New RN needs advice here

jadu1106 · Oct 20, 2010

Hi Lisa1980,

I am sorry you are having a difficult time on your med/surg floor. I have yet to find an internship, but do you think you can handle it for 4 more months? I think most places and even in-house transfers you need at least 6 months in the position before they will consider your transfer to another department or another hospital. I am not sure how this is at your place of employment, but maybe you could talk to your manager? Maybe someone else can also send some helpful suggestions.

All the best,

jadu1106

juststartinout · Oct 20, 2010

Hi Lisa1980

It's incredibly difficult to start out in nursing. Two months into a difficult position like MedSurg/Onc sounds very overwhelming. However, try to stick with it a little longer and see how you feel say at 6 months. The introductory period is extremely heart wrenching. There's a lot to learn and not a lot of time. Don't give up. You're not useless or stupid. You were hired because they see the potential in you. Try to stick it out for at least four more months like jadu1106 said. Get 6 months under your belt and then see about transferring. Good luck, and all the best. This too shall pass and you'll be a better nurse for it.

Good luck,

Juststartinout

Lisa1980 · Oct 20, 2010

Thanks you! I'm going to try and stick it out. At this point I couldn't do anything else anyways and i have to pay my bills.

thanks for the comfort!

soxfan80 · Oct 21, 2010

I am 3 months into my new grad position, and a month ago, I would have rather done anything except for go to work. Recently, it's not nearly as horrible as it was a month ago, and I hope it gets better so that I either want to stay or so at least I can tolerate the year or so or experience I need to get the heck out of med/surg/tele. I guess what I'm saying is that I FEEL YOUR PAIN! Let's hope it gets better like everyone says!

juststartinout · Oct 21, 2010

I agree with SoxFan80. I'm four months into my job and I just now am starting to get comfortable with my position. I wanted to jump ship. I even interviewed somewhere else. But now I'm getting more comfortable with my work and duties. I'm sure the same will happen for you Lisa1980. Had anyone told me i'd actually be considering staying more than 6 months a month ago I would have laughed and called them a nincompoop...but time really can change things. Good luck!

caliotter3 · Oct 21, 2010

Here is something I find helps when the going gets tough. Get a big 18 month calendar, circle your drop dead date. In your case it would be one year, 18 months, or 24 months for the experience to put on your resume and job applications. Then get that magic marker and start marking off those days! One by one, when the shift is over, get rid of another day on that calendar. Psychologically, this may help. You got through nursing school and passed NCLEX, so you can do this too!

Lisa1980 · Oct 22, 2010

thanks again. i am so frustrated because i had only 4 weeks of orientation as a new grad... 4 weeks of only 3 days a week. that's not a lot of time. i was thrown out there and told to sink or swim. since switching to the night shift it has been a little easier. i have a plan in mind. i am hoping that after 6 months i will be able to take the critical care course the hospital offers that is hands on. the course is 18 months. after that.... i will most likely jump ship! this hospital is so unorganized, chaotic, and understaffed.

caliotter3: i really like your advise, that's a great idea with the calender! i think i will try that!