Coppersmom

Just looking for some advice... I received my CNA as a junior in high school then my senior year I volunteered my time as a CNA. Then was hired right after graduating high school. I was a CNA for five years prior to becoming a RN this past May '13. I've worked in the same hospital on the same medical/surgical unit the entire time. I knew what I was getting myself into when I accepted the position as an RN from working as a CNA there. But it seemed to be a better choice as a new grad to stay at the place that I already knew than to start as a new nurse in a new hospital. But these past 9 months have been rough. I feel like I'm burnt out with the facility I work for and the type of patients I care for. I keep telling myself I should stick it out for a year so I don't stiff the employer in case I ever do need to work there again because I do live in a smaller town but I'm not sure my mental health can take another 3 months. I'm just exhausted. I love my career choice but I don't love my job. There are positions open at a hospital that is about a 45 minute drive from my house and the hours are from 8am-5pm with some call time in a gi unit. Whereas right now I'm working 7pm-7am but I'm lucky if I'm out of work by 8am due to the busyness of the unit. I guess I am just looking for advice. Am I giving up too easy? Should I stick it out? Is the first year of nursing suppose to be this hard? And does it ever get easier?