on the couch, read a few good books.

Best of luck!

:icon_hug:

Taitter