New nurse- physically and mentally exhausted

[Boogs0609]

I am a new grad who was hired on to work in dialysis clinic in August. I am physically and mentally exhausted from this job. I do not want to resign without anything else being lined up but at this point my health is actually deteriorating. I feel like I am becoming just so depressed. They hired 2 other new grads with me and I feel as though I don't have anyone to go to with questions. My manager and charge nurse are less then helpful. I understand there is a huge culture shock between real world nursing and nursing school but sometimes I have to say NO, I am not doing that. I worked so hard for my license and want to be a GREAT nurse. I do not think I am succeeding in this environment Any words of encouragement, wisdom, or just hard truth?

[rtx723]

I would say to stick it out. The first year is always harder. From my perspective, new grads are so rigid with procedures that its takes them 2 or 3 times as long to do something. Learn how to safely cut corners :). It is the only way to complete so many tasks on time :).

[Nurse ABC]

Take a few days off if you can to give yourself a little break. It's very over-whelming at first but it does get easier-I promise!!

[delilas]

Dialysis clinics are rough even for seasoned nurses; there is very little flexibility in how things are scheduled - which is understandable, given the nature of the clinic, but it's a rough start for a new nurse.

Your health is not more important than your career, and if a job is affecting both your mental and physical health, you should be considering alternative jobs at this point. But that's just my opinion :) I come home from work tired and exhausted, but I look forward to going in the next day and most of the time, my job doesn't affect my personal life (granted, like anyone, some deaths get to me and some days get to me). When I had job that took over my home life - whether it was from being upset at what happened regularly, working too much, or having unsupportive bosses - I looked elsewhere.

I realize that's not a step everyone can take, and I realize it's not always realistic. But never underprioritize your own health.

[malenurse354]

That can be a sign of burnout…

when was the last time you take some time off? There so are many areas in nursing where you can work, you just have to make a choice; do you really want to be a dialysis nurse? You will not be productive unless you are motivated and love what you do, so don’t push yourself too hard, considering that it already has an effect in your physical and mental health.