Published Oct 22, 2007
les70808
9 Posts
I have been working on a med-surg unit for less
joprasklpn
95 Posts
don't give up yet. There are so many options out there. How about working for an agency that handles pediatric patients. You would have one patient to care for and be a little less stressed out.
Adham Ahmed
42 Posts
Ok,
you can try to work in the operating rooms in which no direct communication between you and families.
There in the operating rooms you will find cooperation between the working health team and you.
good luck
Altra, BSN, RN
6,255 Posts
Some thoughts ...
1. Less than 1 year into it, you are not yet the nurse you're going to be. I've heard it said a thousand times and I truly believe: it takes 2-3 years to really hit your stride and feel comfortable with whatever comes your way.
2. What is the culture of your unit like? Is there a mix of friendliness, professionalism and teamwork that suits your particular style?
3. Try to identify specifically what you dislike the most -- procedures/treatments that are specific to your patient population? Dealing with families? Certain coworkers?
4. Be sure to give yourself permission to find certain patients/families obnoxious. I'm not saying to be unprofessional, but 30 seconds of venting to coworkers "ya know ... the mother of Room 12007B is just freaking crazy!" and feeling validated when your coworkers nod their heads in agreement can go a long way toward making it easier to go back into that room when you need to. It's OK to not "feel good" about "helping" each & every person. With some people, you'll just do what ya gotta do, period. And that's OK.
5. Yes, there are areas that involve less patient contact: case management, insurance/workers comp utilization/review, clinical research, etc.
Hope this helps ... good luck to you. :)
HealthyRN
541 Posts
First, take a deep breath and try to relax! Is there any way that you could take a week or two off from work? Use some of your vacation or sick days? It sounds like you really need a break and sometimes this can do wonders.
The first year out from school is very challenging. This is where you realize that the reality of nursing may not meet your expectations of what you thought it would be. Part of the adjustment period involves changing your expectations to something a bit more realistic. Many of us go into nursing wanting to change the world and help everyone solve their problems. A noble idea, but it will create a lot of stress until you start to accept that you are just one person. Don't be afraid to reach out to others for help.
What exactly to you hate about your job? Unless you feel that your license is in jeopardy, I would stick it out for at least a year. This will open so many other opportunities. I know that it feels like it will never end, but you are more than halfway there. Once you complete year in med-surg, you can go on to other areas of nursing. It seems unfair that you base the fact that you "hate nursing" on just one job that you've had. It could be the unit, the shift that you work, the hospital, or the speciality that you don't like. There are so many other types of nursing work out there. But the majority do require a year or two of acute care, so just hang in there!
mikethern
358 Posts
Ok, you can try to work in the operating rooms in which no direct communication between you and families. There in the operating rooms you will find cooperation between the working health team and you.good luck
O.R. nurses still see the family for about 5 minutes when checking in the patient. Operating room staff can be a real pain in the butt sometimes.
meimeiy
23 Posts
I have been working on a med-surg unit for less I'm very glad that someone posted this. At my job, we have a pt that is end of life, and I'm happy that her family are always there for her. The thing is, I always feel being attacked by them. When I ask them, Is there anything I can help you with? Or get you? I get a cold response, "No" and nobody looks at me. One night, I asked one of the daughter if she needed a blanket cause she was sleeping over, she was annoyed at me for asking her and doesn't even give a response. When I take a BP, the family are behind me, I could feel them breathing down my neck. It's very uncomfortable. Their attitudes make me feel, sorry that I asked, sorry that I actually care. A couple of the family members are nurses and they are the ones who are giving off this attitude. I tried to offer care, and let them know if they need anything, I am there and there is nothing more I can do. I feel bad for thinking why are they so impolite to the staff, it's not about us. But, in a way, your feedback makes it okay to feel.thanks
I'm very glad that someone posted this. At my job, we have a pt that is end of life, and I'm happy that her family are always there for her. The thing is, I always feel being attacked by them. When I ask them, Is there anything I can help you with? Or get you? I get a cold response, "No" and nobody looks at me. One night, I asked one of the daughter if she needed a blanket cause she was sleeping over, she was annoyed at me for asking her and doesn't even give a response. When I take a BP, the family are behind me, I could feel them breathing down my neck. It's very uncomfortable.
Their attitudes make me feel, sorry that I asked, sorry that I actually care. A couple of the family members are nurses and they are the ones who are giving off this attitude. I tried to offer care, and let them know if they need anything, I am there and there is nothing more I can do.
I feel bad for thinking why are they so impolite to the staff, it's not about us. But, in a way, your feedback makes it okay to feel.
thanks
JadeOpel
11 Posts
:redpinkheLike the previous response, don't give up. Your trouble may be you just haven't found the right area of nursing for you. I come from a family of nurses and they all say you must find the area that best works for your personality. Go online and look for some nursing agencies in your area thay may be able to give you some options.:w00t:
nurseinlimbo
262 Posts
You sound like you are burnt out, overwhelmed and in need of some TLC. First year is hard, you feel like you didn't learn nearly enough in school, staff expect that you will hit the ground running, and everyone thinks you are there to save them from all the OT they have been working. You can't do it all.
And to the one who suggested the OR, I thought so too, until I went there for 6 months on a bursary and found the most miserable, backstabbing, coniving, set-you-up-to-fail environment I have ever been in. Takes a really thick skin to work there.... not a solution if you ask me.
Southern Belle RN
21 Posts
I have been working on a med-surg unit for less :angryfire Hi Les!! I too hate nursing. I went into it for all the right reasons or at least I thought I did... I have been an RN for 4 yrs & I have tried all different types of nursing but have never really liked any of them. I am now making 15 $ an hr at a physicians office with no benefits....I really am envious of the nurses who can actually function in the field. Not much of a nursing shortage in my area either due to too many RN & LPN programs. Most everyone here is either a teacher or nurse.Belle
:angryfire Hi Les!! I too hate nursing. I went into it for all the right reasons or at least I thought I did... I have been an RN for 4 yrs & I have tried all different types of nursing but have never really liked any of them. I am now making 15 $ an hr at a physicians office with no benefits....I really am envious of the nurses who can actually function in the field. Not much of a nursing shortage in my area either due to too many RN & LPN programs. Most everyone here is either a teacher or nurse.
Belle
rn-jane
417 Posts
My first year i think i cried almost every day, i really thought "what the heck was i thinking." Please realize i was a former woman marine before i went to nursing school and marines don't cry. My unit was not very nuturing and it seemed like no matter what i did it was not good enough. It took about 4 years for me to feel like i was a good nurse and to feel comfortable in my job. Maybe think about switching to another unit, one that might help you find your niche. Sometimes families are caught up into their loved ones problems so don't take it to heart. Keep smiling, believe me if they want your help they will ask for it.
oneLoneNurse
613 Posts
Soooo many options. Don't give up on it.
Med-surg is not for every one.