New Nurse. What did I get myself into?

[RhiSkylarkRN]

I just want to thank you all for your posts. I'm "sticking out" a first job in Skilled Rehabilitation and Long Term Care and I find myself having to pump myself up days before a shift and throughout the shift in general. I was hired on Nights full-time, but the position has turned into part-time hours with no benefits. As a single mom this is stressful! I live in Utah and there is such a large saturation of RNs that every facility (besides long term) will not even look at new grads. I've found myself wondering if I went into the right profession for me. I spent my capstone in L & D and I know women's health is my calling, so I just keep telling myself once I find my fit, I will be more at peace with this profession. My goal is to get into lactation consulting, but right now, I just want to make it though my next shift with my stomach intact. This stuff is HARD!

[Nurse ABC]

The good news is you have a job and are gaining experience so all those jobs where they won't look at new grads will look at you one of these days! Don't give up, keep applying, and try to focus on all the things you are learning. Hang in there!