Nursing, not as rewarding as I thought...

[Wen83]

I am a new nurse and have been at it for 5 months. Before starting my life as a nurse, I was incredibly excited about the new road ahead of me. I knew it would not be easy, but I had no idea how much it would hurt my relationship and that it is slowly sucking the life out of me. I come home from work everyday exhausted, I'm irritable, and I just want to get in my pjs and curl up on the couch and be left alone. Some days are so difficult that I come home crying. My fiance who has stuck with me since nursing school (and we all know how difficult it is to keep a relationship during that time lol) is telling me how he doesn't like who I am anymore since I have started my new job and we are beginning to talk less. I'm not enjoy life and I am pushing others away from me. I keep hoping that everyday I go to work I will learn more and become more comfortable with things, but I find more self more miserable with each passing day. I work on a busy orthopedic/trauma unit and I'm wondering maybe it isn't the unit for me. Maybe I should switch to a different unit or maybe I'm just too new and need to stick it out longer.... I have have no idea anymore and don't know what to do. Is this normal? I've worked so hard to be here and I am not enjoying it. :trout:

[ICU_floater]

You've been given great advice. let me add mine.

5 months is NOT enough time to be comfortable. It really takes a year med surg and 18 months ICU. I think that when the next batch of new grads rolls onto the floors, the "older" nurses have too high expectations of the recently "new hires" and then those 6 monthers take on too much pressure and even act as resources for the newbies when they're "still growing" themselves. It's like asking the 8 yr. old to mind the 4 yr. old (sure the baby may be quiet but at what expense?).

Nursing is versatile, you can do L&D, ICU, ER neruo, LTC, education, teaching, home health, research, call center, school nursing.... get the picture:idea:

You've just begun your career, in only one place. There are WAY to many choices you've yet to experience until you can say it's not for you. 6 months is a very fair trial for the unit you're on. Have you been assigned a mentor? If not, ask a skilled nurse to be yours, you don't just want nice, you need some one to push you, give honest feedback but support you on bad days. If you can't find this where you are, you have a tougher road ahead. Nurses are in demand and the possibilities too endless for you to be wanting to quit this early..... Why don't we help grow our young?

You may stay in the same setting and pick a different unit- talk to people. Any change will add a bit of stress since this is the only place you know, it may be the best stress you've ever worked through.... or gives you the stamina to try something new. Each change REALLY makes adjusting to changes easier.... take it from a float nurse and contract nurse.... I was going to 5 different hospitals on ANY ICU or ER.... but it took a bit to get to that comfort level.... now I HATE being stagnant stuck in one unit, want to see 'em all.

You'll find it, and it's OK to move on

[gregmcl]

I too am feeling your pain. I graduated in February and went straight to an emergency room right out of school. Although I was a tech in the ER for 3 years prior to changing hats I feel completley out of my element. I don't have any answers for you for I am in the same boat but as for myself, I am going to try and give it time.

Best of luck an hang in there...

-Greg