rnang123

Ran across a statistic that 60% of new grads quit their first job because of some form of intimidation. Why in NURSING? I mean, I can see why, but still. I wish they would emphasize this in school (I dealt with this as a new grad--and it was horrible). Just wanted your thoughts.

That is really scary. They are basically practicing medicine without a license and stealing equipment. Drink a Gatorade! I'd let management handle it (as it has not been resolved yet) if it was me, first. If it happens again, BON. Seriously, that is ridiculous.

That's what I thought! Thank you :)

I'm pushing return after my paragraphs, and in the editing, it's broken up, but doesn't post that way. Hmm...

I'll try again...lol, that IS hard to read.

Hi, I have been a nurse in a long term care type setting for five years. I enjoy my job immensely, I work with a select number of clients living in 4-person group homes--and they are wonderful! In fact, I've had the same clients the entire time I've been employed. I have some great co-workers. It's a casual environment and I like that aspect. However:--There are only 4 RNs in the whole agency. Our supervisors and admin team are not nurses, there is not a "leader" in terms of a DON etc.--We've been "told" we have to do certain things, but with no training. Like teaching a Certified Med Aide course (40 hours), handed a binder and told to go from there. Teaching to the rest of the agency. There was a teacher that was contracted in, but it was decided for us to do it instead. The contracted teacher was paid over $1000 for the week. I can understand the need to save money, but with no training, I don't feel comfortable. I don't have a background in teaching. This has since gone to a nurse who came back part-time (who has taught it in the past), but what happens if she's gone? I've expressed the concern, but received no feedback. I'd have to seek training on my own, and not sure how to go about or fund this.-- I needed to renew my license--and attended a Developmental Disabilities nurses conference. It was out of town etc. I can understand them not paying the expenses for us to travel. However, I attended on my own with no reimbursement at all. I also used PTO. We have very few opportunities in my field since it is so small--and wanted to meet other nurses that did the same thing etc. It wasn't in the budget, I get that. But that doesn't seem right to me to use PTO for the hours in the conference. Especially since a nurse in the same agency (different location) had hers fully funded and they do so every year. This is my first. We don't have continuing education for nurses through our agency and was told that only for agency sponsored training that we can use PTO--We stopped having regular nurses meetings, due to a conflict in CMAs that are having difficulties, working under our license. I felt like it was something they just didn't want to hear...I'm not sure what the terms were for stopping the meetings except from what I have gleaned, because there has been no communication to us.-- While out of town, the nurse covering for me did not ensure a client had a certain test needed for abdominal pain. It was found he had gallstones when I went through my paperwork and made sure he was sent (10 DAYS after it was ordered). An office gave direction for an upcoming surgery--but was never passed along. Had to rush to make sure she had an H &P etc. I had told my coworkers and covering nurse there would be a call regarding this, and if not, to contact the number I gave them. Luckily, both are under control. Again, I informed my bosses etc and they wanted to know where I was getting at by giving this information.-- Management wants us to work direct care hours. That is fine, I don't mind it, but I am already putting in 5-10 hours over every 2 weeks (plus 90+ hours of on-call a week)I want opportunities to become better at what I do. I am not 100% familiar with what other work places do, as I have been here so long, but I have an idea--and this does not seem reasonable to me. I don't want to "rock the boat" but, there is something wrong here. I also don't want to be "helpless" but can't afford to train myself for everything.

I worked in medsurg tele as a new grad...HATED IT...now I work with adults with MR in an agency...group homes...as a nurse for 24 long-term clients of ICF-MR facilities...I love my job...except when the pager goes off, like right now =)

Also, I have a bit more to add...I also have a degree in Psychology, which can be very helpful. My job also wanted a nurse with a BSN and two years of experience...but having the experience of working with this population and my other degree helped. If you have any volunteer experience with working with schools, teacher's aid...anything...you could always add that to your resume. They may overlook the requirement if they feel they have the right candidate.

