I hate my new grad nurse residency program HELP

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Hello,

I graduated dec and got accepted into the new grad nurse residency program and I HATE MY JOB. I am on medsurg and I've always wanted to be in the ED, but they don't hire new grads through this program in the ED. I cry everyday before I go and when I get home and on my off days because I am that miserable. I signed a 2 year contract, but I CANNOT stay for that long. I've been there for 2 months and it isn't getting any better. My preceptor and I don't click and I feel as if I'm a burden to her when I ask questions.. I haven't made any friends on the unit and I am a very outgoing person. I moved to a new state to take this job and don't know anyone or have any friends here. I am struggling and would love some insight. I have always loved nursing throughout school and clinicals, but I feel as if I have chosen the wrong career path. How do I get out of this 2 year contract? Is it bad to break the contract? I don't care about paying back the money I would go into debt thats how miserable I am.

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, ER.

why do you "HATE" your job? besides you pointing out that you cry and don't get along too well with your preceptor (common thing), you don't point out why you dont like it.

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Sorry to hear you feel this way. I am also a fairly new grad 6 months into a new grad program, we also have a contract for 2 years with the hospital but the program is only 1 year. I would suggest you talk to the head of the program, in my program we meet once a month they may be able to change your preceptor or move you to another unit that maybe a better fit. How long until you are on our own without a preceptor? mine was 12 weeks with a preceptor and now that I am on my own I feel I can breathe!

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Hi,

You are going through A LOT of change right now between a new place to live and a new job, without any support systems. I think you should honestly give it at least a year. You will get more comfortable, you will make friends (try going out and meeting new people outside of work), and you may in the end end up loving your new place.

Do you have to stay in med-surg for two years, or just in that hospital? You may be able to switch to the ER in a year or so, if you are patient enough to give it time.

A lot of adjusting to do for you.

Annie

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Do something positive on your days off to meet new people. Volunteer. Church. Service club.

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

-#1 talk to your residency program director and ask for guidance on what you should do

-Take one shift at a time

-Find what your like about this new journey (you're now saving lives and helping to heal the sick, it's a big girl job, you beat out other new grads for the position, is your unit welcoming? there's at least ONE thing you must like about this job)

-If there are other new grads in your co-hort, try befriending them. I came out with a handful of buddies form my new grad residency and occasionally we go out for food/drinks

-Take suggestions and criticism with grace. You're new and are starting from scratch. Experienced staff are full of knowledge and they're only helping to better you as a nurse. You can take at least one thing away from every interaction/experience

-Stick the year out in med surg (if you're allowed to switch units after a year, try applying for the ED if positions are open). Consistency and commitment looks good on a resume and benefits your future job seeking.

-Find your support system (mom? sibling? friend? You'll need someone who you can rant to without them rolling their eyes or putting you down during year 1)

-Find ME TIME. Hang with friends, take a mini vaca, travel. This job is very stressful and without an outlet you will get burned out quick

I worked in the ED as a tech and was hired as an RN when I graduated. Did a year long residency program. I'm a year into nursing. It's been full of very hard work, learning, growth, and achievements. The beginning is rough because you're learning to sail but with time, you'll get and feel better. I love the ED- can't see myself working in any other unit but let me tell you I am feeling the first year burn out. Or maybe it's just the ED? Or just nursing? I started my RN-BSN full time right after orientation and working FT night shift...it'll take a toll on you. BUT I took about 3 trips during that year to decompress and found that was the key for me. Traveling is my outlet and gave me a chance to refresh before going back to work. I also love hanging with my pets. Find something unrelated to work/nursing and you'll find that will help immensely- explore your new city!

My ED is not built for the volume we see and some shifts are horrible but I know the next shift is a new day and I'll get through it like I got through the other nights where I wanted to pull my hair out. I love my team. My unit has been amazing at teaching and embracing the new grads/new staff. The beginning did not come without hardships- there will be people who test you- but remember why you started nursing. You survived nursing school. Hold on to that.

Good luck.

Hang in there.

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

I'm reading this now btw,

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/be-healthy-10-1151342.html

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I suggest you do some of the things suggested in the above posts -- like doing positive things on your day off to help you make friends in your new community, etc. Find someone to talk to who is familiar with the hospital and the program to get some practical insight into what your options are (transferring to a new unit? etc.)

But it sounds to me like you may have made a poor decision about moving to a new community where you don't know anyone and don't have anyone close by to support you ... to take a job you really didn't want (med/surg instead of ED). You also committed yourself for 2 years to that job you didn't really want. That's a tough position to be in and not the right choice for most people. Most new grads need some friends/family to help them get through the normally difficult transition from student to staff nurse. If that is the case -- and you really are one of those people who needs to be close to family and friends to be happy -- and your mental health really isn't stable enough to handle the stress without support close by -- or if there is really something wrong with this hospital/job (which you haven't told us) ... then leave. Pay the price of breaking your contract and learn from your mistake. Learn not to sign a contract and make such a big commitment to a job unless you are sure it is right for you.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Neuroscience.

It takes a year. You have to prove yourself, you're going to be burden, and when another fresh RN starts, remember that. Treat them the way you would've wanted to be treated.

Stick with it for a year. Spoken from experience.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Is it actually a binding contract? When I was a new grad, the offer letter said something to the tune of "because of the time and effort requiring to train a new grad, we are requesting a 2 year commitment" but it wasn't a contract.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

You're a brand new nurse, on a brand new floor, in a brand new state; don't be so hard on yourself. I didn't click with my preceptor but I sucked it up & finished orientation with her. She taught me a lot! It's okay if you aren't best friends with everyone at work, personally I like it that way. Do something you like outside of work & make friends that way. For example go to a certain exercise group, dog meet up or music fan meet up. I would also suggest meeting with a therapist & psychiatrist. Good luck!

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Specializes in Varied.

As previous posters have asked, what specifically don't you like? I would stay and learn more. Maybe you can request a different preceptor? When will you be on your own?

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