Nurses with a few years under the belt

HRM672 · Jan 12, 2011

My personal opinion is that there are so many different areas to work in nursing that no one should stay at one that's not a good fit. It does take a while to get adjusted. I think about a year after graduating to feel comfortable. But you shouldn't be completely miserable. That's just my two cents :)

roser13, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

How long have you been on your floor?

Please believe that your feelings are normal. Depending upon how long you've been in your position, I would likely say hang in there, it will get better. And yes, sometimes a little temporary anxiety relief in the form of medication is beneficial. Speak to your PCP. Trust me, he/she will understand.

I agree with the PP that a year is the minimum time in which a new nurse should begin to feel acclimated to his/her new floor. There's a reason that "they" say that nursing school only gives you the minimum basic requirements. You are still on a steep learning curve and need to give yourself a break.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

Oops, didn't mean to make a new post. Oh well, continuing on.....

Personally, after a few months in an intense Med/Surg unit, I needed to be on an anti-anxiety medication. It was such a relief. I went on to work on that floor for 3 years, then left Med/Surg.

While I was greatly relieved to finally leave that position for a less-stressful one, I will always acknowledge that I learned more in those years, in that position, than I have in the last 15 years. And virtually everything that I learned transferred to my eventual positions. To me, retrospectively, it was worth every minute of anxiety.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

It would help to know what your specific hurdles are. Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you managing your time well or do you constantly feel like you are behind the 8 ball? Are you delegating? Are you taking some mental health days? How are you dealing with your stress? Are you a perfectionist?

Yes, it takes a while to get used to the chaos of hospital nursing. About a year sounds right. Have you talked to your NM about some of the challenges you are facing?

Dude, I feel ya. I know that it sounds kinda silly, but one day the light bulb will go off and everything will fall into place. You will get into a rhythm and you will be smokin'!

The key is to not be so hard on yourself. Nobody got into nursing knowing everything there is to know, and those that have this mentality are probably dangerous. Give yourself some kudos for the things that you did well at the end of each day, and examine/research the things that you feel you felt short accomplishing. If you can keep a journal, that will be cathartic. And as always, you can come here to just vent!

Keep your head up and be proud that you have come this far.

PattiRN1023 · Jan 12, 2011

I actually liked nursing during my first year, but I remember the terror and inadequacies that I often felt, which is not uncommon for new nurses. I was blessed with a good support system, which is vital. Although I have only 4 years nursing experience I am getting to the point where I "hate" nursing. After much soul searching, I admitted to myself that it was the chronic, negative attitude where I currently work. I am looking for a new job. Please do not give up on nursing! It is a hard but very rewarding career. I am not sure of your exact situation, just giving you my thoughts and hope they may offer some help for you.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

Almost everyone feels this way. And I'll add that I know a couple of nurses that were told they just didn't have what it takes, but somehow they perservered on and kept at it, and now they are considered to be outstanding in their field.

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

Talk to someone you know and trust.. I talked to one of the charge nurses on my unit and trust me, if I hadn't I would have quit very soon after coming off orientation.. Talking to someone that "knows" first hand what you are going through will help so much more than talking to your bff or parents etc..

It takes time to feel comfortable with nursing. It takes time to get your head above water so you can breath and NOT feel like you are drowning. It took me about 6 months to no longer dread going to work :) Then another few months to feel comfortable with myself and my role..

Give yourself time and vent away.. It really does make you feel better.. I say hang in there if you are a new grad with less than a year where you are now. If you still feel this way after that, look else where. It may be your unit is not what you need.

Reward yourself with every victory no matter how small. I did the happy dance the other night because I got my first IV after coming off orientation!!! Small and simple for many but for me; no matter how many I attempted I couldn't get them. I was so proud..

Try and hang in there, if you need meds to help.. go for it.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jan 12, 2011

It took a year before I figured I wouldn't kill anyone during the shift, and two years to feel kind of comfortable. I hated and avoided day shifts because of the crush of people and questions, couldn't sleep before them, and felt overwhelmed through every day until about five years in.

Queen2u · Jan 12, 2011

It would help to know what your specific hurdles are. Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you managing your time well or do you constantly feel like you are behind the 8 ball? Are you delegating? Are you taking some mental health days? How are you dealing with your stress? Are you a perfectionist?
Yes, it takes a while to get used to the chaos of hospital nursing. About a year sounds right. Have you talked to your NM about some of the challenges you are facing?
Dude, I feel ya. I know that it sounds kinda silly, but one day the light bulb will go off and everything will fall into place. You will get into a rhythm and you will be smokin'!
The key is to not be so hard on yourself. Nobody got into nursing knowing everything there is to know, and those that have this mentality are probably dangerous. Give yourself some kudos for the things that you did well at the end of each day, and examine/research the things that you feel you felt short accomplishing. If you can keep a journal, that will be cathartic. And as always, you can come here to just vent!
Keep your head up and be proud that you have come this far.

You are absolutely right!!!!!!!!!! It has been almost 8 months for me. The first 3-4 months, OH MY GOODNESS I was a nervous wreck!!!!! I feel more at ease now. I still have plenty to learn and will have lots to learn each day of my life, but I pretty much think I have the hang of things now. Hang in there, MJB, it will get better!!!

MJB2010 · Jan 13, 2011

Thank you so much for all the support. I am 5 months in, and searching for a new job. I think sticking it out a year here might kill me. Not sure I can make it. The people I work with are mostly supportive but some seem to enjoy chewing me out at report daily. I always leave filled with doubt, and I always feel sick on my way in. I dont think I have ever cried this much in my life. I think if I find another position, Im going to quit.

NeoPediRN · Jan 13, 2011

I loved my job right from the start. I had a great orientation, excellent coworkers, and I never really felt overwhelmed due to the slow pacer pace of a community hospital setting. Plus, I was doing peds and OB, which I really loved. I think your experience is in your hands to a certain extent, but if you've given it a good six months and still absolutely hate what you do then it may be time to move on to a different department or a new hospital.