New Grad ICU Exhaustion / Advice Needed

[Kusters BSN-RN]

I am currently a new grad in the ICU. I moved for this opportunity after having the doors close on pediatric RN Residencies. I have always wanted to be a part of a RN Residency Program, because of the increase in knowledge and support it gives new grads in transitioning to a RN.

I am coming up to my 8 month mark and am finding myself feeling defeated and exhausted at times. We take 3 patients daily with total care in the ICU. It can be daunting at times, but I have a wonderful co-workers who make my job possible.

Recently my husband may have landed a dream job offer near all our friends and family... However, I am nervous to leave a place that gave me a chance as a new grad only after nine months, but am also missing everyone and would love to be back home, and working in area that may be better staffed.

Any advice on leaving as a new grad after 8 months? How important do you find those close connects in this career path? Also what helped you combat the exhaustion and defeat?

[PeakRN]

First off getting tripled every shift would make me exhausted and be on the active lookout for a new job. I'm not sure how you combat the exhaustion if that is your patient load every day.

Finding a job as a new grad with less than a year of experience will be difficult, especially if you want to stay in critical care. That being said it certainly isn't impossible. You may want to start looking now, and don't limit yourself to the unit.

[TooManyCats, ASN, BSN]

I had some job hopping during my first year due to a move and a miserable work environment. Still in ICU, and I’ve found a great fit. Apply early, be prepared to explain the move... and make sure you’re getting a 2-1 ratio (for the most part). Being tripled in ICU is exhausting, I couldn’t handle it every shift.

[alaskaman]

It's a gift. take it. 3 patients in ICU for a new grad is silly stupid. Bound to make any nurse tired. Follow the man to your new home.

I would say while I am so grateful for the opportunity my husband got his dream job close to home. I am sorry to have to say good bye but this is a chance I cannot refuse. I am grateful and thank you so very much.

Then hit the road with a smile. Interview and establish new priorities. ER can be very helpful to growing your career in the ICU.. You'll learn to move faster transfer its quicker and bring that ICU experience to the ER which they can certainly use. Best of Luck!

[ptier_MNMurse, BSN, RN]

FAMILY FIRST! Jobs and opportunities are great and all, but your family should always come first in my opinion. While it is ishy to leave the job after 8 months, you have legitimate reasons. Be prepared to explain this later if you look to go on to school or for future jobs... It's going to be a blemish on your resume, but I think it sounds reasonable.

If you can take the time to line up a better job and make it to the one year mark, that would probably be best for jobs/resume/school/etc. But if it takes too much of a toll on your life, then bite the bullet.

Just so you know, new grad ICU IS exhausting. I went this route and not only are you taking care of 3 heavy patients, but the mental fatigue of learning an entirely new place, knowing where all the simple supplies are, not to mention specialty supplies, and then learning normal vs not normal for patients and then intensive care is quite mentally overwhelming. I learned a lot and am glad to have gotten out all my "basic" questions at my first new grad ICU job and then be able to move to another ICU with a better background. It is normal to feel defeated and exhausted at this time. At least I did. BUT IT GETS BETTER!

Just know whatever your decision, you are not alone and that there are many who support you in following your family! You have to take care of yourself if you are going to take care of others. This otherwise leads to burnout! Trust your gut and try to be open with your manager to figure out an arrangement.

Good luck!

[twinsmom788]

"FAMILY FIRST! Jobs and opportunities are great and all, but your family should always come first in my opinion. While it is ishy to leave the job after 8 months, you have legitimate reasons. Be prepared to explain this later if you look to go on to school or for future jobs... It's going to be a blemish on your resume, but I think it sounds reasonable."

Totally agree, Family always comes first before the job. I honestly don't know where this YOU MUST STAY FOR A YEAR in a job has come from. I don't agree that it is a a "blemish" on a CV necessarily.

To the OP-best of luck!

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

As others have mentioned, this is an easy thing to explain to any potential employer that your husband's job required relocation. I hope that you can find a position that has better support and staffing for you, good luck.