Moved states to start in new CVICU... kind of heartbroken and scared

[stacylethani, BSN]

Hi, just wanted to jump on here and talk. I recently left my old job (a job I completely loved) on an acute care med surg floor to start on a peds CVICU at a large hospital. I had to relocate due to family reasons/cost/etc. I really didn't want to make this move but it's just a better plan for me long term and it was something that was going to happen eventually. I was so in love with my previous unit and I started there as a new grad. It's been so hard, I know this transition is good but I'm so heartbroken at the fact that I left at all. I am so excited to go to ICU and it was always a goal of mine eventually but I'm so nervous (but also thrilled), since there's such a huge learning curve, I can't possibly know it all, and these are super super sick kids! I finally felt really good/comfortable (not terrified of work every morning) on my previous floor and then I left just a few months later, and now I'm starting all over again and it's so overwhelming. I'm just having a hard time adjusting to the new environment, new place, new hospital and I just miss my old hospital so much. I know it's going to be good, and CVICU was eventually my end goal but I just am so sad ?.

[guest769224]

You will be able to settle in with some time, and make good friends. Peds CVICU sounds like a complete dream, how cool. Wish you luck as you transition. It's hard adjusting to a new city and workplace.

[MSO4foru, ADN]

Kudos to you! It's hard to leave familiarity- are you in touch with former coworkers? You will make new friends. Nurses are a different breed of folk, I think - give it some time and you will find your ( local) kinfolk. Be patient with your co workers- they are getting used to you too.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

Give yourself the time and grace to be heartbroken and scared. It's normal and acceptable to grieve the loss of what you had when you have a major life change. Give yourself that space while trying to stay positive, and hopefully the new job will end up being as good a fit as the old one. Wishing you all the best!

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Sometimes growth is scary and sad, but you know that you are working towards a goal and you can find the same happiness in your next position. Give yourself some time. Good luck to you!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Outside our comfort zone is where we grow, right? I am still experiencing this years after becoming an RN as I try new areas of nursing. I miss all of my old places and people, that's normal! Give yourself time to adjust and congrats on landing a CVICU job. Those are sick kids, so you can bet that you will be well supported in your orientation.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

That's a lot of changes at one time, the emotions you are expressing are completely normal. Give yourself time to adjust to this huge learning curve. Figure out who are the good resource people on your new floor. Find things that you are already good at and let yourself shine in those areas. Find some positive people on your new unit - and this doesn't have to just be nurses. At several of my previous jobs I've found the most delightful environmental services, unit clerks etc that have cheered me on as I've figured out a new job. Being kind to people can make a world of difference and help you feel better.

Several months ago I switched jobs to a small non-profit in the same specialty I been in for several years. This agency is amazing and I'm so thankful that I work there. But the learning curve was rough for me. Hang in there and see where the journey takes you.