New grad...hate my job!

[LAJJmom, ADN, ASN, CNA, RN]

I guess not really my job but where I work. I worked at 2 hospitals as a Patient Care Associate/Patient Care Tech (basically, CNA) through nursing school (1 for over a year and a half the other for almost 3 years) and didn't get hired at either one. That was rough.I really wanted day shift so I didn't even consider any night positions. I was having a hard time anyway (I had a hysterectomy the Monday before Thanksgiving, my brother committed suicide the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I flew to AZ for his memorial, came back had finals and graduated Dec 13, 2014). In January I started looking for jobs everywhere. The only offer I got was for a tiny rural hospital that was part of the same company as one of the hospitals that I worked for. I took the job at the end of January. I passed my NCLEX in February. I am an ADN and am starting on my BSN this June. I am trying to hold on until I finish up in May 2016 but I don't think there is any way that will happen.

The hospital is small, understaffed and about a 40 minute drive both ways. As a day shift nurse I am expected to deliver and pick up trays at meal times, empty sharps containers, and work as an aide or unit clerk if needed. I usually have 5 patients and most of them are from nursing homes or should be in a nursing home. There is no nurse station to sit and document so I am standing at a computer on wheels all day. Oh and I work 3 days one week, 4 the next, and every other weekend (Fri-Sun). This place has had a lot of turnover and I can see why. I dread going to work. I hate it.

So, my question is, should I try to stay for a bit so I have experience and job history or do I bail? I can't transfer to another facility until I am here for a year. I have to stay until July because I am having surgery and I need my insurance. Most of the hospitals in the area are part of the same company so that makes it more tricky.

Sorry to whine but I really don't know what to do. I really have tried to love this job but it just isn't working.

Any advice?

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

I would hold out, if you can, for at least 6mos. A year would be better. The more experience you get the better. And whatever you do, DO NOT QUIT before you get a new job. Once you have at least 6mos, start applying and keep trying until you are able to secure a better job. If you can hold out for the year and transfer, so much the better.

I can sympathize. I worked for a small, rural facility. I worked nights and we were so short staff that we would have nights that we had 7 to 9 patients. I managed to hold on for 17 months, when I was hired in the system I always knew I was going to work.

[mvm2]

I am sorry that this has not been the most ideal job, but from what I hear from others when you are a new grade you have to have that experience to be able to promote to better things.

look at the bright side. You are a new grade working in an acute hospital setting. A lot of new grades would love to be where you are.

Also if you leave early it is going to look bad on you resume and many potential employers will wonder why you left so early and might pass you up for hire and then you will be stuck with no prospects.

[gmondina]

Just stay there for a while so you can get the experience.

[Seaofclouds, BSN, RN]

The first year is the hardest. Since most of the other hospitals in your area are tied to one health system, you don't want to risk burning your chance to move within the health system. Try to stick it out for the year and then get a transfer to another facility. One thing to consider though, if all of the hospitals are part of one system, they may be operating the same way. As you work this first year, get to know the other health systems around you and network with other nurses. That way you have an idea of what else is out there. The grass is not always greener. Do you have CNAs at all on your floor? You mentioned that sometimes you have to work as a unit clerk or CNA, so I'm guessing you have aides. Do they help pass out the trays as well? Many facilities I've worked at have a rule that it is all hands on deck for passing out meal trays. I always preferred picking up my patient's trays so I could see what they ate for myself.

Are there specific areas you feel you need to improve in? Are there areas that maybe aren't that bad, but just seem that way because you are new and still adjusting to the new role? Sticking it out for the year may change your opinion about what you want in your nursing career. Good luck!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Actually, not a bad place to start. You are emotionally fragile right now, and that's TOTALLY understandable.

I have had positions requiring passing trays, etc. 5 patients allow you to focus on learning your nursing skills.

Take it for what it is... relax, learn, and grow.

[Caffeine_IV]

I would try to tough it out. You could do much much worse. If anything, I would try out a night shift or two and see if you like that better. Sometimes dayshift isn't all it's cracked up to be.

[LAJJmom, ADN, ASN, CNA, RN]

UPDATE: My daughter works as a PCA at the first hospital I ever worked at (also as a PCA) and one of the nurses on the Med-surg unit told her to tell me to apply for a job there. So, I did and the new Nurse Manager of the unit remembered me. I had the most fabulous interview. It was like catching up with an old friend. I start there on my birthday 7-20-15! I am so excited! It is closer to home, better hours and more money! I am giving notice to my current employer on Monday. I am on Medical Leave at the moment so, I don't ever have to go back to that awful place. I feel like a weight has been lifted!

[cbear25]

usually the cna pass out trays or dietary when do nurses have the time to do that when they have to give out meds unless they have down time and pitch in to help, i would stick it out for 6 month to a year before i leave, when you do hard jobs and transition to an easy one, its a piece of cake and you become appreciative