New nurse struggling

Sour Lemon · Oct 30, 2018

You're bored as a new graduate in the ICU? That sounds very "off".

You have options. If teaching is what you want to do, then do it.

Triddin · Nov 1, 2018

I feel alarmed that you are bored in ICU. As a new grad, you will get easier assignments and more stable patients, but the majority of ICU work is critically thinking: why does you patient present like this, what factors are involved, do you give x med because their qtc is increasing, what could go wrong, what would I do if it goes wrong.

Making a running dialogue such as this will help you develop your thinking and realize what you don't know. Then you can research what you don't know.

It takes time to make friendships, on the ward and off. Moving away from friends and family is hard. Honestly, maybe your coworkers are picking up in the vibe you are sending out that you are bored and don't want to be there. If you can, I would stick it out if possible, it takes atleast a year minimum to feel comfortable and be competent in any ward, much less iCu.

Of course only you know you. If you're rather teach, go for it. Just remember there are consequences if you choose to come back as an old new grad with minimal experience.

Best of luck in your decision.

Persephone Paige, ADN · Nov 2, 2018

Stick it out for a year, if possible. Then, start applying for school health nurse positions. Best of both worlds? I'm going to tell you a little secret that works for me... When I'm in the middle of something I don't particularly care for, I tell myself it's like school. I show up as I would for class or clinical with the objective of learning. I drop the goal of friendships, acceptance, or any other extraneous distractions. I put in my pocket and take home with me the things I've learned. These are things I can put on my resume. Once "class" is over, then I begin to search for the thing I love. It's temporary, you can do it.

stevemac · Nov 11, 2018

I'm maybe a bit of an oxymoron: I'm a travel nurse who wants to stay close to home.

You mentioned you like to travel. Spend a year becoming a competent ICU nurse, and then become a travel nurse. You will have input on which assignments you want to take and where, and sometimes even when. I travel because I have some more autonomy over my time, and the opportunity for my family to travel with me and see parts of the country together that we wouldn't be able to take a vacation for.

I'm an ER nurse; there is a lot of teaching in the ER. The patient load is variable, presenting complaints change by the moment, sometimes; there is lots of thinking and problem solving. And, it's a bit rare as a traveler, but there is also sometimes the chance to be a preceptor--and I really enjoy that time!

I'm trying to encourage you to stay the course. Become good at the specialty you've picked, and from there you'll find lots of opportunities to use your new skills.

Oh. And do your coworkers a huge favor: stop the attitude. There is no reason on earth to be "bored" in the ICU. You hold the outcomes for critical patients, and their families, in your arrogant hands, and that demands an attitude far different than "I'm bored."

We haven't met, but I can tell you exactly what God's will for you life is: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, working for the Lord rather than for men." (Colossians 3.23) No "boredom" there, eh?

pbuttercups · Nov 12, 2018

Have you ever considered school nursing? That may be a good fit since you are most comfortable in a school setting with kids and teachers. It would also give you all the perks that you gave up (holidays off, spring break off, summers off) You would also still be able to teach in some capacity. I am a school nurse and I teach several different classes. Just an idea :)