malaikaRN

I work per diem as a MEDSURG nurse in a smaller hospital and so we see all sorts of disease processes, people of all ages are admitted to our floor. The learning opportunities are endless in this setting (and quite frankly, intimidating). I am reaching my 6 month mark, but before this I had also worked 6 months in a snf. So I guess that magical one year anniversary is approaching but I don't feel competent. I still ask questions constantly, I suck at Iv's, I panic (to my credit only on the inside) during emergencies, I constantly worry over whether I did everything I was supposed to (did I chart that? I did those bs checks right?) I'm my worst critic I know. One of the nurses I trained with was so kind and helpful to me but she told me shortly before I started on my own "trust me, floor nursing will burn you out in a hurry"... It's as if those words were a pox-- the truth and reality of her statement haunt me. I am currently looking for opportunities away from bedside nursing, it nearly brings me to tears to say this-- in hopes of not completely regretting me decision for pursuing this career in the first place. I always find comfort here, reading all your experiences and stories, it is my only true outlet in moments where I feel like I'm losing myself. Thanks All for listening.

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm new to the government job process-- i guess that's why I find it odd to have everything so separate. In the private sector you apply for a job and go through hr but it's all within the same organization. The government/VA has two completely separate entities for this it seems. The recruiter has only told me that she hasn't had time to look at the applications but that the position needs to be filled quickly as possible (??). I've read about some very negative experiences about getting a job at the va, sometimes taking as long as 6 months to get in (if at all) as the va tends to hire internally more often that not. --sigh-- frustrating.

My post from yesterday about the va hasn't gotten any bites. For anyone that has been through the VA hiring process, did you ever contact the hiring location or did you go strictly through the hiring agency? I don't know if contacting the clinic or hospital with the open position would make any sense when the recruiter has all the applicants info. But.. As I've seem on multiple threads and other blogs- the process is slow. The recruiter seems especially annoyed and displeased with any calls about a job, her answers are vague and the only hurry she's in is to get off the phone. I yearn for the position so badly I can taste it-- but I don't want to ruin my chances if getting it by coming off as desperate. Any advice would be appreciated.

I could be wrong but don't you have to have a bsn to even apply for a post graduate program?

I had a negative experience in this setting. I feel that even with lower acuity, 1:10+ is NEVER safe or effective care. I work medsurg now, and looking back to my snf/subacute experience, i took away 1) time management and 2) document, document, document. i now have 6-7 at most, and even then it's difficult to stay caught up some days. but i always make time to chart, not only is it a requirement, its the only way to protect my license. i hope you have a more positive experience with your job. not all facilities are the same.