Never thought it would be this bad

[ajacks65]

Please, please help me. I've been a new nurse for 7 months and have been working as a new grad RN in my hospitals float pool for about 4 months. The stress of this job is taking over my life. I cry every day. Even on days I do not work. I dread and absolutely hate going into work. I'm so stressed to the point my hair is starting to fall out. I'm always in bed with no motivation to do anything besides sleep. I don't think I'm cut out for bedside nursing and the constant stress, changing, and unpredictable nature. Nursing school is nothing like the real world of nursing and I wish someone would have told me that. I am wanting to use my degree (I have a BSN) just not at the bedside. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really enjoy math and science. I also have experience in management prior to going to get my BSN. Do you think with this little experience I could get into administration/HR? Any advice or suggestions would really help. Thank you guys so much!

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

It's entirely possible the reason you're struggling so badly is the fact that you're pool. I've seen a lot of experienced nurses say that pool is a terrible place for a new grad. You aren't getting a decent orientation and you're floating all over the place and being expected to know what you need to know. That's almost impossible for a new grad to sustain.

Before thinking this isn't for you, I'd talk to your employer about finding a home unit and getting some real experience under your belt before branching out to pool again.

I wish you luck!

I am going to second this advice - it could very well be that float pool is a bad fit for you. On another note have you considered Psych nursing. It's not as physically demanding (I've done it for many years). If you like science and math you might look into a pharmaceutical company that does clinical research trials. Non-bedside never pays as well as bedside so there's always that. I don't actually have to work - can you believe I actually love going to work every day? Still you have to find your niche. Get that coveted year of experience under your belt and put out your resume. I also really liked working in Labor and delivery which is mostly happy until it's not.

Just some suggestions - If your depression worsens consider talking with a mental health professional.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[Daisy4RN]

Agree 100% with the other posters that encourage you to get out of the pool ASAP!. Look for a unit you think you might like, settle in and see what happens. In the mean time start exploring other options besides bedside nursing and see what areas you may like. Don't jump from the pan into the fire. Take your next steps slowly and think it through. Good Luck!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Float pool is an extremely bad place to start your nursing career, and it's troubling that the hospital would actually hire a new grad to the float pool. If you know my posting history at all, I NEVER recommend that a new grad leave the first job without staying long enough to become competent, but in this case I believe the cards are stacked against you. Talk to your manager or HR and see if you can be transferred to a home unit. If not, find another job. Float pool is a fun, exciting, interesting, flexible and challenging position, but for an experienced nurse. It's not for a new grad.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I've worked exactly ONE day as a bedside nurse in my entire nursing career. If I had to do that all the time I'd quit and go to truck driving school or maybe be a semen extractor at a turkey farm.

Turkeys can't be trusted to propagate on their own?

Back on topic: at the hospital I used to work at, new grads were exempted from floating for, I think, the first 6 months. When you're already trying to learn the ropes, why do you need the added stress of a new environment every day? Whoever thought of using new grads for the float pool has rocks in their head. Sounds like someone who landed a management position without having functioned as a nurse.

So I agree with everyone else: you need a home unit and some consistent mentoring, before you run away screaming altogether. Good luck.

[CEEdge]

Echoing what everyone else said and adding: another advantage of finding a home unit is finding 1, 2, or a few people who can serve as a mentor for you. I mean that in a less formal way than having a preceptor. When I was a new nurse I worked with the same rotation of people for a long time and there were a couple of nurses and one respiratory therapist who were really approachable. It made a huge difference in my confidence to be able to bounce my thoughts off someone for validation, and it made a huge difference in my stress level to have familiar, friendly, and seasoned nurses nearby to help when I was "drowning."

[amoLucia]

to OP - I'm sorry that I don't remember which other post mirrored your (only in reverse). I tried checking around but couldn't find it. All I remember that it was current at this same time.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Float pool as a new grad is a recipe for disaster. Find a stable spot to build your skills. Geez, what kind of hospital puts new grads in the float pool?

[PrincessElleRN]

You will probably feel a lot more at ease if you switch to working full time on a post surgical or med/surg floor for now. I would be lost if I didn't have time during my orientation to learn where things are on the unit, how to work the phones and call bells and tvs, get my routine down, etc.