New grad and struggling with it.

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Sep 6, 2014

Aw, man. I hear you loud and clear.

What you need to realize, wait, more than than just realize but internalize, is what you are asking yourself to do (and be happy doing) is hard for nurses with even two+ years of experience. Float pool? As a new grad? Obviously the powers that be recognize your talent.

In reading your post, my immediate takeaway is that a.) you are smart b.) determined and conscientious and c.) are suddenly finding yourself questioning yourself and wondering how in the heck you managed to get yourself signed up for this-- and perhaps gravely so.

I really hate to see competent, bright new nurses thrown to the wolves as plug-ins. However, if your heart is set on PACU, what now seems like misery might very well be only short-term pain (and it is painful). If you can stick it out as a float nurse for a few months, this will lend itself better to landing a PACU position on down the road than a straight, M/S floor position.

I do not suggest attempting a transfer at this point if you intend to remain at your current employer. Get that first 12-18 months and then ask for a transfer. If they twiddle their thumbs, then start looking elsewhere.

Please read the other thread: "I Cringe at the Thought of Work" regarding New Grad Shock. You are not alone. I've said it before--I really wish we had a better system for ushering new grads into their strongest capabilities and interests rather than saying "Everyone needs that magical year of MedSurg!" As complex and specialized as nursing has become, I truly wonder if this mindset needs to go the way of the dinosaurs.

monkeyhq · Sep 6, 2014

You MUST make time for yourself, especially if you have previously been treated for anxiety and depression. Please make sure you get that treatment back in to your routine. Get that exercise back in to your routine as well, even if for a brief 30 minutes a day. You already know how important exercise is in relaxing the body and brain.

I will not advise on job specifics, only you know what is going to be satisfactory to you. But I strongly encourage you to take care of YOU before you even consider a change of position. If you aren't healthy, it will matter little what title you hold.

Please do this for yourself. Burn out is no good, and wellness is the best asset you can give yourself.

Warm wishes :)

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 6, 2014

Quite surprised the facility started you in the float pool. I have never seen that done. I floated after 20 years of experience and found it to be a challenge.

The first year is the hardest. You need a stable environment, where you know your co-workers, the routine of the unit, and the layout of the unit.

Your supervisor sounds like she would get that if you approached her correctly. I truly hope you can get assigned to a single unit. Have a feeling you will make that first year easily.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 7, 2014

I actually know a new grad hired in the float pool. I highly disagree with that practice. Every floor is different and a new nurse without that foundation and confidence will struggle.

That being said, I definitely think you should seek help regarding your anxiety and depression. Make one or two days a week dedicated to yourself and your girlfriend. Realize that the learning curve is steep, but you can make it.

firstinfamily, RN · Sep 7, 2014

Hang in there!!! First of all find a way to get organized, having 6-8 patients in a med-surg floor is a lot and from your entry it seems that you float, so you do not see when your previous patients get better. Floating is good in that you can learn a lot from the different areas, but also as a floater, you may get dumped on a lot, and you most likely do not get consistent assignments, or how a floor runs when you are working on multiple floors. It is very hard to feel "positive" when you are being spread in so many directions. Plus, working nights is hard on everyone's body. So, first find a method to get yourself organized and stick to that where ever you are working. I used a work sheet divided into columns that held information on 6 patients, it helped me stay on task and by looking at it I could tell which tests my patients had, who was on what % of oxygen etc. Once you have mastered the surgical floor you will be ready for PACU. The patient load may be less there, but the patients are more critical and recovery can be a very tricky place. You have to feel confident to work there. Give yourself a pat on the back and let the reality shock of nursing go elsewhere. You can do it!!!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Sep 7, 2014

Agree with many points on this thread; to add:

1. get help for your mental health; nursing is very stressful, and a healthy nurse is a better nurse; please seek out professional help to ensure healthy coping strategies and ways to help with handling this new stress.

2. Get organized; search here on AN and look up "brain sheets"; there a way to organize what needs to be done during your shift and help you anticipate what needs to be done and give you a way to home your routine and practice.

3. Leave work at work; you work in a business that is 24 hours; you only can do the best that you can do. Take time to take care of yourself and keep yourself healthy.

Best wishes.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2014

A hospital I worked for had scholarship students who had a one year obligation. No positions were available supposedly when they graduated so they had to work in the float pool.