I am a new grad RN, graduated in December, passed NCLEX in Feb 1st try 75 questions (so happy I did that I was a nervous wreck!) Started my job as an RN that week after the license came through I was already working as an intern. I thought oh night shift it won't be that bad, etc............ I WAS WRONG VERY VERY WRONG. I am married no kids though thankfully, my husband works day shift at his job. I barely see him on the nights I go in we meet up at a store or something and I see him for 10-15 min before I go in since by the time he would get home I would of already left for work, I cry every time I have to leave him and here lately I have been crying privately at work. I do better if I am with my husband all day prior to going in but that can't always happen if it is like today a Monday and he is at work and I am here waiting for 5pm crying so I can leave and go see him for 10 min before I go into work. I feel pathetic, my work environment has gotten worse we are almost always short sometimes leaving me with 6 or 7 patients which I can not adequately take care of ( I mean they are taken care of but I feel like I am constantly forgetting something or not providing the best care for), corporate is on our butts about freaking everything, I am currently applying for NP school since really the reason I came into the nursing profession was so I could obtain my FNP degree and work in a Dr office and have more one on one time with patients and of course have better hours sometimes. I have to give a shout out to all you floor nurses out there who do handle it and all you night shift nurses who handle it, you are better than me ! I have looked and looked for day shift jobs locally and to much search no such luck...... I didn't know if anyone here had any of the same problems I feel like I am the only one I just miss my husband so much when we are apart and I am sick of having tons of admits and not sure of what I am doing 100% (I think this is a new grad problem not being 100% confident) I need day shift I think and less patients. I have long time contemplated ICU step down I did an internship there and enjoyed it, but there aren't any day shift jobs or job period there right now. I keep telling myself it is temporary and I can do anything for a little bit, I just want in NP school so bad that is what I really want to do, I am going to continue working through school so I may have to do school part time or work part time depending.
Has anyone else had the problem of separation anxiety of leaving their husband/spouse ? Feeling overwhelmed? Also any tips for NP school would be much appreciated and/or schools that you recommend that are online/blended or strictly online I could do on campus as well but it would need to be in or near a state around me which would be east TN, NC, or VA I have a good GPA 3.66 (I think it is good anyways). I am at just such a loss this can not be normal to cry every night before work..... I am not sure if I can last beyond 6 months at this....... 6 months is what is pretty much required at my place of employment.
Thanks for dragging up this old thread, it was a great read! And I am glad that you were able to find your niche where you are content. Although, I have to admit it comes off as a "neener-neener" type of post, which just makes this thread that much more entertaining.
I haven't been on here in a while because it just made me so mad and negative again to read all the rude comments....I am sorry you are all people that seem to thrive off of telling someone how wrong they are, etc. Enjoy eating your young as most older more experienced nurses do.
This is not the only thread that you have overreacted and brought up NETY. Neither of your threads was even close to NETY. Every person that posted on each thread was being helpful and concerned for your well-being. The 2 big threads you started both were so outrageous, I have to wonder if you are just trolling. If not, then you really need to ditch the victim mentality.
Callie is not my sock puppet but she is really nice for the discussions I have had with her in private messages.
Callie can't utilize private messages as she only has 2 posts and 15 are required for the private message feature to be unlocked. Nice try though.
Again, congrats on your super happy and successful life and career. Us meany mcmeanersons will be here just waiting to eat you anytime you care to join us.
Saw this post as current then read through it. And I'm going to say wow to many posters. Usually I'm a suck it up buttercup person. But as a current night shifter, this life sucks. Just sucks.
Im tired all the time. I'm sick all the time. I miss my boyfriend. All the time. You know why? Because I never see him!! Those who have never done night shift, you don't get it.
I could possibly do it if I was still married to my ex. We didn't like each other. Now, I'm involved with my best friend. Still going strong after 5 years. And night shift sucks. I miss sleeping on his chest. I now sleep alone. I miss my kiddos. I'm constantly cranky and exhausted. It's hard to flip between days and nights. So hard. Y'all don't get that. I miss laying in bed and discussing our days together. That was our time.
It's not unhealthy to miss your best friend. I'm guessing the OP was younger at the time, thus, the crying. I'm actively looking for another position. It's too dang hard. I truly thought nights would be a breeze. I was wrong. Just congratulate the OP. She is just finding her happiness, as we all are.
Remember, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Thought that was a foundation of our country.
Hmmmm from April of 2015 to now, 2nd year already?
Sadly I'd believe it because a solid background as a competent RN is no longer required before the one pharm course that allows NPs to start diagnosing and prescribing medication.
I'm a new grad (as of 5/2023). I was researching separation anxiety in adults when I stumbled across your post. I've never related to anything more in my life. I have a history of diagnosed separation anxiety disorder. It started as a child with my mother and then carried into adulthood with my husband. Nursing school was fine, practicum was great! Loved it. But starting out as a new grad on nights, I cried before leaving him for my first 3 shifts, once crying during my shift. My husband has wrote me little notes to keep in my pocket and calls me before he goes to bed. No one understands if they haven't struggled with separation anxiety. To them, it's a childish thing that requires you to pull up your big girl pants and deal with it. It's a real disorder, just like anything else. It's such a isolating problem to have because you know people think your being ridiculous so you keep it to yourself. I'm am learning to cope with my feelings, and it has gotten better. I'm sure the stress of being a new grad RN is contributing a great deal to my separation anxiety. During stressful times, we all seek comfort and sometimes that is through a person. For me, it's my husband too. I'm curious, with this post originating in 2015, how you are doing now? As I am hopeful that with time, it will become easier and the feelings I have will dissipate. I'm so happy I stumbled across your post, as it comforts me to know I'm not the only one who has experienced this. -Kay
NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN
563 Posts
Thanks for dragging up this old thread, it was a great read! And I am glad that you were able to find your niche where you are content. Although, I have to admit it comes off as a "neener-neener" type of post, which just makes this thread that much more entertaining.
This is not the only thread that you have overreacted and brought up NETY. Neither of your threads was even close to NETY. Every person that posted on each thread was being helpful and concerned for your well-being. The 2 big threads you started both were so outrageous, I have to wonder if you are just trolling. If not, then you really need to ditch the victim mentality.
Callie can't utilize private messages as she only has 2 posts and 15 are required for the private message feature to be unlocked. Nice try though.
Again, congrats on your super happy and successful life and career. Us meany mcmeanersons will be here just waiting to eat you anytime you care to join us.