I don't fit in anywhere!!!

neonatal_nurse · Nov 18, 2009

Girl, give it more time. It's okay to feel that way. You yourself said that it's hard to switch. First, you should be thankful that you have a job these days. Haven't you thought of that? Do have any idea how many new nurses would kill to have your job right now? Second, ask yourself which area you really want to work in the future. You're a new grad so you've got plenty of time to figure that out and get there. In the meantime, count your blessings. You should be grateful with what you have instead of complaining.

hotnurse84 · Nov 18, 2009

I don't think you are complaining...i know where you are coming from. I also feel bored with my jobs after being there so long and move on to a different position. I want to see what all is out there. and its not good to be unhappy with your job. yes the economy sucks but if you are not happy you can't help it. I've done LTC, psych, and home health. I did not fit in the psych dept. no my thing. I was very unhappy there and that's not good for the residents if the staff isn't happy right?? so I left.

webmansx, ASN, RN · Nov 18, 2009

To the above poster: Thankyou for understanding. I know someone said I was complaining and I should be greatful I have a job, and I am. I just have this empty feeling at work. If the nusre is not happy, the patients won't get the maximam care they deserve. I want a challenge, change, I want to use my brain and my skills. In rehab, half the time is spent taking patients to the bathroom and half of that is passing trays. Whenever I shadow other nurses in other units I feel like I have been cheated and robbed of real nursing. I have put like one N-g tube in almost 2 years

Thanks again for your understanding.

blackpants22 · Nov 18, 2009

I kinda know how you feel...I have only been at my first nursing job for three months (in rehab in ltc) and I am feeling so down about everything, like most things you mentioned. Its gotten to the point where I think I have picked the wrong career! Everyone keeps telling me its the place and unit I work and to go to the hospital (like I could really find a job there right now anyways). But I feel so depressed, frustrated, anxious when I get home from work, and really sick of dealing with not so much the patients, but the families. I have to try so hard to bite my tongue when it comes to the rudeness. Plus trying to do an admission or two, a med pass, treatments, and picking up orders...I can understand why they have a hard time keepin a nurse on this unit long. I feel lucky to have found a job but so unhappy there. I look everyday for a new job and have thought about starting a BSN-MS program in January and switching to part time. I say you should switch it up and see if another part of nursing interests you...I think I am gonna do something, even if its for my sanity and even if it means having a part time salary. Goodluck to you.

Sewbusy~RN · Nov 18, 2009

I totally understand what you're saying. In ortho we get joint replacements and traumas. I pretty much live for the traumas because they are different and interesting. I still love my unit and am learning new things all the time, but I have that need for change built into my DNA so I know its just a matter of time...

jesusalmighty · Nov 18, 2009

hello webmansx ,i think ur second post is more specific to the point.

i can understand ur feelings as such...while continuing with ur present job u first

explore which speciality best make use of ur talents n apptitudes.u search n u change

to that area.ask God for help,he'll be there for u.

best wishes 4 a good future

jenn197399 · Nov 18, 2009

I feel the same way. I left a big hospital in IN to come to a rural hospital in MI. I hated it and couldn't take it any more. Im now looking for a new job and considering moving to another state. We moved to MI because it was an emergency. The emergency is now over. I dont understand why nurses eat up their young so to speak. I have been working for two years as RN and have never got "hazed" like I did at this small hospital.

candlecat · Nov 18, 2009

I grad in May feel same way. I keep looking to move but also paying morgage here. Relief comes from knowing others are going through this too. Where do I fit in?

trixie333, ASN · Nov 18, 2009

What might work for you is a "float" position, even as a PRN-status, part-time employee. A long time ago, I was hired for a step-down unit, within weeks was asked to "float" to ICU to help out and willingly went. Next request, "float" to ER as staff had called in...Bingo, found 'my people'. My roommate at the time, was a dedicated M-S nurse, thought she would do it forever....'floated' to recovery and LOVED it.....years later, runs a same-day surgery unit....so, you never know what your niche will be till you go and explore....I took a travel job on med-surg, and 'floated' to 5 other units while at that hospital, every unit a little different. Had an ER travel job one summer, and met a young nurse who hired on as a PRN float (ER only one of the units she worked)....two years later, I was visiting that ER and she was happily on staff in the trauma room. Make a plan, talk to nurse recruiters, get some CERTS like ACLS and PALS and get going....lots of good experiences are waiting ....also, another story...very good nurse, good skills, popular w/ pts. and peers: she spent her 40 yr. career changing specialties every 5-7 yrs. (spent 7 yrs. w/ us in ER, then went to psych. for 5 yrs., AFTER doing mgmt. for 5 yrs.) She explained herself as easily bored, needing change in her life, loving to master a field and move on. She was older than me, but very young at heart: I really admired her and her point of view. Also, also....do you need to be really proficient at some Unknown discipline for self satisfaction (like be a doctor) or do you need to always have a respectable challenge in front of you? 2 different pathways: just getting an MD or NP after your name can leave you bored and needing a change in your life 8 yrs. down the road, as that work can be quite routine and lacking challenge as well, after you 'get the hang' of it. If you are a challenge-junkie, an advanced degree won't be enough of a goal by itself.....good luck...

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2009

I can relate to your post. While I loved many aspects of cardiac, I didn't feel like it was where I wanted to be for good. So I transferred. I'm still going through the "new guy" phase, including who the heavy hitters and power cliques are, policies and procedures, and just unit specific nursing skills in general. I don't feel like I've found my place; I'm still searching. But, I'm willing to give this a year or two and learn what I can, then reevaluate my game plan. It's not the end of the world; I have so much to learn and gain from, that it will be a worthwhile thing I'm doing.

So, rather than saying you don't fit in, why not look at it like you're still searching? Try something else, give it a chance, learn what you can. You may find yourself in a job you love and not be able to imagine doing anything else. Or, like me, you may find yourself in a phase of learning and growth, not knowing what the next step will be, but being okay with that for a time.

sunnycalifRN · Nov 18, 2009

The one thing about nursings is that there are a variety of areas of practice. Maybe you should consider ER or ICU; there are plenty of challenges in both of these areas.