Help! I need career (change) advice

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I've been in med surg (still considered a new grad) for several months. I'm hating it. I'm hating running around all day, trying to remember what I did for the day when I actually get to sit down and chart, the phone calls, the new and changing orders, the dressing changes, the IV pump that will not stop beeping because there is air in the line although I can never see it, the back aches, the feeling of being exhausted at the end of my shift, the smell, the absolute endless paperwork that must be reviewed and initialed what seems like hourly, new admits, and the bad attitude of patients, just to name a few.

I'm seriously contemplating going into a different area of nursing. Right now I'm thinking absolute minimal contact with patients, low stress, routine, or something with only a few hours of contact, like dialysis. Are there any other areas of nursing you can think of? I only have my ADN, so management type recommendations are of no good :)

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I remember that not-so-good feeling but recommend you stay as long as possible. I lasted less than a year d/t just feeling so overwhelmed! I wish I had stayed the full year when I switched to Hospice. Love Hospice! Best job I've ever had but sometimes think maybe I'll take a PRN job in a rural hospital setting just to refresh my skills. Thinking it might be less stressful in a quieter smaller hospital, don't know though. Maybe you just need to vent to someone who's been there?

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GE lab, IR, Cath lab, school nursing, diabetic teaching, IV team, lactation, community health clinic...

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Finish the year, research other specialties in the meantime, and then high tail your butt outta there and into where you'd love to be!

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Welcome to the wonderful world of nursing where the first year is pure hell. It will get better. You've only been a nurse for several months so give yourself some time to get into the swing of things. This is the best time to work on organization and prioritization. What area of nursing would you like to work in on the long term basis? ICU? ER? Remember moving on to another unit while you are fresh out of school does not mean that you will not feel overwhelmed and stressed to the max.

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I know you mentioned mgmt is out of the question - what about case mgmt? Maybe clinical research, working as a coordinator/RN? There is no shame in admitting bedside is not for everyone. With all due respect, what is available depends partly on what type of area you reside in, rural vs. large metro., it might not be contingent on your status of "only" having an ADN.

Best Wishes.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

I thought with case management, over 3 years of experience was preferred?

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I thought case management was for BSNs. But, heck, if you can get it, take it and run. I am an LPN working in a clinic. I do bedside per diem to gain skills on med-surg, but believe me, I couldn't take it every day. My muscles are usually so tense and my plantar fasciitis flares it's ugly toe heads that I know I couldn't take med-surg on a regular!! I'd do the year, though and seach for something else. Maybe around the 10th month, start scouting around so, on your 364th day, you can be outta there!

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Have you considered home care (one patient at a time, in their home usually)?

Or rehab?

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Specializes in Family Practice.

Don't stress!!! I had a similar experience right out of school 9 yrs ago. Lasted a whole 3 months on ortho-surg. Then did a year and a half in an ambulatory surg ctr. Finally ended up-quite accidently- in a small town of about 9,000 people. I now work in an outpatient clinic for a Family Practice doc. I love the relationships I get to build with my patients. Most days I love the doc I work for. We do minor procedures in the office so I still get to use my nursing skills, though not as much as I'd like. The only real downside is it pays less. To me the trade off is worth it.....no weekends, holidays, or call. I had an instructor my freshman year that told us "nursing has many facets-not all of you will end up in ICU, ER, or surgery and that will not make you any less of a nurse." Find where you are comfortable. Most of all keep in mind you are a valuable part of the nursing community no matter what area you end up in. Best of Luck!!!!:nurse:

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

You might also look into a psych nursing job.

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is it hard to get into? what are hte salary differences between a hospital staff RN and pshych nurse?

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