ib0291

Hey guys, So I've only been a nurse for about 1.5 years. My goal was always to work in the ICU. Well, I finally got a job there and to be honest I am not loving it. The work is okay, but where I work we do rotating shifts. This means six days and six night shifts a month. I am struggling IMMENSELY with this. My mental health has been plummeting, and my GI system is all out of whack. I don't have any meaningful days off anymore, as they are spent trying to switch between day and night shifts or just recovering. I barely see my boyfriend or speak to my family at this point. I know that there will be a slight adjustment period, but I have been thinking that I can't do the rotating shifts. I spoke to my manager and there is not really another option besides going part-time or per diem. Either way, at this point I feel my priorities have shifted and I crave a work-life balance more than I do critical care. I'm very hard on myself and have been feeling slightly like a failure; I finally got my "dream" job and I'm miserable?! I have been thinking that no job is worth my mental and physical health. I'm thinking of branching out into primary care. I figure it will help me gain experience for when I become an FNP anyways. This is not a dig on primary care. I crave that kind of job. However, how do I stop myself from feeling like I'm "not good enough" for the hospital? I can do the work but I find myself unhappy. Has anyone else experienced this? Thank you!

Hi guys, I'm at a brand new job that is lacking basic ppe, including masks, gowns, and hand sanitizer. We have some, but definitely not enough. It has come to us having to use a personal mask that we keep in our pockets. I know everybody out there is feeling the same way. I was wondering if anyone had any tips/advice on how to alert the community to drop off donations? I don't want to get the facility involved, since I am new there and don't want to stir the pot. What do you guys think? These are indeed wild times. Sincerely, B, RN

Hi everyone! I am currently in nursing school to get my Associates Degree. I am more than open to doing an RN-BSN program after taking the NCLEX and maybe working for a year or two. I am in Massachusetts right now, and the trend is swinging strongly to BSN preferred or required to get a job. I was just wondering if anyone knew which states are the most likely to hire ADN nurses? The need for nurses in Massachusetts is not very high right now, and they have so many students to pick from. Any states you can think of are fine; I am willing to relocate. Thank you! -IB