New Grad first job questions

[BigMama3]

Hi all, so I am a new nurse grad and am working in a place with both subacute and long term patients. I received about four weeks training then was off to the trenches.

On the subacute unit I have had 18 plus patients to care for and many have been unstable. To say I've been a wreck is an understatement. In addition, my floor supervisor has been unapproachable . When hired I was told I could take an IV class -which I was all over. It has yet to be offered, and when I asked my super for help with an IV,she said, "I'm only going to show you this once" and that was that. I've youtubed some videos since to help myself from sinking. The super has done a few "shady" things -when a patient cut his foot she "created" a statement basically so she didn't have to do the paperwork. She has said things to patients and families that I know were not true . Her actions make me very uncomfortable but she's friends with the big boss who gave her the job so no help there. I am really struggling here and am now looking for another job only after a few months. I just need some advice, is the job I am in considered Med/Surg experience even though I spend quite a bit of time on the long term unit (but am occasionally floated)? Also, after only a few months experience, do you think someone somewhere will hire me? I'm sure I'll get some "just suck it up" advice but honestly I feel it is unsafe Thanks for any help or advice you can give...feels good to vent if nothing else.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

is the job I am in considered Med/Surg experience even though I spend quite a bit of time on the long term unit (but am occasionally floated)?

Based on your descriptions, you are not working on a med/surg unit. You are working in subacute, so you'd be misrepresenting your experience if you state you have med/surg experience.

Med/surg floor = acute care hospital nursing

Subacute floor = post-acute care nursing

Also, after only a few months experience, do you think someone somewhere will hire me?

I would stick it out a year. For a moment, try to step into the shoes of a recruiter or hiring manager who wants to minimize employee turnover rates and attrition. Would a hiring manager with these goals hire a nurse who is looking to hop to a new job after only a few months? These people may worry that you'll bail on them, too.

However, it is worth a shot. Good luck to you.

[RachRN11]

You won't know if someone will hire you if you don't try. You could continue with your current job while applying to others and see where that gets you. :)

The first year or so is rough as a new nurse. Everything is really overwhelming. I remember my preceptor telling me that I'd have no idea what I was doing for the first 6 months, I'd begin getting comfortable at 1 year and I'd actually know what I was doing at 2 years in. It all takes experience, so just hang in there! The saying "it'll get worse before it gets better" is pretty accurate for first time nurses.

As for the IV sticks, a nurse I used to work with showed me how to practice. Take kerlix (rolled gauze) and an old IV tubing (like from a piggyback) and wrap it around the kerlix in all sorts of directions. Stuff the kerlix/IV tube into a medical glove and then practice starting IVs on that. It gives you the feel of skin (sort of) and the kind of "popping" sensation that happens when you get into a vein. Also helps with muscle memory and confidence.

Good luck in everything!

[BigMama3]

Thanks so much for your response. I don't think I'll make it a year in this position, originally I thought I could do it for six months but now I'm not even sure of that. I was originally on eves then they changed me to days and apparently they are going to change me again back to eves (again hired for days) I was hired for 21 hourse (I know weird amount) but work at least 30 every week (so almost consider myself full time now). I am working tomorrow and all weekend and am almost physically sick thinking about it...so although I'm trying to "suck it up" for six months if I get another offer...i'm most likely going to take it.

[PixieRN14]

I started on a Sub acute rehab as my first job and completely understand your frustration. I saw so many things that were completely unsafe. Fortunately I was contacted by a hospital a little after a month of working there and interviewed for a position. Thankfully I was offered a position and left my job at the rehab. Acute care is definitely different, but I am fortunate to work for a hospital that helps new nurses succeed.