I need some advice please!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2014

I don't know what to do. Should I stay or should I go?

As much as you don't like the job, try to stick it out for a year. You will not be very marketable without at least a year of paid nursing experience on your resume. Many people before you had to take nursing jobs that they disliked to use as a stepping stone to greater things.

Good luck to you!

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Nov 9, 2014

i agree whole heartedly with THE COMMUTER

bubblemania · Nov 9, 2014

Thanks guys for the comments and advice!! I really appreciate it!

I just feel like I'm not good enough. I always get anxious before I go to my shift. Is it just me or it's like this for everyone else? I don't know what else to do in order for me to be motivated.

How long is it normally to adjust in a new workplace??

Pandapack · Nov 23, 2014

Hi Bubblemania, I think I can appreciate how you feel. I too have just begun a new job (3 months) and am a new LPN, just graduated in the past year. I just saw your word "anxiety" in your post and "I'm not good enough". I think I can relate. I also have these same feelings. I spoke with really nice nurse who has 7 years behind her and another one who has 10 years behind him. Both of them said it was "normal" to feel this anxiety in a new job your first time out. I also asked if they could remember how long it took before it went away and how comfortable I would feel at my job. They both said about a year before you would feel like a "seasoned" nurse.

I work at an assisted living facility and I was constantly worried about who was going to fall on my shift and how I was going to handle it, not to mention giving the right drug to the correct patient!

But, over time (3 months now) the anxiety lessened I can assure you and even though I still want to go home and I don't want to go, I don't have anxiety while I am there! It does get better! Just keep going and showing up. Put in your year as someone also suggested.

There is a video on YouTube by Carolyn Porter Thomas (rnurse.com) on all this anxiety and being a new nurse, actually she has many, she talks about it also being normal. She also talks about showing that you have confidence on the job even when you feel like you don't. This is important! Just hang in there! :)

mcruz · Nov 23, 2014

I believe your situation is normal. Being new to anything is frustrating. My advise to any new nurses, is before you apply for the position, ask if you can have one day to shadow before you accept the offer. Especially in the nursing field, there are so many possibilities. LVN/LPN can go to so many branches of the healthcare industry. I worked with alot of fantastic nurses who said, "when you get your license, ask me for a day of shadowing." They worked for hospice agencies, hospitals, private practices, home health, one-on-one's and clinics. If you begrudge the job you are hired for, assess yourself. Is it because you do not like the duties assigned, the clients, the management? If like some facilities you are a floater, then perhaps the reason you are anxious if because you keep having to adjust. That is the norm in facilities. In that case, toughing it out WILL be the solution until you get to a position where you are no longer a floater.

nursefromcali · Nov 25, 2014

I know it's overwhelming, but try to think of it. Tons of nurses is looking for a job right now. I can say you're lucky because you have a job. And infact you're a licensed nurse now, you should expect that our job is not easy. I'm pretty sure you can do it. If you finish you nursing nursing school and passed the boards. Working as a nurse is just application to what you learn. Just take it slow. And be positive :)

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Nov 26, 2014

narsmaki said it best, give yourself credit for what you have accomplished.

I promise it will get better with time.

lakencassady · Nov 29, 2014

I have worked in LTC for 3 months as a new LPN, and I feel the same way. I feel dumb and incompetent. I also feel like all I do is pop pills, and so far I am not liking LTC! It is really making me rethink my decision in becoming a nurse in the first place

Pandapack · Nov 29, 2014

Thanks Bubblemania for your PM, (You will do great!) sorry I can't reply to you via PM, I'm too "new" to allnurses also! :)

Nikki0727 · Dec 1, 2014

I feel the same way! I work in a home and we only have 6 residents or nurse but I fee dumb. Me "assessing" them for my own notes...getting lung sounds and not hearing what others hear

Mainergal2000 · Dec 1, 2014

I start tomorrow as a new nurse too. I have been reading this book that is called "Your first year as a nurse" it's a good read. Everyone feels overwhelmed as a brand new nurse. You don't learn everything in school that you need to know for the job. The author says that as a new nurse, the feelings that you are having, is normal. As days go by, the feeling will go away. I am holding her too it! Lol. I am nervous as check, I start orientation tomorrow, my first job as a nurse. The hiring nurse knows that I am a new nurse, and seemed very supportive. Good luck, all will be well!