New grad experience

Published

Hello everyone! I graduated nursing school late July. I started my first nursing job in October as a COVID nurse at a nursing home. This job has been really hard on me. I test all 200 residents in one day by myself with no help and this is twice a week. That takes up my whole shift already but I still need to complete the 2 hours worth of paperwork after it. My shift is 7-3 Monday-Friday- but im usually out by almost 6 without a break. This job is a position for at least 2 people but I am the only covid nurse. This is a new position at their facility so they kind of dumped everything on me without any guidance. I don't have any help or anyone to lean on if I needed- and as a new grad especially I feel extremely alone. The management is not helpful and has actually talked about me multiple times. My husband is military and we just got orders to move and I accepted a new job at a mental health facility there starting February. Im thinking about giving my notice soon because I don't think I can handle this job anymore. It just sucks cause I loved nursing school, and this position has really given a bad taste in my mouth. Any advice? Is this normal to feel as a new grad?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.

Yes, especially in the condition you described. The first year sucks, and covid has made it worse than normal for many. No worries, quit if you can afford to. You've got a new job lined up already, you're leaving anyway.  Good luck, hope that the next job is better

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Absolutely quit. Nursing homes have always been understaffed and it seems COVID has made it worse. No amount of money is worth that level of insanity. It's a reason I left for home health and it works out for me. As a new grad I had a 1:40 ratio, no support and staff that bullied and talked about me behind my back.

There are good facilities out there with good ratios but it takes a minute to find.

Good luck!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 12/4/2020 at 8:17 AM, Mintezia said:

Absolutely quit. Nursing homes have always been understaffed and it seems COVID has made it worse. No amount of money is worth that level of insanity. It's a reason I left for home health and it works out for me. As a new grad I had a 1:40 ratio, no support and staff that bullied and talked about me behind my back.

There are good facilities out there with good ratios but it takes a minute to find.

Good luck!

Hi Mintezia!

Is working for home health as a new grad difficult? I've heard it's extremely autonomous so it can get a bit overwhelming for new grad nurse. Thanks ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It depends on the health conditions and family. An 'easy' case can become extremely unpleasant if the family is uncooperative or extremely controlling. In my experience it's usually mom who will decide that a nurse is good for her case if it's a peds one. 

Dementia cases can be trickier for those without the proper experience. But you also have to consider whether the client requires a transfer and whether or not you will have assistance and how strong you are. The simplest cases I've had were ones where suctioning the trach and tending to the g/t. There's a ton of downtime involved. Some nurses I've talked to really seem to enjoy the infant cases.

 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology.
On 11/15/2020 at 5:29 PM, Bean0621 said:

My husband is military and we just got orders to move and I accepted a new job at a mental health facility there starting February. Im thinking about giving my notice soon because I don't think I can handle this job anymore.

I want your work life to be the best in all aspects but I cannot understand your timeline with your other more recent posts

 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
3 minutes ago, londonflo said:

I want your work life to be the best in all aspects but I cannot understand your timeline with your other more recent posts

 

We got orders to move where we currently are. I originally accepted a job at a mental health facility but decided to work in the hospital instead to get more experience. We were supposed to be here for 3 years but they gave us orders to move across the ocean instead. The amount of times we have moved is insane. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion