Just graduated, wanted med-surg, applied every where, hospitals, clinics, LTC, 2 months after I graduated I still did not have a job. Major bills piling up, had to get a job. An office called interveiwed, started next day, then hosp. called but only with prn, could not give up full time job for prn.
The problem, all I do is computer work, shots, vitals, strp/flu test.
This is so not what I went to school for. I don't feel like a "real" nurse. I was so excited to pass boards and so ready to begin my big career, such a let down. The plus is I have a full time job, good hours, no weekends, no holidays and I have 2 kids I have neglected for the last year in school, but I feel so depressed. This is a great job, good doctors, awesome doctors, great people to work with, but..........
Then I think well maybe I am being unrealistic about my thinkin about the hospital, maybe i would not love it. but how am I to know.????????
I am thinkin wait till first of year and try again for hosp. everyone says you have to start prn to get foot in door, but what if I hate it, and I throw away one of the best jobs ever?
Thanks to everyone for their replies! I do really like this job, its just not what they taught in nursing school, so its like learning a new trade so to speak, but it really helps put things in"order" reading these reply's, thanks again!!!
Try not to focus on the negative of what you are NOT getting out of your new position, but instead focus on the positive of what you ARE getting from this new position. Every setting has pro's & con's and offers areas that you get a lot of experience in while not exposing you to others. For example, you do a lot of paperwork where you are. Paperwork skills are just as important as the patient care skills. You are probally getting experience dealing with patients, doctors, lab techs, etc...that's huge in this profession. You may not feel that you are getting experience, but you are. You'll be surprised when you go on to other things this job will assist you in ways that you are not aware of. Take the per diem position. It will get your foot in the door, start you gaining the experience you desire, and let you see the hospital setting first hand. Just keep in mind that a per diem position may take you longer to feel comfortable with. If you only spend a day or two a week at the hospital it will take you 3-7 weeks to be exposed to what you would in one week of full time. The positive is that you will have more time to reflect on what you have been exposed to and spread out the stress of adjusting over a longer period of time in shorter doses. Hang in there, you'll find your forte! You are still a nurse and no matter the setting it is a respectable thing. A bookkeeper is still a bookkeeper whether they work for a small office, or a large multi-million dollar company. Good luck, and congrats on the new job!
HopeJade
15 Posts
Thanks to everyone for their replies! I do really like this job, its just not what they taught in nursing school, so its like learning a new trade so to speak, but it really helps put things in"order" reading these reply's, thanks again!!!