New Nurse Blues

RNperdiem, RN · May 11, 2017

The low morale you are describing is common for new nurses.

Once the newness and early excitement fade, the hard part of the learning curve hits you. The good news is that you get stronger and lean coping skills. It can't be easy starting in an entry level position, especially if you were well advanced in your previous work, so be kind to yourself.

You can certainly look around at jobs and plan for a move in the future if you still don't like your particular department or workplace.

Most nurses working in doctors' offices are NPs these days. Medical assistants have taken over what used to be nursing jobs there.

In the mean time, take care of yourself. Make the most of time off, protect your sleep, get enough exercise. In other words, use every stress-management skill you have.

Wuzzie · May 11, 2017

It gets better. We promise.

HeySis, BSN, RN · May 11, 2017

Even after years in one nursing field, if you change specialities you can feel that way again. And it can be doubly hard for a mature person to feel like they are being bossed around by the younglings. So stop thinking about age and look at experience. Find someone you'd like to emulate and ask if they will mentor you, even if its a nurse half your age. Look for skills (nursing and personal), ability to remain positive and get along. Approach that nurse and explain you are feeling "humiliated" and would like to change that. See if you can have her observe and give feedback, and ask if she can be a resource. You can also ask your manager if there is someone they would suggest as a mentor or if the facility has a mentoring program.

Then right down something everyday you did well, ( at east one, if there was more then by all means right them all) and one thing to work on for the week. Over time the list of "did well's" and "need to work on" will flip flop and you will see your improvement.

Trauma Columnist · May 12, 2017

Moved to First Year After Nursing LIcensure forum

guest042302019, BSN, RN · May 13, 2017

Why are you working ED as a new nurse? Absolutely there are lower pace floors and settings. I wouldn't work ED as a young person. It's often a jungle. Entertaining but a jungle. I don't know. Start researching non-traditional roles if you want out of floor nursing. Though, ED, isn't really floor nursing. Before you completely get out it, try out a med-surg floor. You may find the pace is a little more manageable though that depends the size of the hospital too. Good luck!

Insperation · May 16, 2017

The ER must be really tough for a new grad. I'm in my first year in med-surg and I often go home and second guess a lot of things that I do. I know it's no good to take work home but I actually learn from it. Just keep showing up, keep asking questions, assess your patients and advocate for them. I'm sure it will get easier just keep pluggin.