How many new nurses are seriously thinking about quiting?

WDWpixieRN, RN · Sep 19, 2008

JER07:

I think if you read some of the responses, it's not been a matter of being thankful. It's been a matter of facing some of the realities of the job.

Some facilities seem to be staffed and managed more effectively than others. Some of the realities of the job, post-graduation, are harsher than others.

I have been around the block a few times and never have I had a job with so much stress, liability, responsibility, and documentation that can serve to save your behind or lose it.

I don't think to just pass it off as not being thankful is helpful for those who are dealing with some of these issues. There's a reason why there are 14 pages of responses to this thread that was started quite some time ago.

I hope that you don't get put in to a position where you are feeling less-than-thankful. They are surely out there.

R*Star*RN, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2008

Ever day I worked as a CNA, every day I worked as an LPN, and every day I worked as an RN I have questions whether nursing is the right field for me. I hate short staffing and I hate stress and I hate it when I get yelled at by anyone (patients, MD, superiors).

But I LOVE my patients (most of the time), I get along great with my co-workers and I can't imagine doing anything but nursing.

I just started a new position as an RN at a unionized hospital and it seems to be a pretty tight ship so far. It's a non-profit religion based hospital and seems to be very giving and involved in the community. I think I'll like it here, but we'll find out! I'm sure there will still be days when I question my decision to be a nurse however.

neeniebean · Sep 21, 2008

I'm Sure Every Career Has There Difficulties, But You Should Just Be Thrilled That You Are An Rn And The Job Itself Is Self-rewarding. I Am Having So Much Trouble Passing The Boards And Am Soooooo Looking Forward To Being An Actual rn!!!!!! Try To Be More Thankful!!!

Not a very therapeutic response (just an FYI if this comes up as a boards question) :rolleyes:

Being an RN is something to be Proud of, and i'm sure that everyone would agree on that. However, that doesn't mean that all working conditions are something to be thankful for, either. You truly cannot understand the depth and range of emotions that come with being a brand new staff nurse until its your butt that's on the line. I never knew it either- until i started actually working as an RN. Please try to keep in mind that, just because you can't understand how hard this can be for some yet, doesn't mean that you should completely negate the relevance of those feelings with an ignorant statement like, "just try to be more thankful."

bluekermode · Sep 21, 2008

Hey nurseinlimbo

Have you thought of public health or other areas of nursing? Those are things I'm thinking of for the long term as I wear down! I don't know your situation but working on a masters means teaching opportunities too.

Horrible to think that a person has to factor in burnout in their career/life plans, but that's what I'm doing , can only last so long on the floor with the effects of understaffing etc..as ppl are discussing here.

Hope the prn works for you. Take care :nuke:

NurseBrittney · Sep 21, 2008

when I was orienting on my med-surg (mostly surgical post op) floor, I was on days... While I felt I could manage, I was seriously questioning whether I could or even wanted to work there.

But since I have come off of orientation and had the pleasure of moving to weekends, with both a fantastic group of nurses, and doctors, as well as considerably fewer admissions, I feel much more confident in my career choice. While we do have fewer resources, I feel less like elephants are trying to step on my toes.

The funny thing.. I should be at work right now, but was called off lol. Now I'm sitting here watching infomercials because I'm wide awake and can't go back to sleep. Ah well, I suppose with only 10 patients they really don't need all 5 nurses, especially since yesterday I started with 4, discharged 3 by noon, and then had 1 all day till 5pm. Then 2 till 7pm. Nice change from the 4 and 5 I had last week, but man I felt bored and worthless for a few hours.

At any rate. I'm gaining more confidence daily, and for the most part, I do feel I made a very sound career choice. I'm good at this. And despite my still queezy stomach at the more unfavorable smells we all experience on a daily basis, I'm a good fit for this job, my patients like me, and I have a good time (most days) at work.

On top of all that, I am paid extremely well for my time, my facility makes me feel valued, and I only have to work 3 days a week. This job was meant for me!

mommakelbel · Sep 21, 2008

I am a new nurse and have to agree with all of the above mentioned reasons for wanting to quit. I must add one more to the pile.

In nursing school you are taught to care for the patient, be the advocate and listen to your patients. I started in the ED and was so excited because I had worked as a tech before achieving my RN.

(Scenerio) Patient comes in from nursing home complaining he doesn't feel good, and has dementia. Spending time with the patient I kept asking questions to figure out why he didn't feel good, to which he said his head hurt and that he had fallen at the nursing home. There was no CT scan done, and no other diagnostics ran. Speaking with my preceptor a PA over heard my concerns that no diagnostics were run and said "Whats the use". My jaw like to have hit the floor. Being new you don't know how far to push things and I truely felt I had let the patient down. He was sent back to the nursing home and his response to me after giving him a asprin and sending him back was "You are going to send me back to die". The hospital that I was working at has a mission of remarkable experience everytime every person. But I have a hard time with that mission when you pick and choose who to give the remarkable experience to and who not to.