Hi, I'm a 36 y/o new nurse. Graduated 12/2008. I work for a major hospital in St. Louis on the telemetry floor. I've been working there since March 09. I am not happy with my job as this is not what I thought nursing to be. I was taught in school to listen to my patients concerns, cultural concerns, and treating the patient as a whole, including mind, body, and spiritual needs. Well, on my floor, it's always so busy that I barely have time to say more than 2 extra sentences to the patient. It's so stressful. They equip us with a cordless phone that is with us everywhere we go. So, either the phones is ringing with doctors, family, or techs on the phone or the patients are on the call lights. There is so much monitoring and I am constantly getting admissions and discharges. Admissions really take a long time. Plus, I am more behind than anyone else because I'm always have so many questions. I feel as if I'm constantly being pulled in 50 different directions and even if I get to work early to get prepared for my patients, I still end up leaving late. Which results me working in 14 hr. shifts, instead of 12. I am always so exhausted and even on off days, I cannot enjoy my off days because it takes me several days to feel energized again. Since I've been working, Ive been so stressed out and I just don't feel like myself anymore. I'm always crabby and never feel like going out and doing anything. I feel so bad because I can tell that my patients need a little extra attention and loving care and I only have time to push meds, change dressings, and run out the room. This is not the way I thought nursing to be. I worked so hard to get through nursing school with the motivation that I would have a job that I love doing. But, I hate it. I feel nauseated every morning when I wake up and get ready to go to work. I want a job that I'm busy, but, not crazy busy, and where I still have time for my patients. I know I can't sit in the patient's room all day and lolly gag, but I wanna at least be in touch with their feelings and needs. I don't want a lazy job, either, where I'm not using many of my skills. A lot of friends of mine suggested working at a nursing home may be better, but, some people say it's the same or worse. Do you think I feel the way about my job because I'm still a new nurse and still trying to find my way...such as time management, and etc. or can you suggest a position that you would think is better suited for me? I welcome your opinion. Thank you.:heartbeat
I know exactly how you feel. Six months out of school on a hectic MedSurg unit, I didn't think I would make a year but I signed a contract and I did not want to give the bonus money back so I finished that year. I would ask myself everyday why did I become a nurse? This is insane:bugeyes:. It has to get better. I would pray ever day before walking onto my unit b/c I didnt know what to expect but I hung in there and 2 1/2 years later I moved on. And with that experience I was able to work just about anywhere. So like the other nurses said hang in there for a little while longer. Then explore your options. You've made it through.
It will get better over time, once you learn to manage the resources and juggle the never ending "to-do" list. Remember that hospitals are 24 hour care for a reason -- it never ends!
A couple extra words to a patient can make a huge difference! I always use time during dressing changes and IV push meds, assessment time, VS time to talk with the patient and maintain a holistic approach.
If you are feeling overwhelmed try switching to another shift, dropping a day from your pay period, switching to 8 hour shifts. . . otherwise try another floor. There are so many areas where you can go to that may be a little less hectic or that you may enjoy more despite the business.
NancyN
9 Posts
I know exactly how you feel. Six months out of school on a hectic MedSurg unit, I didn't think I would make a year but I signed a contract and I did not want to give the bonus money back so I finished that year. I would ask myself everyday why did I become a nurse? This is insane:bugeyes:. It has to get better. I would pray ever day before walking onto my unit b/c I didnt know what to expect but I hung in there and 2 1/2 years later I moved on. And with that experience I was able to work just about anywhere. So like the other nurses said hang in there for a little while longer. Then explore your options. You've made it through.