How to use my time while in a job I dislike?

Sweetpea04, BSN · Mar 20

How to use my time wisely while I work in a job I'm not happy with?

Hello all, I have been a nurse for two and a half years.

I was working in a completely different specialty on dayshift and worked there for two years. Adult oncology.

After my 2 years I felt like trying a new specialty. So I got a job in the NICU that is for overnight shifts. I was burned out in oncology and was frustrated there.

I'm also 25 with no kids and felt like now is my time to make mistakes and learn new things.

I transferred to the NICU 6 months ago and... I am miserable, more than I have ever been in my life.

Babies are so so adorable but the NICU stresses me out and the night shifts kill me. I live far and my commute is now 45 minutes after working nights. I also am having issues with my boyfriend who works dayshift. The cuteness is not worth my work life balance honestly.

I regret accepting this job often!!

I am unable to apply for transfer until September 2024. Which is 5 months away. I will be working overnights in the NICU until then. The thought of this depresses me and many times I regret leaving my old unit for this unit.

Can anyone, give me tips on making these 5 months go by fast? Should I give my job more time? Should I be more hopeful?

Also, is it bad an idea to let people around me know that I want to leave? It's very obvious in my face that I am unhappy at work even though I try to be positive.

Is it bad to let managers and educators know THAT I plan on transferring in September?

I'm really very upset that I accepted this job and I don't plan on staying here forever. I cannot wait until I can apply for transfer. I'm so unhappy.