New nurse here....what is my issue?

[NewNeuroNurse88]

I don't think I am burned out, overwhelmed or hate nursing. Maybe I know what the issue is and just need to vent.

I graduated last August and took my first job where I did my practicum on a neuro pcu and started in October. I came onto the unit when we had just moved to the newest part of the hospital and shortly after new management. None of this is my complaint.... Our unit is amazing and I love our new manager he is so personable and sits down with is individually at least once a week to see how we are doing.

I feel like I got all the training I needed and my preceptor was amazing. I am one of the few nurses who get out by 7:30. We get 3-4 patients whom are mostly strokes or seizures. I have a really good routine. While when things get thrown at me or a patient starts to crash I get a little overwhelmed, ask for help and eventually get back on track.

I just feel like a robot.... When I have a patient whom I can actually have a normal conversation with, isn't violent, confused or combative and genuinely appreciates my care it really means alot.

I'm just afraid it's too soon to switch, afraid it will look bad, I love my coworkers and don't want to leave them.

I could have it alot worse I guess.... I should probably just stick it out?

[sapphire18]

Yes, I would stay where you are. It sounds like a great job. Are you saying your problem is that you are sick of the confused/combative patients? That's completely normal...it's always a nice change of pace to have a walky-talky who you can actually have a conversation with! Enjoy those moments! As for the others...remember that it is not *them*- it is the stroke or tumor or TBI or whatever...and they still need loving, compassionate care. Imagine if your mom or dad were in one of their places...how would you want her/him to be taken care of?

[NewNeuroNurse88]

Idk the confused patients or totals don't really bother me too much. However I do enjoy and feel bad for the walkie talkies because I feel like I can't enjoy their company as much as I'd like. I feel like a robot though, that I'm just carrying out a bunch of tasks and that is all.... How do I get away from this feeling? I almost become obsessed with staying on schedule in fear of getting behind.

[sapphire18]

Hmmm. I think that as you gain experience and the "tasks" become more natural, you'll be able to enjoy your job more. It's good that you're able to stay on schedule as a new grad. Great, even! Just keep it up and it'll all become second nature (granted, this will take time), and you'll have more time to talk to your patients and get more enjoyment out of it all. :)

[ToothFairy(5)]

Ditto what sapphire said. Stick it out. Sounds like you are on the right track.

[MotherRN]

I've been in LTC this summer, and now that I have learned how to do tube feedings, hang the bags and program the pump; take blood sugars, give insulin injections and manage the highs and lows; do nebulizer txs; and HELP hand ONE bag of Rocephin (because they won't let me, despite being an RN, because I haven't had the certification class yet), I know what you mean about being a robot.

Many of my patients are post acute stroke or head injury. Many have dementia. Very few are conversant. But, even so, once you learn your job, it's so routine. Same old, same old. And, you feel like you have stopped learning as a new grad (I am a recent grad). And, it gets robotic and downright boring some days. Or frustrating when dealing with too many patient behaviors.

I was on neuro units as clinicals twice while in school. Thanks for opening my eyes to the fact it will all become routine both in the hospital as well as LTC. The 'new" wears off.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Sounds like overall you have a very good workplace, if your main conceern is that the job is not as emotionally rewarding as you want it to be, then there are lots of opportunities to make it more rewarding. Have you considered joining a professional association such as American association of neuroscience nursing, or becoming certified or assisting with a research study? Sometimes just being around other professionals who have focused their careers in the same speciality and are passionate about sharing their knowledge, can rejuvinate your interest in your non-conversant patients and provide you with more job satisfaction.

When I worked with non-conversant patients in the past, I kept in mind that although they may not be able to communicate, research shows that they are usually able to hear and smell. While doing their nursing care, I would play music or tell the patient a story about something my dog had done (if they were dog owners in their past). Also, if they were incontinent, I would clean them as soon as possible, not only to protect their skin, but also so they would not have unpleasant smelling rooms.