I am told it gets better...

itsinmy<3 · Jun 25, 2011

im sure it gets better with time!

Biffbradford · Jun 25, 2011

Not knowing a thing about you or where you work ... I doubt it's much better somewhere else. Maybe different problems, but not much better.

One day at a time. I've posted this before. My first month I wanted to quit every day. At 6 months I wanted to quit every week. Once a month at one year, and by 5 years I was pretty content. By 8 years I didn't care about much - 'When's lunch?' and by year 10 ... "GET ME OUT OF HERE!" Year 12 I finally did.

"I love my job. I love my job ... "

demylenated, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2011

You will get into a routine. That takes time... Once you get that down, you will be flabbergasted at how much quicker and better your day gets. Stick with it. Start writing things that work and things that don't. Just because another nurse does something one way, does NOT mean that is the right way for you. Figure out what works for you... that takes time... not 2 days :)

isthatso? · Jun 25, 2011

Hi Jewl. I am also a new RN and so I feel your pain. One day I feel confident and the next day I stand humbled. Everybody tells me that I will get better with time. Like you, every imperfection gets to me.There are some days when I just want to break down and cry. I always ask for help from my co-workers. The work culture in my hospital is very good. They help me a lot and give great suggestions. Maybe asking help from one of your co-workers or the charge nurse will help. This works for me and maybe it will work for you too. :cool:

montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN · Jun 25, 2011

Be thankful that you have a hospital job. It may never be easy work and many times be total chaos, but it will get easier for you to accept the responsibilities as you gain more experience. You will eventually feel more comfortable and be able to adapt to these stressful situations (most of the time anyway). Just keep hanging in there & good luck!

elprup, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2011

I guess one would say "be grateful for any job that is giving you the chance to learn, grow and gain experience in an acute care setting".

Sad that this is all I have noticed as well, and my situation is not getting better. It may be make to school for me. Sorry, I am pretty jaded with the whole nursing situation right now.

Freedomsong, NP · Jun 25, 2011

Hi Jewl, I completely understand as I am a new RN too. I'm on week 5 and had an awful day. I Pray things get better for us on this journey.

4_Sq · Jun 25, 2011

Pretty soon it will be as easy as setting the table!!

Hang in there you youngsters!!! Nursing can be a wonderful career!!! :nurse:

(Older, but not wiser)

sj73201, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2011

i, too am very upset at the current nursing situation...i also get ****** when ppl tell you to be grateful that you have a job in this economy instead of acknowledging that you are having a hard time & need those encouraging words. i'm pretty sure you're grateful for the position you've worked so hard for.

4_Sq · Jun 25, 2011

I am grateful for my job, and as I have marched along at it for some time now, I find myself realizing how hard it is for the new grads just starting out.

#1 the patient acuity is much greater than I was a new grad

#2 the staffing levels are much poorer than when I started out

#3 it is easier to sink than swim sometimes as it seems that the "old nurses do eat their young"

The first night shift I worked as a new RN the staff member orientating me was sick.. I was it, with a really great LPN working with me. She guided me through the shift.

I called the night supervisor & told her that "I quit" I couldn't even read the Doctors orders let alone process them (this was not my training hospital) The supervisor came & interpreted the writing for me!!

It was a med surg ward, and somehow I made it through that first night.. thinking I wouldn't go back if I didn't want to helped me through it...

I happily work in the OR now, and think this is a great place to be, it is one area where you still have all of the necessary staff & support staff to get the job done!

Think about it!! :heartbeat Try it.. you might like it!!

dshadbolt · Jun 25, 2011

i, too am very upset at the current nursing situation...i also get ****** when ppl tell you to be grateful that you have a job in this economy instead of acknowledging that you are having a hard time & need those encouraging words. i'm pretty sure you're grateful for the position you've worked so hard for.

They mean no harm by it. You can look around AN and see countless threads where people are still looking for a job after graduating 6+months ago. I imagine those nurses would give anything to just have a bad day at work, because at least they have a job. That is why you should be a little grateful you got the chance to get a job and start wondering your way into the world of nursing.

@OP I'm not a nurse yet, but I know what you are going through thanks to my mom. When she started at the hospital, she would constantly have bad days one after another. There is nothing you can do about it. She learned quickly that you can't let everything get to you. You have to roll with the punches and go with the motion of the ocean. If it helps, just take a second when you get frustrated and take a deep breathe. You could also write things down that way you can help keep track of things. Somethings can't be avoided such as the computer issues. During those times just remember the nurses before you and how they did it. Also just remember why you became a nurse and how you are helping people. That should help bring you up and over thing you come across.