New Grad Struggles

nursechini · Feb 11, 2018

I'm a new grad myself so I don't know how helpful my advice will be but since you're so new maybe you should just stick it out. You might be less overwhelmed once you have more experience. You still might not like cardiac but you might not be totally miserable while you get that first year of experience.

No matter what you choose to do good luck with your career!

KenyakeoniRN · Feb 12, 2018

Thank you! I was hoping it gets better.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2018

Stick it out. I 13 months in (10 months off orientation) on an extremely busy cardiac telemetry floor; it's a great experience even though it is often hard. When I talk to my psych RN friends, their ratios are almost double mine. Remember, the grass isn't often greener on the other side of the fence.

Crystal-Wings, LVN · Feb 14, 2018

OP, no job is worth feeling miserable about every day. Look for another position that you think you would be better suited to. Don't think you have to "stick it out" just because others say you should. Your happiness and mental wellbeing are more important than a job that makes you unhappy!

HandmadeRN · Feb 14, 2018

My first job was in Cardiac, which is a long time ago now. I remember people saying that the first 6 months on the ward were the hardest as a new graduate and they were absolutely right. I hated it. I liked my team and I loved looking after the patients. But I was absolutely terrified of patients arresting!

Two things that helped were 1) we had a really supportive practice education team and 2) I would read up on all things cardiac in my spare time.

Anyway, I survived and actually eventually liked the acute patients so much that I moved to ITU.

Also, I'd be cautious about moving so soon. It looks better on your resume if you manage to do 6 months rather than 2 weeks.

Arlene14RN · Feb 15, 2018

Hello KenyakeoniRN, I started out as a new nurse on a cardiac/telemetry unit and believe me, I know exactly what you are going through. I was overwhelmed with reading tele strips, cardiac meds, which BP meds to give, and so forth. I thought I was going to quit the first week but I toughed it out and now I am glad I had that experience. You may not like working on a cardiac floor but look at it as a learning experience and an opportunity to add it on your resume. I worked on the cardiac unit for 5 years before I transitioned into another role in my RN career and believe me you could never forget the experiences you've gain. While you are there, look to see if your preceptor or other nurses who can be your 'go to' person when you are not sure/have questions. Look on your unit and see who is your support system. That is key to getting through your shifts at work. Hope this helps!

Have Nurse, ADN, RN · Feb 16, 2018

It takes wisdom to know where you don't belong. If you haven't the desire for Cardiac, that's ok. You stated you enjoy passing meds and doing assessments. Have you considered Long Term Care? They will hire new grads and you would be under the supervision of a more seasoned nurse normally.

Forest2 · Feb 16, 2018

New jobs are stressful. New nursing jobs are super stressful. So much to learn and learn now. Just breathe and do one shift at a time and see if it isn't a little better in a couple of months. You could switch to another floor but it is just another learning curve and exchanging one problem for another. Floor nursing is HARD WORK, can be confusing and frustrating now matter how long you have done it.

Where is your mentor in all this? You need one.

mejsp · Feb 24, 2018

I am sorry you are miserable on the cardiac floor, but the manager who placed you thinks you have some snap. Which area appealed to you during clinical? What is it you enjoy about passing medications? If that isn't stressful you must have good attention to detail, be methodical and capable of good time management.

Are you being too hard on yourself, doubting your ability to provide safe care? I applaud you for being anxious around life threatening arrhythmias. Thats what good nurses do. I often thought of myself as a professional worrier.

Would it help to find out how others think you are doing? I am impatient and want to be proficient in everything I try, but that never happens. This is a quote from a talented performer, "The professional has failed more times than the beginner has tried."

Do you have a co-worker or supervisor who would listen to you and give you some feedback? Maybe they felt the same and could reassure of your value to the team. I hope you find your niche.