This is not what I thought it was

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So I have gone through my 3 months of orientation & so far I can't say I love my job. The hours are long, I'm treated like **** by patient's, family members (that's expected) & coworkers & the pay is horrendous.

But my KNEES! My knees are KILLING me by the end of my shift. I was almost in tears yesterday. I have seen my PCP with no relief & am due to see a Rhumatologist this month. I wear compression socks, knee braces & special shoes. But honestly if I can't find relief I'm thinking about quiting. Nothing about working there makes me want to stay when I'm treated like **** & I'm in constant, 10/10 pain.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
The whole low pay & treated like **** would make me leave. I'd probably but some new shoes also. I use Salomon trail sneakers they hold up well and make my feet comfy in the ER

My boss is really sweet but my coworkers (minus 1 or 2) are rude & snarky to me.

What is funny is I was told in the interview they do t look at the schedule because they all love working with each other. I call ********.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Try home health. It's not easy but at least you'll be on your butt most of the day (driving, sitting with patients). I do find it hard on my arm though, lugging my bag around. It's got rollers but they don't work in the snow, mud etc

I will be definitely looking for a new job if my leg pain isn't relieved by anything.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Thank you! :)

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I can feel for you! I also have suffered these symptoms with auto-immune disease. As others have stated the right shoes etc can help. Also after you get more experience you will be able to cut the running around a little, sitting down when possible, taking ALL your breaks, have a little less stress etc. If you do have auto-immune dx little changes to your diet can also help (anti-inflammatory foods etc.) Put all together, every little bit helps! Wishing you well!!

Yes, I know once I get a rhythm down at work I will have more breaks & be able to sit more. It sucks a lot right now.

Thank you!

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
That's ok. For me, I tend to not friend anyone I work with on FB. It's my informal policy, separates home versus work life.

The best revenge you can get on crappy coworkers is to hold your head high and keep working. I say try to keep working there because it took you a little while to find this job, yes? The longer you can stay, the more skills you can pick up, the more references and the better candidate you can become for future jobs.

I have RA so I feel some of your pain. I second what someone said about yoga (even when all you want to do is lay on the sofa).

Hang in there!

Oh yeah, I don't plan on quitting unless my legs give out or the pain is absolutely unbearable.

I will definitely start yoga, especially if it will help!

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Under 30 with all that knee pain, I'd definitely look into some strength/conditioning regimens or physical therapy. The more healthy and fit you can make yourself early on, the less wear and tear in the long run. Also posture and body mechanics could be playing a role. As others have noted, the right shoes can make or break you. I had feet problems early in my career and developed bad plantar fasciitis. While most nurses suggested a variety of show brands, I found barefoot shoes worked best for me. Haven't had problems since.

I worked out before I started working, but obviously once I started I fell off the wagon. I know I should get back into it but I'm so exhausted on my days off the last thing I wanna do is work out.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I was not even 30 when I graduated, but the foot pain and intense wear on the body, combined with crappy co-workers, drove me out of the hospital in less than 2 years.

The job market was wide open in those days. You walked in with a copy of your license, and you were hired.

Not so today.

Keep plugging.

I wish it was like that now. It also doesn't help that I'm an LVN. I need to stay at the hospital as long as I can so that I can bridge.

I read so many stories about how bad acute care was. Now that I experienced it, I don't want to go back after I become an RN.

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
Is this a joke? I've never worked a nursing home where the families were grateful nor was it easier. Yeah, I got paid more but it was just as much work if not more with a whole lot less orientation.

Not at all. Having recently had to place my mom in care I am sincerely grateful for the nursing staff who care.

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I didn't mean easier, but I did mean that some families like mine are intensely grateful for the LTC nurses.

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
Try home health. It's not easy but at least you'll be on your butt most of the day (driving, sitting with patients). I do find it hard on my arm though, lugging my bag around. It's got rollers but they don't work in the snow, mud etc

I can attest to this; I have also done home health and it does involve very little

walking.. except of course, from your car to the front door.

It was hard on my back though, from sitting in my car all day!

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
I didn't mean easier, but I did mean that some families like mine are intensely grateful for the LTC nurses.

Well, God bless you my friend, my dad is currently in a nursing home as well,

although thankfully just for rehab.

LTC is, in my opinion anyway, a very difficult place to work. I can

no longer do it. I will no longer do it. However, the Lord has a

special place already reserved in heaven for great LTC nurses.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I didn't mean easier, but I did mean that some families like mine are intensely grateful for the LTC nurses.

Not at all. Having recently had to place my mom in care I am sincerely grateful for the nursing staff who care.

I have worked several LTC facilities & the drama was just as a bad, coworkers sucked & I was just as busy if not busier. I haven't worked in one that didn't suck.

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