Graduated, got a job, and moved; now what?

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Hi, I just graduated with my BSN last month (Dec. 2016). I got a job offer in the specialty that I ultimately want, and I am thrilled. I haven't started actually working yet (doing paperwork, and physical, etc.), and the staff at the hospital is great! ... I'm just down and overwhelmed though; I am (and have been for what seems like forever) trying to unpack all my stuff, and then my mind is constantly thinking about how I'm pretty much all alone here and that I haven't heard from any of my "friends" back home. It is ridiculous, but I feel the level of stress and emotional heaviness that I did in nursing school... It seems like I will never get unpacked, I'm sleep deprived already, and I have no idea how I will make friends. My life has been school and studying; any friends I had were my study buddies... This seems like a goofy question/problem - but do you make friends at work? As in, do you see them outside of work and just hang out?? ... I just don't know how to work this part of my life and it's all very depressing. Help please?! Thanks!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I moved into my house 8 years ago... I still have unpacked boxes. I wouldn't worry about that too much- those things that don't get unpacked tend to be the things we don't need anyway.

As for finding friends, look into things like Meetup to find people who have similar interests/hobbies. Join an amateur spots team if that's one of your interests. You can also join your local nursing organization or chapter of your specialty organization. Don't have work become your life- it's okay to have a small percentage of your friends be from work, but variety is the spice of life. If it weren't for my crazy wild friends who aren't in the healthcare field at all, my life would be very monotonous and boring. Guess what those of us who hang out together outside of work talk about? It's work. Who needs that all the time?

You've just gone through a big life change: graduation, moving, first job. It can be a lot to cope with and it's going to take time to adjust. If you do find yourself needing help getting through it, don't hesitate to ask for help, whether it's reaching out to your PCP or reaching out to a mental health professional.

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Thanks for your post! Making friends at work and doing things outside of work seems really difficult (but the most easiest and practical); making friends otherwise seems almost impossible right now :( . I do pt. and nurse care/relationships well, but in my life separate from that I have a hard time putting myself out there. It doesn't help that I am more of a "home-body". You made some good points and suggestions that I will take into consideration and research getting involved. Thanks again!

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Join a gym or a religious congregation and go. Engage in activities where there are other people. You will get along. Don't forget that your first responsibility is to adapt to your new job so that you are successful. Good luck.

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Thanks! I will just have to push myself to join such things; however, very true about work being first priority! I just want to feel like I have a groove so to speak, and that I belong.

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Specializes in Critical care.

I second the Meetup recommendation! I've gone hiking, skiing, camping, trivia nights, game nights, etc. with Meetup groups. I joined several and I take a look at events to see what I'm interested in that fits into my schedule, I RSVP (sometimes just me or sometimes I bring along a friend), and I go. :)

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Once you start working as a nurse, you will make MORE than friends. I have made strong bonds with many fellow nurses. After many shifts of working together in a patient care environment, the connection is amazing. Try to relax and watch it happen.

Best wishes, let us know how it's going.

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