Med Surg and miserable...:(

[skimom88]

First of all, I am acquiring an amazing amount of skills and knowledge that I didn't get in nursing school. I like my schedule (nights) and my colleagues have been helpful. What I don't like is having to know different body systems and disease processes at any given time. It's extremely stressful. I was told it as I gained more confidence in my abilities (typically after a year of being on the floor) I wouldn't feel so overwhelmed. I knew med-surg wasn't for me even when I was in RN school. It was the first job offered post-graduation so I jumped at the opportunity. Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful to be employed during these tough hiring times especially for new grads. But I can't seem to shake this feeling of dread going into work because I'm just not happy. Any advice on how to cope would be greatly appreciated.

[mcneillmama3, BSN, RN]

I always worked in SNF. Nursing home is a specialty. Every venue you work in will have its own ropes you have to learn. None of it is easy.

[AnonRNC]

I think I may understand your feeling: when I worked "Medical" (with occasional surgical kid thrown in for good measure) at the terciary pediatric center, I felt like I had to know a LITTLE bit about a WIDE range of problems/disorders. Then I went to NICU where only a limited number of things can go wrong and now I know a WHOLE lot about a NARROW range of problems/disorders.

It's a comfort thing. Some people are more comfortable one way or the other.

You may do better on a specialty unit, oncology for example. Sure there are different types of cancers, but many of the chemo drugs have very similar effects, side effects and precautions.

I hope you find your path!

[skimom88]

Skimom I KNOW what you are going through! I HATE IT ! On top of that we do team nursing (RN/LPN), so I also hv to put up with some of the worst attitudes ever :argue:. Life is too short. I'm leaving!!!!! I now understand why the turnover rate is so high. Even my manager said she can only get new grads to work. You do not hv to feel guilty for wanting to be happy. Also you do not hv to work med/surg to feel like "a real nurse". What ever specialty u choose will hv its own training. So if u don't like it find something else :).

NolamomX2, thank you for the encouraging words. In the past 2 months, I can honestly say I've had one "good" night. Good meaning...no threats of bodily harm from patients, no restraints having to be used, and no repeated IV pull-outs from dementia/confused patients. You know what I'm talking about. In addition, I still have to chart and do admissions. Again, I'm grateful to be employed, but this is NOT the kind of nursing that I want to be in. My dream is to be a nurse educator. But, I'm paying my dues for now...Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[skimom88]

Hospital nursing is a stepping stone. Don't get depressed. Network first of all. Be busy making friends with your coworkers, so that when you do get ready to make a move to another field of nursing, you will have a good reference base. Tell yourself it's just a job. It does not define who you are whether it works out or not. Nothing in life is written in stone. Life is all about constant changing. Our patient population and their health changes. If you are a woman your own body is about constant changes. I read that the average woman changes careers 7 times in her lifetime. Always be continuing your education. Read everything you can on every subject matter you can get your hands on.

Talk to your coworkers. You will find that they are experiencing the same doubts and frustrations that you are.

Thank you for the advice. I have plans to continue my education sometime this year. I'm fortunate to have a manager that doesn't "micromanage" and is supportive of new grads. Thanks for your reply.

[skimom88]

AnonRNC, you're right on the money! It is a "comfort" zone that I'm looking for. Thank you for your reply.