New Grad.. feeling down.

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, LTC.

I work at a LTC facility. I love working with the elderly, but where I'm at I'm responsible for 33 people. I've worked at this place for about a month, and I'm begining to feel comfortable with the routine.. and the residents. But nights like tonight make me feel like "What was I thinking? Why did I do this?"

The hospitals are not hiring LPN's as much as RN's around here.. so finding a job in a hospital is close to impossible. That is my goal to work in a hospital. I'm young and I'm just starting out in my career, and I'm also pursuing my RN.

I guess my question to you guys is did you feel like this when you first started out? I feel completely swamped. And almost like I'm not cut out for this... It's like no matter what I do it's not fast enough, or not enough... period. I'm givin all I got and I feel like I'm outta steam.

Most of my co-workers are wonderful.... the other half are lazy!!!!!!!!!!! Laziness drives me crazy! I'd aprreciate feedback... just to know that I'm not alone!!!

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

I think what you are feeling is completely normal. You have only been there for 1 month! Being responsible for 30 patients is a lot of responsibility especially when a few of them have issues that need your attention. It sounds like you are doing extremely well! Did you have a particular bad shift? You will run into lazy nurses in all areas of nursing. But very few will totally refuse to help you if you ask them directly.

Good for you for working on your RN. It is OK to try different areas of nursing until you find your niche. You may have to tolerate working in an area you really don't like while you pursue your RN.

Also, I think a lot of nurses do go through a honeymoon period in nursing and then reality hits and one can get depressed and feel disappointed during this stage. Just hang in there, and a new appreciation will develop for nursing.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I have felt down at times, so, I can identify with your feelings. I have only been an LPN for 1 year, and it has been overwhelming. It does take time, and you do have to get used to the fact that you are a nurse; and not every day is a great day. At times, you feel that you whole life revolves around nursing and that there is no room for anything else. Other times, you are thrilled for what you have accomplished. It will get better...

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Specializes in rehab, ortho, cardiac.

man, you remind me of me a year ago. yeah... ive asked myself those same questions and i felt the same way.. you know... where you feel like your the only one working and everyone else is just watching you work. yeah.. that is completely normal. i had alot of those nights where i would feel swamped and on the edge of becoming burnt out but i always looked back on how i did that day and i realize that i did the best i can... even if i was late on my med pass because one patient was having an impending mi and another had stool in their gt, the stress of the day goes away because i know that i did the right thing and saved a life. so in essence, just think of the good things you do for people everyday that you work and being happy with your job will be a little bit easier.

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