New nurse in tough position...help!

[AvaRN22, MSN, RN]

Hello :)

So here is my story.....

I am currently approaching my 7th month of nursing on a challenging floor. I have been very unhappy on this unit since I started nightshift. My health has deteriorated like never before in my life (and I am young and healthy person) and my vitality and spirit weakened. I started as an idealistic, enthusiastic, energetic, and highly motivated nurse, but I now feel worn down by the nature of the unit, the high acuity of the patients, and the sleep deprivation from working nights. But I am not a quitter, despite my family and friends suggestions to quit, so I challenged myself and pressed onward trying to at least make the 1-year mark on this unit.

Things have just recently gotten worse. There is some non-verbal hostility against me from a supervisor and I feel intimidated. And now I am on a type of probation period because I made a few medication errors (no patients were harmed) and I may be fired if I make a mistake. I have been hard on myself for those errors, but am doing my best and learning from my mistakes. The difficulty of the work, sleep deprivation, hostility, and intimidation has been painfully stressful. I feel disillusioned. It has been my dream to be a nurse for the past six years.

THE PROBLEM: I feel like am between a rock and a hard place. With little experience, where else can I go? Should I just continue to tough it out until I hit the 1-year mark? Most jobs I have looked into require at least a year of experience. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you :redbeathe

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

When I was a new grad, I stayed in a miserable job for far longer than I should have because I did not want to be a "quitter" and feel like a failure. By the time I finally did quit- I was so beaten down...Now that I've been around the block a time or two I would quit in a minute if I were as miserable as you describe.

I've quit several jobs, and have never regretted it.

Good luck. :)

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Not suggesting that you stay in a miserable, unhealty place, but it sounds like at least some of the stress is related to night shift. Is there a chance to move to days on your floor? If so, would you still report to the same hostile supervisor? Would you feel more alert and on top of your game on days?

[AvaRN22, MSN, RN]

Not suggesting that you stay in a miserable, unhealty place, but it sounds like at least some of the stress is related to night shift. Is there a chance to move to days on your floor? If so, would you still report to the same hostile supervisor? Would you feel more alert and on top of your game on days?

Thanks for your response EricJRN. Moving to days was my first thought along time ago. I wouldn't be reporting to the same hostile supervisor and I would see the sunshine, but there are no openings on dayshift right now and really I don't think I could handle my floor on days. Ideally, I would like to move to a lower-acuity floor.

[khraissen]

I think ur just in the adjustment stage since u were just starting ur career path. I've been there too where i hated nightshifts,really... That's my most hatred part in nx ac2ly.. It made me thinner during my tough days but after the adjustment period it feels great. I think u shouldn't quit yet. You have to face the challenges first for if not, ul be quitting over and over again at different jobs you'd be in. It's part of the nx life, after u've passed it, ud feel stronger.:)

[L8RRN]

Doesn't hurt to look for another position elsewhere now. If something pans out, you can make your decision then. Also, do they offer a part time or casual day position? It would still allow you to maintain employment while looking for another job if you just can't stand nights any longer.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

AngelNurse,

So sorry you're feeling so down. One of our biggest problems in nursing today is our lack of skilled managers. You don't really have a basis for comparison yet, but please believe me - there is a world of difference between working for a very good manager, and the one you seem to be stuck with.

As a fairly new employee, you may not realize that there are non-nursing resources that are available to you. First of all, make an appointment to talk to your employee advocate in Human Resources. They have different types of job titles.. like "employee relations" or "career guidance", etc. Your employer has invested a lot of $ in you, and they don't want to lose you. If you don't know who to talk to, just tell HR that need to have some help with on-the-job stress. Stress-related health issues can end up as a worker's compensation case if it interferes with your ability to work, so I am sure this will get their attention. Also, be sure to let them know if you feel that your supervisor is hostile to you. Make sure you have specifics - time and place- rather than just 'feelings'.

You may be referred to a third-party EAP provider for counseling. Take advantage of this offer - it can be very beneficial.

As for the med errors -- Make a new 'rule' for yourself: do not allow any distractions when you are dealing with meds or physician orders. Don't answer call lights or respond to any questions... this is the most effective way to combat the effects of night-shift fatigue on your concentration.

Best of luck to you - keep us posted on how it all works out.

[AvaRN22, MSN, RN]

Thanks so much for your response HouTx. I have never heard of or even thought of that. I will see what my HR has to offer.