Kaylyn126

I started my first ever nursing job on a cardiac PCU about 6 months ago and feel completely and totally overwhelmed. While I knew that the unit would be a challenge as a new grad, I expected to learn a lot about a variety of different conditions. What I didn't know was that my unit would become a dumping ground for the majority of the severe Covid pts, those going through detox/withdrawl from drugs or alcohol, and those with severe mental health disorders. I didn't know that my unit would constantly be short staffed in terms of both RNs and techs, resulting in higher pt ratios when the normal ratio already felt like too much for me. I'm normally a very positive person, but with all the stress and anxiety, I'm having a hard time going into work with a positive outlook and am projecting an attitude that I don't really care for. I feel that the unit I am currently on is toxic to my mental health and that I need to get out. That the intensity is just a little too much for me coming right out of school. But is this the right choice? I don't really know. I have a hard time seeing things getting better any time soon. Does anyone have advice regarding how to survive in a position that you hate? I have been looking into other opportunities but don't know how long it will take for a good fit to come along.

I recently passed my NCLEX and have just started my first job as an RN. I started my unit orientation with a preceptor a few days ago, and thus far I feel completely and utterly overwhelmed. The amount of new information to learn and comprehend within a short period of time is intimidating to say the least. It doesn't help matters that my preceptor is a little short with people and has been pretty unreliable. They have either been late or have called off each day that I was supposed to be paired with them. However, I do give them some credit because the day that I was with them, they were a pretty solid teacher (although a little impatient). I don't mean to complain, because I realize how very fortunate I am to have secured a position at a great hospital near me. I realize that I am lucky to be in the position I am in and that I have been given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. I am just struggling a little bit at the moment. Don't get me wrong, I never expected everything to be easy by any means, I just didn't expect to question my own abilities quite as much as I have been recently. I didn't think that I would be left wondering if I can really handle this or if nursing is really the right fit for me. I am hopeful that this is something that will get better in time and will fade as I gain more experience. I am just at a loss for what I can do in the present to help myself get to that point. I don't want to dread going in every day. I would rather not feel the tremendous weight of pressure and anxiety as I prepare for each shift. With all that being said, I'm an optimistic person and will continue to go in and give it my best every day. I am determined not to give up and to keep pushing through it, I just hope that I do not lose my sanity in the process.