I am a new nurse and I am hating my job

Libby1987 · Jan 9, 2016

Generally speaking, the first 3-6 mos is essentially like boot camp and the better prepared you are to accept and plan for the physical and mental effort the better. Really all you should plan for on your time off is recovery, re focus and prepare for the next round.

Eat and sleep like a champion in training and study in anticipation of what you're going to be dealing with. Mental health support as needed.

Pare down everything in your personal life as well as your expectations. Plan for it to be rough.

This is an investment in your future, survive and gain competency and your career options will open up.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jan 9, 2016

Night shift is tough. The first year of nursing is tough. Both together is the perfect storm. And a giant suckfest.

Breathe and get a grip for a moment. Do what you can to organize yourself so that every hour you know what it is you have to do. Paper brains are awesome! Chart as you go. Do not leave it until the end of the shift. Use your resources. If you are feeling overwhelmed say something to charge.

Yes, med surg is not for everyone. But the best way to get all of the clinical competencies down that you can use in your future in nursing. So learn every little thing you can. It will only benefit your practice going forward.

When you get home eat, relax, and go to bed. Blackout curtains/noise machines. If you have friends who are early risers, go to breakfast with them after work. If you get to bed at 10 get up at 6, go have a lite bite with a friend before work. You could be no stranger to hitting the club at 11pm until 2am on your nights off, as this is typically your awake time. TURN OFF your phone when you go to bed. Let your friends text and you can return the texts when you get up.

Two years may seem like forever, but it will build a good foundation going forward.

Best wishes!

loriangel14, RN · Jan 9, 2016

Deep breath. You are a new grad and you are feeling overwhelmed. This is normal and it will get better. Do you have a mentor or someone experienced you can talk to? That feeling of just barely keeping your head above water will pass. Good luck and hang in there.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jan 9, 2016

Take energy bars and eat one every few hours. You need to make time to nourish yourself.

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 9, 2016

I don't know, it doesn't get too much better. Especially, with that ratio.

What happens if you break the contract? Can you transfer within the hospital? They probably have the contract because they can't retain staff without it.

So, so sorry your going through this. I've been getting tortured on a unit like this for five years. It's no fun. Try to get out.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2016

Make plans to manage your stress or it will manage you. Eat and drink at work even if you only have time for an energy bar and swig of water, it will help you to think more clearly and feel less stressed. Do one thing everyday that makes you smile, talk to a friend, watch a comedy,read a humerous book, laughter is a good antidote to stress.

Everline · Jan 10, 2016

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

I'm sorry you are going through this. People will tell you to hang in there and that this will give you a great foundation. However, only you can decide if it's worth it or not. Find out when and if you can transfer within your hospital to another unit. Perhaps there is a unit that is less stressful. Also, keep your eyes open for other opportunities. Don't allow yourself to get demoralized and fall into "learned helplessness". (Not easy, I know). I've been there but without the contract. I feel for you and what you are going through and hope you can work it out somehow. Take care of yourself.

Emergent, RN · Jan 10, 2016

It sound like you are paying your dues. It sucks. Finish your year and move on. Many of us started out in the trenches.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2016

While all new nurses go through a transition period, the acuity and patient ratios continue to increase. Six years ago, it was common to have 5 patients on days. Now that ratio is 7 on average. The expectations are unreasonable on most units these days.

OP, stick it out for at least one year, and then re-assess. As you become more comfortable, your workload will be easier to manage.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2016

@prubio does your employer have an employee assistance program? If so, consider using it, they can help with stress management strategies and are confidential.

ProgressiveActivist, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

I hate med surg swore I would never do it again but I do get pulled to work there once a year and it still sucks.

1. Stop doing CNA work. Inform your patients to ask for the CNA by name for food drinks and help with the bedpan, bathing and toileting.

2. Tell the pt to call you for meds IV issues or if they dont feel good.

3. Do your assessment when you give meds. It's ok to give that HS lipitor or protonix early if that's all they get.

4. Stay on top of pain and anxiety meds.

5. Stop socializing with visitors and pts. Get in and get out.

6. Assessments done by 8.

7. Charting done by 9.

8. Meds done by 10.

9. Chart check done by 11.

10. Take your break. Leave your phone with your relief.

11. Lab techs/ CNAs should draw labs, do fingersticks and EKGs. Use your resources. That charge nurse can do the admission.

12. Turn pts on the even hours.