I just need to vent :-(

[RN520]

Sigh. I used to like going in to work. I'm 4 months into my 1st job and the honeymoon is over. I get along well with older adults and thought LTC and med-surg would be good places to start (I'm a per diem float RN). Now I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get just the basics done, let alone follow up on a fax from a dr or even chart! Of course, that would involve sitting down, which I seldom do (not a surprise, but still...) The LTC unit is getting ready for the annual state visit, so the mgr is trying to whip the unit into shape. I get that, and of course it's important to do our very best, follow policy, and keep the residents safe. It's creating a tense environment which I'm having a hard time insulating myself from. I seem to just absorb it all. Now I have end-of-the-month paperwork to do along with everything else, and all I can say is that I'm glad I'm on night shift for that. At least it's quiet. Is it too much to ask to not have a nervous stomach every time I head in to work? I used to feel a sense of loyalty to this job, but not anymore. I'm glad I didn't sign a contract, because if I got a FT job with benefits today, I'd have no problem giving my 2 weeks' notice. I'm reading through Donna Cardillo's book "Your First Year as a Nurse" and it's helping some.

I could just use an "atta girl, it'll be okay". And probably a walk every day wouldn't hurt, either. I'll try to fit that in. Hope everyone has a good day, wherever you are.

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

This is perfectly normal. As you mentioned, the "honeymoon is over". That compounded with the added stress of the facility getting ready for the state, it is completely understandable that you are a little stressed. You will do fine. The one thing that gets me is how facilities freak out with state visits...if they did everything by the book everyday there would be no need for this added stress, but in the real world, people get lazy and complacent. Once the visit is over, you will find everything will slowly fall back in place.

You'll probably be OK but you should practice keeping perspective on the external factors that are beyond your control.

You can only do what you can do and if you leave your patients/residents in as good of condition as you found them, and at least done some basic charting, the rest really isn't all that significant.

Don't let it make you crazy.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Somedays our jobs just stink.....I just cherish the days that it doesn't.....((HUGS))

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

You probably learned about this in nursing school: it's called "reality shock." The rose colored glasses come off and the reality of real-world nursing sets in. It happens to almost all of us to some degree. It does get better--hang in there!

I have to admit, I never minded when state or joint came in at my old job--it was the one time that we were sufficiently staffed! That's no longer a problem at my current jobs because of ratios, but still...

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Most things in life are just like this. It makes change more bearable. We tend to idealize our goals because that is how we justify expending so much danged effort!! If we 'knew in advance' that the job would be not so exciting or fulfilling... would we even want it in the first place? But once the new wears off, we can usually find other positive attributes that we didn't even know about at first. Things like wonderful co-workers, the feelings associated with making a difference in patients' lives, opportunities for career growth, etc. Hang in there, your career is a journey not a destination.

[GonnaBSN]

Chin up!

[RN520]

Thanks, guys. I made it through the rest of my week and now I'm enjoying a few days off before I go back for 4 nights in a row. After working 4 day shifts in a row, I swore I'd never do it again. Oops. I agreed to the Sunday night first, and then agreed to fill in for the FT night LPN who wants a week's worth of PTO time and forgot about the Sunday. Oh well. I'll have some overtime on the paycheck, which will make up for it. Plus, I know the CNA crew I will have is awesome. Every day I'm learning more about what I need to keep my batteries charged up. Even though I'm "just" a per diem RN, I somehow think that I'm supposed to take every single shift that's offered to me. What??? I made a new rule for myself: no more than 3 shifts in a row, no matter what. Also, I need more than 24 hours to recover from nights before switching to days. Anyway.....back to recharging those batteries, and I really appreciate all your support!