Help! I HATE my new job

[gal220RN]

Okay: I need HELP!

After over a decade in peds nursing, 7 in PICU, I have just changed hospitals due to a move. I have never encountered such a group of snobby, cold people in my entire life. This unit, I just found out, is notorious for not accepting new experienced nurses- which is the stupidist thing I have ever heard. They had rather have all totally new nurses than have to deal with experienced nurses who know how to take an axillary temp without having to be told the procedure. (This is not criticism for new nurses at all). I can't decide why they are so suspicious.

I have never been so unhappy- ever. I can go for entire 12 hours without anyone even talking to me. I am usually the person people LIKE. Even worse, I am having to rotate day and night shift, which I haven't had to do for YEARS! It is the longest 12 hours of my life.

The saddest thing is this is a PICU of really sick kids who need nurses who know what they are doing. I see a group of individuals who see procedures over patients, very little interaction on a human level. I was actually told on my first day that it was not acceptable to perform a certain procedure (best practice, PALS) because it was not "their way." Then I was accused of being "overbearing."

I am in nurse hell and I don't know what to do. I have been told to "hang in there and prove myself in their way of doing care," something I find totally ridiculous, since I have had the sickest kids on orientation, already participated in 2 codes, had a kids on ECMO.. etc. How can this be right? How can this culture still be present in 2008, in a day we are so desperate for nurses? How can we expect anyone to stay in a profession that is so vicious, so backbiting. When will we change?

My question is- should I tell them all to shove it and do something else? What will I do when my husband has a nervous breakdown when I tell him I quit?

One caveat- I just finished my 2nd night shift and I feel so depressed I don't know what to do.

Thanks for the listening ears. I know how wonderful this group is and I know you will give some good, clear, non-sleep deprived advice.

:bluecry1::bluecry1:

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

((((hugs)))))

[Allizar]

Something I have learned from the oilfield:

Every work place will have different procedures and slight variations to how things are done. The end goal may be the same, but the road there has different bends and turns. It is crucial in almost any job to have people going the same way and on the same road. Keep in mind that you are in their world, and you are the new person, regardless of your previous status.

One thing you NEVER want to say, regardless of how experienced you are:

"Well, this is how we did it at my last job."

Be open to how they run things. Their preference of new nurses show that they like things done a specific way, asking how they do things instead of telling them how you do things may help you fit in

You can always learn something new, especially when you change jobs

Hope things work out, and wishing you the best

[Allizar]

Whoops

Go me at resurrecting a 6 month old thread

sorry!