New RN feeling lost

[LinHues11]

I just graduated with my BSN in May and have been working for about 5 months on a mixed acuity floor (med-surg/PCU) at an extremely busy university hospital. I feel that I am having such a hard time. I started on day shift, but things were so hectic that I just switched to nights a few weeks ago. It is still crazy, but definitely a little slower. The thing is, I wrestled with nursing all throughout school and almost switched my major. Everytime I take a career test I get teacher, counselor, or social worker. My plan in school was to switch, so that I was on track to become a marriage and family therapist or teacher. I enjoy nursing because I love health and taking care of people, but I get so worked up and nervous to go in. I'm not sure if it's because I'm new and at the type of hospital that I'm at, or because nursing isn't for me. I have so many passions. Sometimes I wish I had become a registered dietitian and work in a school. I think about school nursing, psych nursing, public health, social work, teaching, etc. etc. I love kids. I love REAL health-- whole person health. Not pushing 20 pills down my patients while they curse me. I have a lot of pride with nursing, for example I don't want to leave because I love knowing about health and taking care of all the homeless and forensic patients we get, but I don't feel fulfilled in my job and don't exactly love it. It's alright. It pays the bills, but I don't want that kind of career. I want to enjoy what I'm doing.

I also love alternative medicine, yoga, meditation, all of that. I'm just not sure where to begin or where to go. I've thought about getting an MPH or going back to become a dietitian (but not work in the hospital). I think that maybe I would like a 9-5 job or working with schools because of the flexibility with breaks. I want to have kids in the next few years, so that is something I'm weighing as well.

I know this is long; can anyone offer advice? I am constantly searching for what I want to do after my "year of experience" is up.

Any advice would be lovely!

Thanks!

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

I have often had the same thoughts. I know for me, forensic nursing has been a big draw, and now that I'm starting to work on that certification, my motivation is much greater. Are there any specific populations you think you'd like to work with? HIV/AIDS? DV? I think it's helpful to decide who you want to help and see how your skills and knowledge can benefit them, and then look for jobs centered around that. You could also maybe consider psych NP or CNS, as I think their training includes psychotherapy.

[cleback]

My advice would be to try public health nursing before spending time and money on an MPH. It's a much different type of nursing, which may or may not suit you.

Maybe get certified as a yoga instructor or in meditation. Lots of community wellness activities do not require a lot of training to get involved in...and do not pay enough to replace a full time nursing job, unfortunately.