maybe nursing is not for me

BroomQueen · Apr 15, 2011

Have you tried seeing what other fields are available to you? There's so much an RN can do. What is it about LTC that is overwhelming? Are you a floor nurse or in a mgnt position? Maybe that particular place you're working just isn't for you? I wouldn't give up quite yet, like I said there is SO much an RN can do. Look n the paper, ask friends, see what other jobs are out there and see if any of them seem interesting. Good luck :)

deftonez188 · Apr 15, 2011

It IS hard, but as you come to believe in yourself more and gain some more know how, you may feel better about your situation. If not, then by all means seek another area, or even a new career! Nothing wrong with that, it's always good to have a backup.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 15, 2011

Confidence will grow with time, but statistics show that the MAJORITY of nurses quit their first job within 2 years. This suggests that we think the grass is greener elsewhere. I also believe we have little knowledge of the real nursing world and accept jobs without understanding whether or not it is a good fit. My recommendation is either stick it out and ask for input from co-workers, or go elsewhere. Consider school nurse, MD office, hospital, ---- all sorts of things out there.

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · Apr 15, 2011

i am 23 years old & i ma a new nurse, ive been working for 6 months & i must say that i am very much overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that a nurse holds. on the other hand, im thinking maybe ill get used to this, or maybe this isnt the right field of nursing for me (long term care).. i dont know.. sometimes, i dread going to work.. i just need to vent,,,

I am an LPN, I work LTC and have since I graduated in 2005. I will tell you that Nursing in a LTC facility is overwhelming. You are in charge of the health and well being of anywhere from 20 to 50 patients (depending on the shift). You may or may not have a Treatment Nurse (if you don't then you add treatments to the long list of duties you have to accomplish in your 8 hr shift), if your really lucky you have a clerk to answer phones. LTC Nursing is not for the faint hearted (not saying you are), I was told it takes 5 years to become comfortable with our profession, I found this to be true. At 6 months you barely have your toes in the water, if you choose to stick it out your training will continue everyday. In time you will look back and be amazed at how you breeze thru a day that would have freaked you out at 6 months. More Nurses leave LTC in thier 1st year due to the overwhelming responsibility placed on them. For this reason you will notice that the turn-over for most LTC is extreemly high.

You have the option of finding another field to work in, my options are limited. For me it was stick it out or throw away my licence. Let me just say this; We need RN's in LTC, you are the ones that management listen to, you are the ones the Dr's look to. If you can find a way to stay, you just might be the one person who can make life better for the patients. Yes it is baptism by fire, but, from the ashes come the Pheniox. Your LPN's will help you, ask them questions, listen to thier answers, many have been doing this work for decades and can teach you the "tricks" of the trade to help you pick up faster. (if they act like your bothering them just remind them you are new and that you recognise they have something you need to learn, and you appreciate them sharing thier knowledge to benefit the patients) Just remember, even if you decide that LTC Nursing is not for you, you make a difference in the lives of every person you touch and they need you even if they don't realize they do. Good Luck in your decision, I know you will make the right one for you!

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 15, 2011

Hi,

The first year is nursing is the most challenging. Hang in there.. you owe that much to yourself.

I wish you all the best!

Diane, RN

Lily631 · Apr 15, 2011

For a new nurse, the job is particularly overwhelming. I just passed my one year mark, so I can assure you that the transition from six months to one year will bring about a significant difference in your time management, clinical skills, and overall confidence. You are at a precarious point in your career right now. You've gained a large amount of knowledge (in a small amount of time) and have been expected to take on the responsibilities of a full-fledged nurse, yet you may not feel like one yet. In this vein, I do believe that a little more time and trudging through will bring about some big changes for you.

However, you also need to ask yourself if your support network at your current position is working for you. Are there other nurses around that can lend a helping hand when you're feeling stressed? And if so, are you asking questions and requesting assistance when you need it? I was probably the most overwhelmed at around six months, but my co-workers were always there to pull me through to the end of the shift and beyond.

Maybe LTC isn't for you. Or maybe it's just this particular LTC facility. But please, don't jump to the conclusion that you aren't cut out for nursing. There are so many areas of nursing to explore and you've literally only just begun.

I would suggest seeing it through at your current facility for a few more months. Get a little more experience. I just wouldn't want you to confuse normal first year anxieties and frustrations with a feeling that you can't continue nursing and/or LTC.

Nuke'sGirl · Apr 15, 2011

I am a new RN grad and working in a LTC. And it is CRAZY HARD!!! But with each passing day I learn more and get more comfortable with my responsibilities. It is a lot to take on and if I could I would definitely choose a hospital. But Ive been told that a hospital isn't easier than a LTC. I just think as new grads it's going to be difficult because we are beginning a new chapter in out careers. I am 24 and my status up until last May has been "Student" Stick it out a little longer. You worked too hard to give up so soon! Good luck to you

Brea LPN · Apr 15, 2011

When you walk into the door for your shift in LTC, you never know what you're going to get. You may have a calm night where nothing happens, or you may have 2 falls, a new admit, and a transfer to the hospital. LTC can be overwhelming for even seasoned nurses.

Upgrading_Status, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 15, 2011

I am also a new grad with 6 months on the job. Some nights I feel this isn't the right path for me but then I realize it's probably the environment I'm working in. I'm not asking you to hold my hand but I am asking that when you see me drowning don't ask me when your clocking out if I need help. I try to make each night a learning experience so that in another 6 months (God willing) I can feel as if I am making a difference here.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Apr 15, 2011

i am 23 years old & i ma a new nurse, ive been working for 6 months & i must say that i am very much overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that a nurse holds. on the other hand, im thinking maybe ill get used to this, or maybe this isnt the right field of nursing for me (long term care).. i dont know.. sometimes, i dread going to work.. i just need to vent,,,

being overwhelmed and unsure you're in the right field seems to be a normal part of the first year of nursing. i cried all the way to work every day for the first year. eventually, something "clicked" and i've enjoyed most of my last 34 years or so, but that first year was awful! this too shall pass!

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2011

Get out while you can. Apply for any other job apart from nursing.

I am starting a campaign now to let people know what nursing is REALLY like.

People are mean, spiteful, nasty, hating, obnoxious, rude, arrogant and untrustworthy - and that's just the family members!

The doctors think we are all idiots - nursing? Who would want to go into that? Too bad you weren't good enough for medical school! Oh well, I suppose nursing will have to do for you *sigh* You MUST be a complete and utter fool.

You are viewed as a nothing when ur a nurse - a void, a black hole with no matter in it, an incomprehensible lump of blackness, a stupid anomaly.

I saw a very nice and knowledgeable CN get humiliated today by a doctor who wouldn't even come to visit his own patients when asked to! He was a foreign doctor (of course) and they just don't see aged care patients as people. This CN was trying to get him to come and see a horrible wound - a split anal fissure that NEEDED to be viewed by a GP and a surgeon - the doctor refused to come out. He said just take bloods, etc. The CN I was working with was still polite to the Dr but very frustrated when she hung up - she was saying how are we supposed to get them to come out here to see their patients? The only way they could change this behviour was to report these Drs to the AMA (Australian Medical Association). Unbelievable!

No, nursing is definitely NOT worth it. I can't wait to leave this soul-destroying so-called career.