nurse_sharon

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am in my sixth week of orientation and have five more to go. I am working nights on a med/surg unit and I'm still having trouble juggling just two patients, let alone the five I will be expected to take once orientation is over. I'm terrified of being on my own in just over a month. There are so many things they just don't teach you in nursing school! I'm glad to hear there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I can't wait until I feel like I really know what I'm doing!

Thanks to all for your advice!

Hi all, I am a new grad and have been working 3 12's on a med/surg unit for about a month now. I have to admit I am already feeling trapped and tied down to this job (2 year contract). I am young, 23 years old, no kids. I have always had dreams of travelling the world and thoroughly enjoying life while I was young without the responsibilities of a family. Though I knew weekends and holidays would be sacrificed when I started nursing school, the reality of that is only now hitting me, and it's hitting me hard. I get depressed whenever I think about sacrificing my dreams for work. Ultimately I know I have to keep this job for those lucrative 1-2 years of experience but in the meanwhile I would like to do what I can and make the most of whatever time I get off. How do you all fit in free time for yourselves and vacations while working full time? Is it possible to get time off during the holidays? How much time can you take off in a year? I was wanting to a few days off around Christmas/New Year's to travel but I'm thinking as a new grad it won't happen and I'm pretty down about it.