Please Help..i Hate Nsg. Right Now.. But What Else..in A Bind.

Hi, I am so sorry to hear how bad it is....I do understand. Last year I felt desperate...I was on nightshift and worked med/surg in a small community hospital. the lack of sleep made me horribly depressed. the hospital was having money problems so they took basically anyone as a patient and some patients were on the floor for weeks because there was no room at the nursing home. at night many became violent and I was really afraid. we had no security and were very short staffed. the administration was awful and they were not willing to put me on any other shift even when I became ill. I started feeling suicidal. That's when I decided to quit. my husband said "you can get a job anywhere - it doesn't have to be like this" My self esteem was horrible at the time because I'd been so worn down by my job and I had a hard time believing him. But I did quit. I gave myself a week to just sleep and then interviewed at a clinic with 10 doctors and 4 nurse practitoners. It does family practice, internal medicine and urgent care, has it's own lab/radiology etc. I was honest with them about my scary situation at the hospital...anyway, they offered me a job the same day I interviewed. the pay was 21.50 an hour...a lot less than the hospital, but I took the job and couldn't be happier. The doctors enjoy their work and because they are happy they treat us well. We have a dozen nurses and none want to leave. I feel so lucky to work in such a supportive environment and I'm glad I did'nt leave nursing. I know it's hard to see it right now, but you do have options. you are a nurse and so many places would love to have you...please don't give up.

Thank You!!

Hi, Shell5 I can definitely relate to what you are going through.

My first job after I received my LPN was in a Nursing Home. At that time was the only job available. I lasted only 9 months. I really hated to go to work. I then thought nursing is just not for me! I decided to go back to a community college to get an associates in business. After getting this degree a clinic position was advertised with an ophthalmologist. I interviewed and got the job. I have now worked in ophth. for 14 years and love it. I was also able to become a certified ophthalmic technician. I feel that I do much better in "wellness" areas. My Dr. is now close to retirement and I have decided to go back to school in January. LPN to RN program.

I do feel that there is a job out there for you. Sounds like you need a totally different enviroment. Everything happens for a reason, I'm sure things will get better soon!! Good Luck!

Hello, Shell5.

I can definitely relate to what you are going through. After receiving my LPN I took a job at a nursing home. I only lasted 9 months. I hated to go into work. I quit and at that time thought nursing was not for me! I went back to college and got an AA in business. Then, a position was advertised for an opening for an ophthalmologist in a clinical setting. I interviewed and got the job. I have worked for the ophthalmologist for 14 years and love it!:) I also became a certified ophthalmic technician. I feel like I do much better in "wellness" areas. My Dr. is now close to retirement, so I have decided to go back to school starting in January. LPN to RN program. It sounds to me you need a totally different environment. I am sure there is something out there that you would enjoy! Everything happens for a reason and things will get better! Good Luck to You!!!

OH please don't quit nursing b.c. of a bad facility! I have been in and out of nursing homes since I began the whole medical journey....a short stop in PEDS and Post Op Urology...but, mostly LTC....I even at one point thought to myself when i was at a bad facility....'well, i duno why i keep running, all nursing homes are going to be the same'. I was wrong. I found a great one...after only 2 months on the job I was promoted to MDS coordinator. If your DON cannot see that you are doing a good job....well, then poo poo on her..*wink*. Sometimes you have to kiss alot of frogs b4 you find your prince. Another thing...it is SOOO easy to get burnt out at ANY job...regardless of nursing home or what if you are doing back to back doubles. I suggest a new facility..whether it be another LTC or Dr office or whichever way the wind blows ya...just hope you decide to stay on "our" team

...would it work better if you weren't working double shifts every weekend? Are you able to work a different shift? Different hours? I worked 12 hour nights in a NH as an RN and it was very rewarding but very trying, due to the family dynamics every night. I was exhausted physically and emotionally, giving my all to the residents and co-workers.

I now work nights on a med/surg floor, 8 hour shifts and it works for us (empty-nesters). Please don't leave nursing without trying something different.