I've only been a nurse since July 2007 and I have changed jobs already. I began on a telemetry floor (not too different from a step-down floor...at least my particular floor because we have vascular patients too)...I worked six weeks of days and six weeks of nights, my schedule was constantly changing and I never got to do anything besides work (working weekends, nights, you name it!). I hated it and became a completely different person, constantly stressed out and became very depressed (I think it was because of working against my circadian rhythm, not seeing friends, and there was one coworker that was absolutely HORRIBLE to me). Combined = disaster. It sounds like we have similar type situations. Don't give up on nursing! I almost did until I found my job now. I worked at an agency that supports adults with developmental disabilities during nursing school. I found a nursing job at a similar agency (working with 24 clients in ICF-MR homes). I absolutely LOVE IT! For me, it is a good fit...I work Monday-Friday during the day (I do take call every 4th weekend and two nights a week, but I typically don't have to go to the sites while on call)...everyone for the most part is healthy (my job is more of maintaining health by making sure they have their required scheduled appointments, quarterly health assessments, and assessing staff concerns with a client, monthly vitals, checking monthly MARs, plus random fill in the blank). I did take a pay cut, sometimes it can be super annoying to get paged...but a bad day at work is MUCH better than a bad day at the hospital for me. I get to build relationships with my clients/staff/supervisors etc. and the people I work with choose this area because they truly enjoy it...not because of the giant paycheck. The people who work here are really happy...not burnt out and miserable...which can be contageous on the floor. I also wear jeans:wink2: Some nurses do enjoy the floor and that is great! We need nurses everywhere and everyone has their own niche. There is something for everyone though...and you don't need to feel bad about trying different nursing jobs until you find the one that fits you!

My first year of nursing I lost 30 lbs.

I am a fairly new graduate (July '07), and have already switched jobs once. I was in the hospital on a telemetry unit...but now work in an agency that serves adults with developmental disabilities as a nurse in the ICF-MR setting...COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. I am glad I did...to put it mildly...and nursing affords you the opportunity to do so. Employers are generally more understanding in a field such as nursing because of the wide variety!! Find what you like, you will not regret it. I love going to work every day!!!!

I don't understand why sometimes people...considered an authority of sorts...will tell someone "I don't think you are cut out for this...or this..." How is that supposed to help anyone? Keep your head high and do the best you can

I am a nurse on a telemetry floor, also, and often also feel the same way. No, you are not incompetent!!! Sometimes these things happening are out of your control!

My situation is very similar! I worked in a non-profit (adults with developmental disabilities) for 2 1/2 years while going to nursing school, took a job on a cardiac floor and have been unhappy ever since. I want a normal life! Normal to me anyway =) I just found a job in another non-profit (the old one only had one nurse) working with 24 adults in an ICF-MR setting...keeping my job at the hospital PRN for extra cash/keep up with skills. After losing 20 lbs due to stress, insomnia from working nights, and general misery...I am happy to take the $1.50 paycut for a job I know I will love! Do what's right for you, the money part is always something that can be figured out:redpinkhe...

There are so many avenues out there...I would not feel one bit bad!!! I think you read my story...somewhat similar :angryfire....you need to do what's best for YOU!!!

Cardiac is a completely different language...so you are basically having to learn 2 languages on top of your first language!!! Not a slow learner, quite the contrary, most other nurses don't have the language barrier!!! It may take you more time, but you've gotten this far!!! We are new at this, and we need to find what works best...whether it be cardiac or something else...

I just want to thank everyone again for their kind words and encouragement to seek out something else that may be more for me...I'll let you all know what I decide to do!!

Thanks everyone!!! I think you are right...just trying not to be a "jobhopper" when I really need to be doing something completely different in nursing...

