The World of Nursing Thoughts

[RNdonut]

Okay, so I just need to get a few things off of my chest. I will tell you that I am a new nurse (still with a preceptor), and I feel absolutely exhausted. I was yelled at by a doctor for the first time today for something that happened yesterday and I did not know how to feel. A group of people (including the doctor) was at fault, and I was in that group, however, most of the yelling was directed at me. Why is it that health care is the only profession where co-workers, superiors and subordinates are allowed to treat each other like total s*** and get away with it? I completely understand that we are handling sick people who require much more work and attention that anyone who isn't in health care could even understand, but there is a way to have a conversation that is productive and leads to the same solution without everyone becoming angry. This is such a major stressor with this job. I started my job a little over two months ago, and since then, I have had an unexpected death in my family and I have been sick three times (and am currently with a horrible cold). I am really starting to feel so stressed out and unhappy when I think about work or if I'm going to work. When I think about why I wanted to be a nurse, all I can think is, well, I didn't think that it would be like this. Missing lunch breaks, being dehydrated/hungry and the majority of my patients being rude is taking a toll on my body and mind.

What gets me is that you can be doing everything right and still get in trouble for something extremely minute! I am beginning to think that I'll never be able to do this on my own! I can't even think about having to get up at 0430 to go back...

Any advice or words of encouragement would be appreciated.

[AJJKRN]

Welcome to the initiation of bedside nursing. If you can find solace in anything, know that every bedside nurse has been through this and many are still at the bedside today. I am anyways! It does get easier...after a year or so. You are not the first to feel this way and you will not be the last! Good luck!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Trial by fire. That is how it is in nursing. I know it sucks, but if you find a way to deal with it you will be a stronger person.

[lavenderskies, BSN]

It gets easier as your confidence builds. Make it a priority to eat well, stay nourished, exercise, and mentally practice ways to have assertive conversation.