It's not you it's me

Akeos · Jul 25, 2012

I ment to add that I really do like the families I work for. I just can't stand doing nothing all night

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2012

I would see if perhaps they have a day shift where you may find more hands-on experience. I wouldn't leave until you have another job lined up. Also do a professional letter of resignation.

Good Morning, Gil · Jul 27, 2012

Hmm lol. Do you know that there are more challenging cases available? You should probably know this prior to asking; otherwise, they're going to know that you'll look elsewhere, and you don't want your job in jeopardy.

If you discover that there are not more challenging cases, then venture into another area of nursing where you're doing more nursing work. Trust me...there's a nurse out there somewhere who is looking forward to glorified babysitting for a change lol. The home health nurse I shadowed did a lot of nursing when I was with her (it was daylight, though). Are you on private duty?

nursemartin00 · Jul 28, 2012

I am a night shift home care LPN as well. I can definitely relate to your post. My company has no other open hours at this time so its hard not to feel trapped. Its not uncommon for nurses to switch cases out of boredom or choice and my company is fine with it if their are open cases. It never hurts to ask if this is the case. Its difficult not to feel as though we are a babysitter but remember when things go wrong, its all on you.

Ive always been told use your skills or lose your skills... Maybe its time to start looking elsewhere for a more challenging position. Good Luck!

OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2012

I simply resigned. I tried peds HH and while the children were absoutely adorable I felt like a baby sitter. One kid was really spolied and through temper tandrums every day, I could not handle it. I chose to do something where I'd use more skill. Plus, it was so tempting to fall asleep watching cartoons. Definitely, would not do it again, was miserable. Well, if I had no other option, I suppose I would.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2012

i'm assuming you're on nights for some reason-- why not work nights at a hospital or snf/ltc with peds cases (if you want to continue c peds)?

Akeos · Jul 29, 2012

I've been trying to get a job somewhere else since i started 2 years ago! I don't know whats wrong with me or my resume but I can not seem to get hired at a hospital or even a clinic. I'm so discouraged. At lease this year I've gotten a couple interviews, but I haven't been chosen for the positions. I know it's a tough, competitive job market, but I'm really losing hope that I'll ever be able to find a job outside of home health. I've gotten good feedback from my interviews, one said I wasn't "bubbly" enough compared to the person they chose. Sorry I'm a quiet person, and don't have a super "bubbly" personality, but that doesn't mean I'm not a good nurse. when I think of a Bubbly person I think of a teenage girl that won't shut up and that's super annoying, not many nurses i've met act like that at all. I just don't know what more I can do to be considered a good candidate for a job.

Good Morning, Gil · Aug 5, 2012

If they said you're not "bubbly enough," then just make sure you make a point to smile more during your interviews, be engaging. They want to make sure you'll be friendly with patients/family members, smile, etc, and be a "bright new face" for the unit. Many units could use some "fresh faces" to help with morale, so that's probably what they were looking for. Obviously, skills/competency are more important, but they want both.

Just because you're quiet doesn't mean you can't bring anything to the table, but they want to make sure you'll engage with patients/family members. I don't think they're looking for a bubbly teenager lol, and yes, I've never met a nurse act like that either. But, some nurses are unhappy, cynical, and if that was a problem on the unit you were applying for, they wanted some "fresh faces" that would add some cheer to the workplace.

Best of luck to you!