New nurse that hates unit/unhappy

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Specializes in Observation Unit.

Hello everyone, Im seeking to here from fellow new nurses that can identify with my topic. I am a new nurse with about 3 months experience that work on a fast paced observation unit. I started on this unit as an intern and even that experience wasn't a positive one. I feel as though I am doomed on my unit and targeted by fellow coworkers, almost bullied to a certain extent. I am seriously considering quitting and searching for a job in much smaller setting vs a big area hospital, somewhere less busy. I would like to know what are some not-so-good things you all encountered as a new nurse and how did you handle it? Im sure hating a unit you worked on is common but how/when did you move elsewhere? Im so miserable and fed up at this point that I am willing to take my chances with less than one year experience, staying on my unit is causing me far too much stress not to leave.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I moved your thread to first year after licensure....the first year is the hardest we have all felt like quitting...((HUGS)) What is going on? How can we help?

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Specializes in ER.

I personally believe in giving any job 1 year. 1 year is usually the amount of time to become proficient in a new job in my book. It usually takes less time than that but for me a 1 year is an easy bench mark and is a realistic goal. I loved the ER after a few months whereas I hated working as a private ambulance after 8 months (left because I started nursing school so I couldn't give it a year). If it is giving you a lot of stress and you do not think you can work it out, I would begin applying to new jobs.

However, they may not consider you until you have more experience under your belt out of fear you may jump ship. I would use excuses like you want to work closer to home, a unit where you can connect better, it's your dream job, etc when you are asked why you are leaving your previous job.

I always feel like I am horrible at my job whenever I start a new one. I switched from an ER background as a paramedic to an ICU and I feel like I am not as good as my job due to a different flow of how things work. After a year if I do not like it, I will consider moving to a different unit.

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I had been an LPN for 8 years without any hospital/acute care experience. I've been on my unit as a new RN for about 6 weeks now. It is very fast paced and some days I feel like I'm drowning with no life jacket in sight. Most nurses on the unit are helpful and understand. There are a few that seem irritated if I ask them anything, so I just stay clear from them. Each day so far I've been trying different strategies at organizing and keeping on task, just when I think I'm ahead something happens that throws that out of the window. I've observed the other nurses that have been there for some time still fall behind so that helps me not feel so inadequate. I'm determined to "get it together". My main goal was to get the experience and strengthen my skills to be comfortable and confident in any other setting/specialty. So I've made up my mind to hang in there and just give it my best. It may take a while before you have a good flow of things, give yourself a chance... If you are that miserable though, move on and try something different! good luck

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I think as long as you're working as a nurse, you're going to get experience any place you go. It may be a different kind of experience (i.e. LTC vs Hospital), but it will be experience. So if you have to go else where for a piece of mind, then do so. However, I would never quit a job before having another one lined up. Also, just remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. You could leave bad and go to worse. So think about it for a while before you make a decision, because you could go elsewhere and that place will have it's own issues in and of itself.

Another thing, make sure you're using your ancillary staff and charge nurse (If she doesn't take patients or even if she does). I've seen a lot of nurses are running but yet still behind because they're filling water pitchers, or getting bed linen, or doing something that ancillary staff can do. It's okay to be nice and get a pillow or help someone to the bed side commode when you're not busy, but, when you're busy don't hesitate to call on them.

Also, night shift is wonderful, IMO. I've worked night shift for the last 6 years and it's so much more doable. Nights can get busy too, but a doable busy.

Good luck on whatever endeavor you may seek!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I wanted to quit when I first started too. I was miserable. Many days I cried and felt sad the day I had to get up and head to work. But, I had to come to the realization that nobody was going to hire a nurse with less than year experience unless you knew someone. It was hard enough as it was just to land a job and I was determined to make it. I learned how to stay professional when speaking to rude doctors and coworkers who I had conflict with was dealt with on a one-to-one basis without management getting involved.

I tried to "love" my unit but that didn't happen in 6, 9, or 12 months of being there. Instead of hating it, my feelings finally graduated to dislike. Plain and simple, it's just not the unit for me. However, I am still grateful for the preparation it gave me in becoming a more confident and competent nurse. I continue to leave great impressions on my patients and their family due to the letters they write mentioning my name to the hospital.

I am finally in the process of interviewing for a unit I had been waiting to get into. Good things come to those who wait and endure. Don't give up.

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I have worked on a surgical unit with medical overflow for a year. I gave it my best, but I just can't anymore. I work night shift, which is fine. I don't mind nights. But I have never worked a shift that I wasn't terrified. With 8 pts (or 9), it's not a safe situation for a new grad. I either cry before or after my shift. I can't stand working in the hospital. I feel like I'm not experienced enough for the burden. A few nights all of my pts are easy, no issues. Most nights I have low bps, high bps, bleeders, vomiters, pain seekers, and the worst, several confused pts who don't abide by the "call don't fall" policy. I've had MDs SCREAM at me. I feel like I'm always asking my coworkers advice (and they are all WONDERFUL). I just am not cut out for the acuity and the stress. I'm looking for a job in a doctors office. Now that I have a solid year of med surg experience I'm told I can go anywhere...we'll see. I love people. I often wish I hadn't gone into nursing. I envy my friends with desk jobs. I wish that someone told me the realities of nursing before I went to school. I'm sorry to be a downer, but for those of you on the fence, this job probably isn't for you. If you have a passion, go for it. I feel stupid quitting after just a year, but I can't stand another minute in the hospital. And I'm not alone... I don't know one single person on our unit that lives it. Though there are some nurses with 20 years on our unit! $50/hr might make it better, I suppose :)

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