New grad, second job

[sayyruh2011]

Hello, I am a new graduate RN. I got my first job as a nurse on a medical/oncology unit, where I've been for a few months now, and I really don't like it. At first I thought it was the stress of a new job wearing on me, but I've decided that it's more than that. I don't like 12 hour shifts (day or night), and the workload is too much for me. Although I love caring for my patients, I don't have the ability to give them the attention they need. The stress of having 7 acutely ill patients is really wearing on me so I've decided to move on to a new job. I currently have two interviews set up. One is at a primary care office, and the other is at an outpatient oncology center (in the radiation section), both 8-5 jobs. My anxiety is setting in because I'm afraid that I won't like working there either. I guess I have the usual new nurse anxiety which includes fear of making mistakes, losing my license, and the constant feeling of being overwhelmed. I'm wondering if nursing was the wrong career choice for me, or if I just haven't found my niche yet. Any suggestions? Thank you :)

[llg, PhD, RN]

What do you mean by "a few months?" How long have you been working on your inpatient staff nurse job before giving up on it? Unless you are being negative feedback about your performance from your preceptors and management, you should probably to stick that job out for at least 6 months (if not a year) before you give up on it -- and certainly on nursing in general.

No one likes the workload ... or the hours ... and all new grads worry about the same types of things you are worrying about. That initial transition into a new career and new stage of life is difficult for everyone and there is no magic cure to make it all wonderful. If running away from every unpleasant situation/challenge after only 2 or 3 months becomes your pattern in life, then you probably will have career problems -- because even the "ideal job" has rough patches every now and then. Success and happiness comes from working through those problems and making a home for yourself -- not from running away from them.

Research shows that the new grads usually hit their lowest point emotionally in the 3-6 months time frame. Are you in that window of time now? If so, perhaps you should wait until 9-12 months into the job before making a final decision on it. That's assuming you are are doing an OK job and not getting negative feedback from the people at work.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You have your entire nursing career ahead of you. You have unlimited options for a very bright future.

Don't spread your anxiety with your current position..to the thought of future positions. You have the glorious opportunity of 2 interviews. Be calm, cool and collected ... during these interviews. Never let 'em see you sweat.

I look forward to your success. Let us know how it's going.