Not good at change

beekee · Oct 8, 2016

I think the title of your thread hits the nail on the head. Change sucks. For some, like me -- and I'm guessing you, too -- like stability, consistency and predictability. Others thrive in chaos. I'd suggest you reflect back to when you started at your former position. I'm guessing you were just as stressed out way back then too. But over the years, you grew and flourished into a nurse that others looked to for advice and mentorship. You created a cocoon that was warm and comfortable.

Now that have spread your wings in this new position, all that you cherish is gone. But, in time, I'm willing to guess you will again become that nurse that I want to work with when I'm the new kid on the block. Hang in there and give it time. Let us know how you are doing. Best wishes.

JMoney · Oct 8, 2016

Hi BeeKee - Yes I do like consistency, predictability and consistency. And, yes, I did the same thing when I first became a nurse, and when I moved to my previous position. I go through this every time - I don't know how to just "be". And I feel like such a downer person right now. I'm positive and upbeat on the outside, but on the inside, I feel miserable and inadequate one minute and excited the next. I'm trying to just roll with it, but I suck at it.

The other thing that is hard is the social aspect. The longer I am away from my old unit, the less I am invited to things or part of that "family" - it stings a little when I see them doing things and I'm not included. And, I feel like an outsider in my new unit. I am a very social person, so, I feel like I'm in limbo and a little lonely.

Thank you for your words of encouragement!

quazar · Oct 8, 2016

Ah yes, feeling like the newb all over again. It sucks. I have so been in your shoes, and it's so so so SO hard, and I totally wanted to go running back to my old unit too. It was really depressing and demoralizing and frustrating. It made me question myself every single day. I rode it out and stuck it out and eventually, slowly, about 4-6 months into the change, I started to feel better. It was so hard, though, and I totally get it. You don't want to look back or go back, though. You left for a reason and chances are those problems you walked away from are still there. I know that was the case with my old unit, and to this day everybody tells me that I was wise to leave when I did.

Just be patient with yourself, and try to remember that it will come: that day when the task of doing "things" will be faster and fall to the wayside and become more second nature, and you will start functioning as a nurse who focuses on the bigger picture like you used to do on your old unit. It's hard, I get it, I understand. Just hang in there, you'll get it.

JMoney · Oct 9, 2016

Thank you Quasar!

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2016

I think that, like others have said, change is just so hard. I am extremely resistant to change. I am trying to acclimate to my unit as a new grad and it really sucks not having already achieved a level of independence like in my former career. But, as with all things, I know the longer I stay with it, the more I will learn and I will be back on top of things in no time. One thing, though, that I have trouble with is delegation. Is it possible for you to reach out to others for help? Have you seen other more established nurses doing that? If so, maybe, as you're on the steep learning curve, you can observe what kind of teamwork and delegation goes on and kind of make mental notes on strategizing in the future. But, as long as you keep at it, you're gonna get back to where you were. Good luck! Be kind to yourself through this transition. :yes:

MHDNURSE · Oct 20, 2016

You have already gotten some good advice but I want to add that you are only 4 weeks in. There is a reason orientation is 12 weeks. If they thought you'd feel comfortable and know it all in 4 it would only be 4 weeks.