Is nursing really for me?

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Specializes in Pediatric Burn Care.

So, my hx is this:

I graduated in May 2010. Started working at a Pediatric Burn Specialty Hospital in September 2010. And quit there in January 2011... Due to my experience (or lack thereof) I did not get another job until recently.

This week will be my 3rd week working on the floor in a Pediatric IMU or CSC (Children's Specialty Unit) which are all names for a Pediatric step-down unit.

I'm just not feeling nursing anymore... I don't know if it's only because I am SO stressed out with all the struggles of being a new nurse, or maybe it's just the hospital setting, or maybe it's the specialties I have been trying... or something else. I stress at work, and then stress about work when I am home.

I just don't know what to do... I put so much time and hard-work into becoming an RN, it seems crazy to decide it's not for me now.

And something else about me - I hate failure and I also hate this stress...

How do I know if nursing just isn't for me?

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Maybe pediatric nursing just isn't for you.

Can you try a new specialty?

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Specializes in ER.

You're kinda short on experience, partner, to really call it not for you. (6 months or less if we exclude your preceptorship on some high acuity floors!)

IMHO, the first year is like your first year married. It sucks. I am giving nursing at least 3 years before I say good bye. Would advise the same to you.

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Specializes in NICU.

I experienced the same kind of feelings in the first 2 1/2 years I was a nurse. I was certain I picked the wrong profession and was ready to go back to college for a career as a teacher. I decided to try something completely different so I applied to ER and NICU. NICU offered me a job first so I accepted. In a short time I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be and did indeed pick the right career. It's now 14 years later and I am still at the same hospital in the same NICU and can't imagine doing anything different. I love being a NICU RN!

So only you can answer the question of whether or not nursing is really for you but I recommend you take some more time to try an area or areas you haven't worked yet, you never know!

I wish you the best!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

Those are some pretty heavy units to get your feet wet in. Especially Pediatric Burn.

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Specializes in Pediatric Burn Care.

It's not been so easy getting a job at all, much less one in the specialty I think might click for me... So, I took this opportunity in order to get experience and start learning...

I know I need to give it some time... I guess maybe I am only seeking some words of encouragement or support or something like that ...

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Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

Maybe you should go more general. Or maybe peds actually isn't your thing. All new nurses stress and wonder if they made the right decision. Hang out in the First Year or New Grad forums. There's lots of support there!

I will say this with confidence.....job hopping isn't going to help your situation. You need to give a position time before you decide it's not for you.

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Specializes in Pediatric Burn Care.

HeartNIC,

Thank you for sharing your story - really does help :)

I have been thinking that something in Women's Services or the NICU might be what clicks for me too, and tried everything I knew to get into the specialty.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You really pi9cked some tough areas to start out in. Why not try for something like a med surg job or a physical rehab floor.Nursing as a new grad is stressful enough without jumping in at the deep end.

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Specializes in SICU.

Working w/ sick kinds is very draining!

Maybe switch to Adults for a while.....

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Specializes in ICU, Public Health.

As a new grad I went to adult ICU. I was so stressed before, during, and after EVERY shift. I stuck it out for 1 1/2 years. My supervisor really wanted me to stay. She promised me I would have less anxiety with more experience. I ended up leaving for public health. It was so boring and believe it or not, I missed the ICU. I had absolutely no stress but wasn't getting the same satisfaction as in the hospital. I have been a stay at home mom now for 6 1/2 years so have no current skills, but I always think about going back. Crazy.

No advice, just wanted to share my story.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Have you thought about adult nursing? It could be that you aren't cut out for peds. I know that I tried working w/ peds once (I lasted 6 months). There's not enough $ to get me to go back there. I love my seasoned citizens.

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