TheSpectator

KatieMI Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. I hope you've found your way to a better situation. It's true, sometimes there are going to be things that go on internally that we will not know about until we start the job. However, I feel it's much more likely we will end up going in with our eyes (mostly) open if we ask hard questions, shadow on the unit, and spend a good amount of time speaking/being mentored by people that have spent years in our preferred specialties in the city we want to work in. Sometimes these things don't protect us, but if we take all these steps it is a lot less likely we'll end up in a bad situation. I'm not speaking in absolutes, as nothing is absolute. These are just suggestions for irishlynn5 to try so she does not end up in a third high turnover job with an unhappy work environment. I suggested these things for Irish because she didn't mention having tried these steps yet. I agree that doing PRN work is a good idea as well and gives really good insight into the unit culture. I also love TheCommuter's #3. It is unwise to depend on a job for fulfillment or happiness. Cultivation of a full, rewarding life outside the workplace will minimize the impact of a subpar job. I've just recently learned this. Now I understanding that I just have a preferred specialty and it's ok to save most of my "passion" and "love" for life outside of work.

Ok...real talk. One of the best things you can do for your future career is take responsibility for the jobs you accept. I know as a newer nurse it can be hard to find jobs at all, but from here on out research every job you apply for, a lot. Ask around about the culture of the unit. Speak to nurses that work there. Ask hard questions about retention and interpersonal relationships during the interview. Trust your gut after an interview. If you feel uncomfortable with the unit, nurses, or managers don't take the job. Take initiative on educating yourself about which companies in your area retain nurses/employees. Do a lot of networking in the areas you're interested in. Learn to market yourself. It's hard work to get the good ones! There will always be bad units/managers/jobs. It's up to us to research and not take these jobs. If you want a job you're going to stay at long term, it's a must to realize this. I feel your pain though! I'm working really hard to get into my preferred specialty right now. Not there yet, but opprotunities are coming my way through networking. Good luck to you! I hope you find something you love where you can put down some professional roots.

Good suggestion. Joining DDNA & networking with others is one of the first things I did. Being such a small specialty, it has been difficult to find others who work in the field. I'm so glad I found others in my area through DDNA! They've really been so supportive and helpful in finding quality job opportunities.

Congratulations :-)! What type of facility did you end up accepting? I declined my first offer after having a bad feeling about the company/working conditions. I have since been able to interview with my 1st choice and it went well. Should hear back by the end of the week!

Yep! I work in L&D now. To my surprise, it is NOT my dream job. There's nothing wrong with it. I'm on a good unit, I like my coworkers, and am respected for doing a good job. It just turns out not to be my passion as I thought it would be & there's nothing wrong with that. As I've gotten more experienced in nursing I've realized what I thought looked great/fun in nursing school isn't what I ended up loving. I'm currently interviewing for jobs I never even considered/knew existed as a new grad! Be open to all possibilities :-).

Another vote for bringing in an outside manager in most situations. My unit recently had to make this decision and promoting internally would have been a disaster for us. Some people have been resistant to change but it has worked out well so far.

I was born, raised, and still live in the deep south. I actually have had a different experience with "Have a blessed day" than many here. It is usually used sincerely where I live. I don't personally use it, but am not offended by it when sincerely used toward me . "Bless your heart" or "She's precious" on the other hand, are usually used with a condescending tone or intention. I do know people that use "Bless your heart" very sincerely, but that's rare here. The latter grates on my nerves a bit but I don't let any of it really get to me. It's mostly just cultural, no big thing.

I agree with this. There are people who are wonderful employees out there that simply don't want to have a "family" feel with their work colleagues, and there is nothing wrong with that. I'm a fairly private person with strong work/life boundaries. I still get along with everyone very well, have fun, and do a top notch job. If you're dead set on hiring a certain personality definitely go off recommendations from people already working with you.

Just a follow up. I do work L&D NIGHT shift. I don't work days on purpose because it can be ccccrazy, especially if there is not good team work on your unit. There's terrific team work on the night shift where I am so I chose to go nights so I can feel helped and safe within my practice. Any job is going to depend so much on the culture of the unit/shift. Don't forget to think of this as well and find somewhere with a good reputation for teamwork & stability, no matter what specialty!

Yep, I agree with Seaofclouds. In this situation I communicate with the patient after literally every attempt to get the medication so they know I'm trying my best and care. Especially if I feel like they are becoming upset or it us taking an exorbitant amount of time. Plus I document every call to MD, pharmacy, or anyone else I contact about the issue.

I interviewed for one, was offered and declined. I'm hoping I can find something was I think would fit me a little better because I'm looking for somewhere I can stay long term. There are limited opportunities for DD nursing in my area though. Thinking it might take me a while to get a good offer. Good luck with where you've applied! The residential ID/DD schools in my area are at the top of my wish list.

I was originally a med/surg nurse and switched to L&D. I always work my tail off and did ok in med/surg....but it was NOT for me. Some people thrive off of those types or work environments and some people are just exhausted by them. It's ok to be exhausted by it and move on. Changing departments made a massive difference in my energy level, mood, and work morale. I love being able to focus on fewer pts at a time vs med/surg. Even when I work mother/baby (usually 6 pts, which was my avg med/surg load) I'm not run NEAR as ragged. L&D isn't for everyone - it has its own stressors for sure, and even I don't want to do it forever, but it's been a very good change for me. I hope you find a better fit soon!

I work in LDRP and this is becoming hugely popular with people seeking a natural birth right now. Our hospital does not offer this but allows pts to bring their own oils/diffusers. I love natural birth but almost every time essential oils have been used they have been used excessively, to the point we can smell it all down the hall and any nurses with sensitivities are affected! I am not sensitive to these types of things...but I just plain don't like the smell of most of them. I'm thinking we needs some boundaries so patient's that were NOT wanting to use these alternative treatments don't have the strong smells floating into their rooms and the hallways. Hospital rooms are not the size of houses...one or two drops is probably enough!

In my opinion it's just general laziness. When I was brand new, or really any time I take a new job in any field, I try to be one step ahead of my preceptor/trainer. Anticipating what needs to be done and being a self starter really impresses me. If I stand up and say "We really need to go hang this abx" I HATE to look over and the trainee is still sitting, playing on their phone at the nurses station and has practically forgotten I (or their new job) exists. I want to hear, "Oh, I started that 10 minutes ago!" Oh, and in general acting as though they are above certain tasks or aspects of the job. EVERYBODY wipes a butt now and then!

I literally said OMG out loud, haha. I think I'd find that too hilarious to be appropriately grossed out.