New grad RN; getting a job out of state with less than 6 months experience

[pmaries1816]

I really need help. I moved out of state once graduating nursing school because things didn't work out elsewhere and it was kind of my only choice. I started in late March/ beginning April and currently work cardiothor surg progressive at an amazing hospital and it's a really great unit and wonderful managers. However, since switching to night shift I've become really depressed, anxiety is worse than ever. I'm trying to move to Colorado where my mom is and I have actual support. I've tried to reapply to new grad programs but of course they don't consider me "new" because I have 4-5 months experience. And of course most jobs require at least 6 months to 1 year of experience so I feel screwed either way. I really need a day shift position but it feels so hopeless. I just interviewed for an ICU job in CO, it would still be nights but would most likely make it to days within 3-6 months, although this position is less than ideal because ratios got to 1:4 during COVID and probably will get bad again once inevitably COVID increasea again. My other thing is that when I go on to be an NP I know I want to work women's health and most likely should work OB as a nurse first. I was wondering what the best move would be? Do they want to see just a year of experience first or 1 year at the same job? I know a couple of nurses that went from cardiac to l&d and have heard they like to see cardiac experience or critical care experience. I'm just afraid of waiting to long to get into OB. I am passionate about cardiac but I just feel so hopeless right now being on night shift in a city I hate living in and have gotten so down I even looked at clinic jobs which I've always known I never wanted to do.

I know this is a long post with a lot going on but I would truly appreciate any feedback or advice! Or maybe someone that has gone through something similar. Please I just can't keep doing what I'm doing right now ?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Focus on what is the most important thing to you right NOW. Is it moving, is it getting off nights, is it preparing for NP? Seems like it's getting off night shift. Night will mess with your mind. Consider moving and taking any day shift position ( even clinic) that you can get. NP is a long way off and you need some relief NOW.

Check out the NP forum here, seems like the field is saturated.

Best wishes.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

See your provider for treatment for your anxiety and depression. Hopefully it will be enough to see you through 1 year- and you're halfway there.

Trying to change jobs now is going to be stressful for you.

Best wishes ?

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

I agree with Nurse Beth, sounds like first step is to focus on getting off nights and treating your anxiety and depression. All of those things can cloud you judgment and make it hard to think in a linear fashion. There are a lot of things to balance when looking for a new job: schedule, specialty, future career goals, location, pay, etc. In my experience it's hard to find a job that gives you everything you want, so I have had to decide which things matter the most. For example I value day shift, nice coworkers, and working in a public hospital the most, and I am willing to make less than a private hospital and have a little longer commute.

I think when your mental health improves and you are working days in whichever specialty you're able to find a job, you'll be able to think more clearly and plan for the future, decide which RN specialties you like, decide if you still want NP, and if so what type of NP. Good luck and I hope everything works out well ?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I agree with the above. Get your anxiety treated. Do your best to maximize your rest. Try to make it to one year. You will find a lot more open doors then.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with most of the others above. Your top priority should be getting your anxiety and depression treated. Once you are feeling a little better, you'll be in better condition to make career choices.

[Chickenlady]

Same. Treat the anxiety and get your circadian rhythm back on track. Then you can make better decision

[noramaye]

Hey, some of the nurse residency programs I've seen take nurses with less than 1 year of nursing experience - you don't have to be brand new.  Hope things are turning around for you.

[speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

People have to move sometimes and the units you apply for should understand. 
 

1. Find out what your priorities are as others have mentioned. I would not be worried about NP school this early in your career. You need to build your competence level as a nurse first and become comfortable in the nursing speciality or unit you settle in.

2. Be careful about nurse to patient ratios. I have taken too many ICU patients at once and it’s a bad idea on a safety level.

3. Day shifts can sometimes be hard to slide into but they are possible. You may have to apply to units that are not necessarily your first choice. I completely understand not being able to do night shift- it is not compatible with many nurses whether due to sleep schedules, physical/medical issues, and/or mental health.