I am so frustrated! I am almost 6 months in to working on a cardiac floor...and have never been so down on myself! I remember feeling shy and unsure of myself...in high school. 10 years later I feel like this AGAIN ever since I started my job. I got my review...some of the comments were from peers...nurses that followed me during my orientation...the one that got me was "she seems like she is a slow learner, slower than most..." I worked more than 40 hours a week AND still did well in my classes in nursing school...and also have a four year degree in another field. I thought it seemed more like a mean, back biting comment, not necessarily something that is going to help me. A few of the comments were nice, but seemed to lead towards one thing...she's not cut out for this floor. Cardiac is tough! I run around like a chicken with their head cut off...getting people ready for tests, carrying out orders, and basically feeling like I can't do enough all day long. I hate it!! I've lost weight...having little appetite, get tongue-tied, feel unsure of myself, throw up before work...I don't know what to do. I guess it's interesting, to a certain extent, but having a four year degree in Psych, I originally went into nursing to do psych nursing. Everyone's said you should have a year of floor experience. I don't think I can stand this though...I feel flustered/nauseated/tongue tied ALL THE TIME. I feel like I'm pissing people off...and I feel like I am holding people back. My boss has said that I have made great improvements, but the truth is, I just want to quit. I love the patients/families...and could spend all day with them...I need a slower pace, I think. I just feel like my confidence is completely gone...I used to work at a place where everyone was very friendly...it's not like that on the floor, it almost seems like a sorority.

At my job, the new grads do day/night rotations. Night shift and day shift are COMPLETELY different...day shift you have fewer patients, more doctors etc. running around, more of the transfers from the units/discharges. Night shift, at my job, seems more geared towards tasks...making sure all the MARs, paperwork, etc. is done...tends to be more of the ER admits/no discharges....it's been helpful for me to work both, though I'd rather just work one or the other...

There is a girl at my work who totally reminds me of this nurse! She is SO MEAN to new people...and anyone she deems "lower" than her, kisses management's booty, has gotten written up for "attitude problems." I have dealt with lots of people in my life and find it best just to avoid her. Why do people have to act like that?! My philosophy is...if you don't like someone at work, be professional and polite and go home...you don't have to treat someone like dirt! As new grads we are already stressed out enough already, these people just make it worse!

I came home after a 13 hour shift with no break, looked at my dog and thought he sounded like he was having expiratory wheezes and that I needed to check his pulse ox. After he rolled over to lay on his side, and saw he was sound asleep...I snapped out of it...and fell fast asleep when I went to bed =)

I make up my own brain sheet (each room represented with a large box...divide a piece of paper into 6 equal size boxes) with pt name, diagnosis, fluids (whether they have iv/picc etc)...then make a list on the right side of my tasks already on the Kardex...examples how often to do vitals/assess, glucs etc (and what times they are to be done...I cross those times off when I'm done)...I also have room to write other things (need to call doc about critical lab...etc.) and can cross those off along the way. Has made things MUCH smoother, I don't forget nearly what I did before...also take out that brain sheet and look at it every second you can =)

It's a lot to take in! There's A LOT of information available---books written by parents of Down's, websites, etc. There used to be a t.v. show, Life Goes On, and the main character Corky (Chris Burke) is now an advocate for Down's, and has a book out even. I work with adults with Down's, and I am amazed by their abilities...many get married, etc. Still, it's completely understandable to be frightened and scared, especially with something that may not be so familiar. I wish much luck for your sister! There is a poem out there describing a "trip to Italy" and a "trip to Holland" that was written by a mom with a child with special needs, and really brought things into her perspective. If I can find it online, I will send the link=).

I completely understand what you are going through, because I have the same degree, a BS in Psychology, and the same type of job, and I even make pretty close to the same amount! I do enjoy my job to a certain degree, but the stress does not equal the pay:angryfire ! I entered an ASN program due to the need to work during school (I live at home and pay tuition out of pocket because of this), and it is a VERY good idea to have those prereqs done...in my program they don't have to be, but I found it is very beneficial to have them done. Nursing classes are intense, but not impossible....studying for them is very different though than for Psych. I bought an NCLEX book, and our tests are formatted that way, and it is a HUGE HELP in how the nursing tests are worded. Nursing has a lot of paperwork, and it seems like it is very hard work too:uhoh3:, but there seem to be so many opportunities to be in a position where you want, not just bedside but also in occupational settings, psych facilities, etc. I was talking to another nurse with a BSN who is a nurse manager and mentioned that even with our psych bachelors degrees that would count vs. the BSN for some positions. I finally feel like I found what I was looking for, with nursing, and hopefully you'll like it too!!! If you have any questions send me a pm! Thanks:)