Please Help! I need career advice ASAP

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I just recently became a nurse and started working at a post-acute rehabilitation/LTC. I dislike it so much! i have constant anxiety attacks and am sick to my stomach every time I go to work. I have only been there a month and I can't imagine spending any more time there. Its not the amount of work or the number of patients it's because so many corners are cut and short staffing i just feel unsupported and unsafe providing care. If i have a question I never can find someone to help me. Or the fact that I'm expected to pass meds 2 hours early to "residents" because they live there and expect it, even though I can't see the MAR until 1 hour before (that already cost me 1 med error that I know about). Also, I'm just panicky in general as a new grad and would like at least one person is around to bounce questions off.

Anyways, because I have been so stressed i started looking elsewhere and got offered a position at an eye surgery center PACU job. But right now, I am debating if this kind of job would be a better fit for me. Could anyone tell me the pros and cons of this type of job? Or what I could expect working in an environment like that compared to LTC. I can't afford to freak-out at another job.

Also, I am in the process of completing my RN-BSN program and want to know what job would look better as experience?

I'm not looking for an easy ride I just want a position that would help ease the transition between school and real world nursing.

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I worked PACU, in ambulatory surgery. We did a wide variety of general surgeries. But also a lot of cataracts, blepharoplasties, various eye surgeries.

I heard of surgery centers that only do cataracts. If that is all you will be doing it won't be a very good stepping stone to other nursing jobs.

But it's possible after a few months just doing

PACU cataracts it could get your foot in the door to work PACU in an ambulatory surgery center?

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

Hi there Omg. I don't necessarily have advice for you but I want to concur that I felt exactly the same way as a new RN working in LTC. I had so many questions and no one to ask. I had at least 30 patients to pass meds to and I mean MEDS plus treatments. I know I made mistakes. The lack of staff was shocking to me and the facility was an expensive one for residents. I think I lasted 6 months. I was so happy when I walked out for the last time. 5 years later I can say that I believe there is short-staffing everywhere but in my job now I do not feel like I am drowning all the time. Nursing is tough. I never thought it was going to be easy but we all have to find the right fit for us. Mine was not in LTC. Wishing you the best.

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Get out of that LTC while you can, learn what you can with your new offer.

Don't worry about being a "job hopper". You are in the 3 month probationary period... reason for leaving is.. the job did not work out for YOU.

Best wishes, it's a jungle out there.

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Specializes in BSc, ASN- RN, MBA.

I felt that way working in LTC at first too. I was given 3 days orientation and expected to run with it. But, I did the best I could and stuck with it. I found nurses who were willing to give me answers before and after my shift. Most nurses remember how it was when they first started out. I remember the first time a pt was dying, they were DNR and the CNA said they thought they had passed when they went in to check on them. I had no idea what to do. I called another unit and asked "what do I do?" I had not been taught this. They took the time to walk me through it.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

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The best job to gain your experience would be med surg. You will see a variety of thing that you are going over in class and you will experience a lot and learn a lot on that floor. it to can be overwhelming but it would be a great learning experience

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Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..

I didn't last long on my first job either- it was in corrections. Leaving was absolutely the right choice for me. Was hired without difficulty almost immediately, LOVE my job, awesome team, learning tons. And everyone completely got why I left the first one.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
The best job to gain your experience would be med surg. You will see a variety of thing that you are going over in class and you will experience a lot and learn a lot on that floor. it to can be overwhelming but it would be a great learning experience

I agree that Med/Surg would be the best experience, but I think LTC is good experience as well. Cataracts in the PACU, not so much.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Sadly in many job markets the easiest jobs for a brand new nurse to get are not necessarily the best jobs for a new nurse. I work in a SNF and I love it, but it certainly isn't for everyone. The sheer number of residents you are responsible for will give a new nurse exposure to a wide variety of health issues, but little time to actually learn much about them. Some facilities are very new grad friendly with supportive management and helpful staff, but this seems to be the exception rather than the rule. I generally don't recommend LTC as the best first job opportunity, but if you are lucky enough to land in a good facility it can be a great learning environment and possibly a great life long career if you grow to love it.

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