Hating my first job

Nurse Ratched, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Do you think it's just this unit, or this specialty, or this career?

Seemed like everybody in my class wanted to do L&D. The reality didn't match up to the myth for a lot of them.

Are there options closer to you?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Please consider having another job lined up before you actually resign. It's often easier to get a job if you already have one. Being totally unemployed for an extended period isn't fun, either.

Also, it might help you to review the process you used to choose this job that you hate so much now. Can you identify some things that you would do differently now in your job search? ... questions you would ask? ... etc. That might help you learn from this experience and avoid making a similar mistake in the future.

Good luck,

llg

Lenap · Sep 2, 2004

I think everyone feels the same way you do when starting out a new job! Most people it takes 1 yr to feel completely comfortable with a new job and it's tasks. Don't give up! With each day you will become better and more skilled. I know a lot of girls that picked L&D and it was extremely challenging at first, but now they love it. You will too. Don't be afraid to ask your preceptor questions and ask her to help when you fell you are uncomfortable with procedure or situation. You are not expected to know everything! Here is a website for a good article for a new nurse. http://www.nurseweek.com/news/features/02-02/mentor.asp

Good Luck and Best wishes

ADNCyn · Sep 2, 2004

I wonder what "they" would say about you as you have about "them". The reason I say that is this... my first instinct would tell me whether or not I need to be in the position I am in, I would rather be unemployed rather than being unhappy or frustrated if you "truly" feel you are not getting where you need to be. It doesn't take a year of anything to know if it is not for you. But the questions to ask yourself, as previously mentioned in a reply, is if there are any other areas you could go to or for that fact, any other place near you for you to work. IMHO I believe you have already made up your mind. You are still fresh and many employers would hire you, forget about the time you may have til you find something somewhere else. God gives us 5 good senses, and as an RN, you truly should know how to use them, especially in your own situation. So, keep up your confidence, don't ever feel like you have to settle because of the kind of "money" that you are currently making and probably the most you have ever made in your entire life. Remember, peace of mind and happiness is well worth a trade... But of course I would feel a whole lot better knowing that I am happy with my situation, and no job or amount of money truly affords you that peace. It's a duty to the public to be comfortable/safe in your role at this particular place... Please find it. Thank you for seeking advice, it's free, see no charge... Now I feel better...LOL

nekhismom · Sep 3, 2004

I feel exactly like the new nurse that was quoted in the article....nasty rumors have been made about me on nights, they have stated to others that I need to be watched, etc. I also transferred to another shift, and voila! Everything has been a lot better. All of a sudden, even though I am still the same and still do the same things, I am no longer a "problem" nurse, and I'm no longer needing to be "watched." It's amazing how a set of co-workers can influence so many people.

I've chalked this up to nurses eating their young. I hate it, and I can't wait until the day comes when I am an experienced nurse and I can precept new employees. I LOVE to teach, and I solemnly swear right now that I will do my best to NEVER treat a new nurse the way that I have been treated.

I went into an area that I truly enjoy. I am leaving because of the diva attitudes found in my dept.

Palamejo · Dec 3, 2004

It's amazing how a set of co-workers can influence so many people.

I know this is an old post, but I have to respond! What you said is so true. I am a student nurse and just doing clinicals now, but my classmates and I are constantly amazed at some of the nurses and their seeming lack of any social skills. They ignore you, run off and leave you, and otherwise don't use any normal social skills such as smiling, including you (at least a little) in discussions, introductions, etc. Forget being a good teacher and mentor --- how about just being nice?? How about treating someone new in your comfort zone with a little consideration?? Of course I have to say that there are some nurses who are wonderful. Glad to hear that YOU will be one of the nice ones!! But we have noticed that when there are "those" nurses, the whole floor is often the same! As to how they can influence so many people... well, I can certainly tell you that not ONE nursing student is jumping at the chance to EVER work in the departments where the nurses are (as we call them) "socially retarded." (Might not be politically correct, but accurately descriptive.) I worked in postpartum this semester and had never thought about working there at all. But the staff was so wonderful that is now on the top of my list. Don't these nurses realize that they might get some much needed help and staffing if they weren't so unpleasant?