Need advice! Thinking about giving up on nursing..

[nowwhat2391]

Ok so I visited this site a few times while in nursing school but recently have been on more reading discussions regarding jobs..

Sorry this is long. This is kind of me venting while also seeking advice! Thanks:)

I'll just give the basics of my story and see if anyone can relate or can provide some suggestions. So up until September 2015 I was working on a med/surg floor. I had been there for 2 years and this was my first job out of nursing school. I honestly had not even planned on staying there for 2 years because I always knew I did not want to work in a hospital for very long. I began looking for jobs pretty seriously in June 2015 but wasn't having much luck. I interviewed for a 2 jobs in August 2015 with no luck from either of those. Both of those were at another area hospital's outpatient clinic. By September though I just knew I had to quit. Probably not the smartest idea considering I didn't have another job lined up but I could not handle it anymore. The last month or so that I worked..I would get to work and then end up crying ALL morning. There is no way to take care of patients if I'm a blubbering mess. I was probably in my supervisor's office more the last month than I was the whole time I was there. It got to the point that she suggested I go to the counseling clinic provided by the hospital. So I went..and we(counselor and I) pretty much decided that I was having anxiety attacks. I will say that before I started as a RN I never had anxiety or hard times dealing with stress. I had gone to my primary care in August for dizziness, feeling lightheaded, and almost passing out. I was told it was possibly vertigo and that I should get antivert. No luck with that. Ended up going back to the MD a month later for anxiety and was prescribed some medication to help. I KNEW that I was not going to stay at a job that required me to be on medication just to get through the day. At that point I turned in my 2 weeks.

Now here I am in March still with no job. I have interviewed at 3 different cardiology clinics(and no I don't have cardiac experience but was worth a shot!), a dermatology clinic, a scope clinic, and an allergy/asthma clinic. I am definitely not going to work at a hospital. But I am to the point of just giving up nursing all together and trying something else. I'm just at a loss of what to do!

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Don't give up without trying other types of nursing, please! Persevere in your job search in less stressful environments. In the meantime - volunteer as an RN to fill in the gap in resume and maintain clinical skills. For example, in our area there are AmeriCares free clinics that always need volunteer RNs. Who knows, maybe your volunteer gig will turn into a paid position or, at least, networking or reference. If you interview and don't get an offer, try inquiring what their reservations were, so that you can address those in future search. Consider relocating if jobs are scarce in your area, if that's an option for you.

Bestest of luck, rooting for you!

[TriciaJ, RN]

Oh, honey, I'm so sorry you're going through this. First thing: take a deep breath. You were smart to get out of med-surg because it was literally killing you. Hospitals are brutal and I don't know when that tide is ever going turn.

Hopefully money is not too huge an issue and you have some time to look around. Are you limiting yourself to looking for certain types of jobs like clinics? Not all nursing homes are skanky; there may be some in your area that are worth looking at. Are there any nursing agencies near you? They might have something up your alley. Consider hospice, corrections, home health, Red Cross donation clinics. There are mobile vaccination clinics.

Just start looking with an open mind. You might check if Donna Cardillo still has a website; she provides career advice to nurses. Even a series of temporary jobs will start to add up on a resume. And at least you know you're not afraid to get yourself out of a bad situation; that's a good skill to have.

Hang in there. I'm rooting for you.

The worst thing about a rough job right out of nursing school is that it sucks your confidence instead of letting you build on it. You may have to take it on faith right now that there is a good job waiting for you; it just may be a bit before you discover it. I wish I had more in the way of practical advice, but I'm sending you good vibes.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You are a registered nurse with experience. Your employment options are endless.

Stop focusing on what you CANNOT do.

Your doctor is an idiot that is prescribing drugs, instead of support.

PM me.. we can do this.

[Davey Do]

Welcome to AN.com, whatnow2391!

Good for you for seeking assistance through a Counsellor.

Quitting your job and not having another is understandable, since your personal mental health is a priority.

The med will only attempt to treat the symptom and not the root cause. Spiritual pursuits, relaxation techniques, yoga, exercise, or following interests are better and longer acting.

You are dealing with your stress by stepping back, gaining a new perspective, obtaining data, and considering options.

Your actions are supported and I wish you the very best to you in your endeavor, whatnow2391!

[mommywifern]

I have 4 more months before I can leave my current job. (Need 1 yr of experience and all that í ½í¸) I can't wait!! I love what I do and SOME of the people I work with. But this place is so stressful bc of pt load and poor management that soooo many people just have really crappy attitudes are rude and unprofessional that and I DREAD going to work! There are just to many options in nursing to be miserable at work. Good for you for getting out! Good luck finding a new job hope all works out well for you.