Nurse4592

I'm on an Ortho floor and often hear nurses say, "I didn't go into nursing for this," referring to difficult psych pts, but I like dealing with psych! It would be my dream. I'm just waiting my contract out... But not sure I can wait.

Like others have mentioned, doctors don't go straight into practice either. It's short-sighted to feel that NPs should just because it could possibly (though I'm unsure why it would) hurt our credibilty to MDs, but again, refer to my first sentence.

I think that is a very judgmental thing to say. She knows what works for her and this is what she told her employer upfront and the employer agreed to it. During her days at work she may be a great team player, but actually want time off *gasp* for othe things or have responsibilitis in her life where she needs her free time for things other than work, like taking care of a family member. You never know!

In my area there are plenty of jobs, but that is only for experienced nurses ("new grads need not apply"). We have a ton of nursing schools in the area, so there are few jobs for new grads actually. Also, I suggest shadowing a floor nurse for the entire 12-hour shift if possible. Several days of this would be ideal.

Yes, the first year, I feel, is definitely making me more negative than I ever have been. Like many other new grads have said, this is not what I thought nursing would be, even with my clinical rotation experience in school. It takes a lot of effort to be positive in what I feel is such a negative environment (my unit). I frequently hear that other RN/CNAs hate floating to our floor. I feel burnt out already.

If this is a one-time thing and OP makes sure to (1) not only have a job lined up before quitting this job, but also (2) to make sure to stay to (ideally) over a year in that second job, then I really don't think there's anything wrong, or that OP will be unemployable. Plus, the OP is talking about doing this in this one occurrence and never mentioned that this has occurred prior to now. So, yes, I think you should do what's best for you, OP.

I couldn't agree more! I feel like some experienced nurses don't understand this. And JUST like you said, the unit needs to look at WHY they are unable to keep nurses. My unit has a TON of new grads and it's not because my unit is "being nice," it's because the conditions are awful and experienced nurses can finally move elsewhere. And to elkpark: People have to look out for themselves. If the job is seriously making them unhappy, then they should do what's best for them (granted giving notice before leaving). Like what has been reiterated above, the hospital does not care about you, you need to take care of yourself.

Just a note that not everyone seems to remember--pts weren't always this sick. In the past some of the patients that WE care for (regular med-surf floor) years ago were sent to an ICU. We have a LOT sicker patients nowadays. My nursing instructor even reiterated this when I was in school a few years back. NurseD28--I ALWAYS chart afterwards. O_O My days are usually 14 hrs (ish) as well. I feel your pain!

Omg you sound like me. I'll hit the one year mark in fall too, but it seems like an eternity to be this depressed, unhappy and anxious. P.S. I'm rooting for you and sending happy vibes your way!

SarahRN2013 - Thank you so, so much for your detailed response and the time you took to write it. I appreciate that! All the things you mentioned, such as having MORE time (usually) to read and research patient's PMH, are great to hear. For days, I need to come pretty early before my dayshift to read into each of my patient's backgrounds, plus later try to find the time to read up on the backgrounds of new admits. I find that I'm often doing a few things on breaks too, which I know I shouldn't do, but there's never enough time. Regarding time management, I'm sure your skills are fine! You can hone/learn different skills so you know how to do them more quickly when you move to days and that part won't slow you down :) I did attempt to switch to nights, but it looks like they are hurting more on days because so many dayshift nurses have left (oh, I wonder why...), so I won't be able to switch at this time. I'm sure the next unit I move to will put me on nights because I'm so new and that wouldn't be so awful. I have at least another 6 months on my unit until that time though. *just keep swimming* We don't have those smart phrases that I'm aware of. We don't use that charting system unfortunately, though I've heard it's a good one! Thank you for that tip! I'll remember that if I ever do have a job that uses that system. I do like all your notes though mentioned above--helps me in thinking more about what to write in my prog. note at the end of my shift. Thank you again for your kind input and time. Thank you everyone!!

kiszi: Thanks for your response. I love, love, love these tips and will be incorporating this tip into my D/C's. Much appreciated. ArrowRN: Thank you for your kind insight. I'll keep pushing through... "just keep swimming, just keep swimming." It's nice to know things will get better. Roserosebud: I'm sorry this is so difficult for you right now. I definitely get it and have quite often doubted my decision to become an RN, and honestly, still do, but right now we have to: "just keep swimming, just keep swimming" as one of the characters from Finding Nemo says :) Was the ER where you wanted to be? I think Mental Health/Psych is where I want to be--my passion.

I *love* this post! Sorry for not replying sooner to you and everyone. I've been pretty busy with work and in a bit of a funk due to work. SarahRN2013, it's so refreshing because you really do understand, esp. being that you've been on the same type of floor before. Do you (or anything else here) think you learn less during nights? Perhaps, you can learn more during nights being that you can, in theory, sit down more? I've had another new grad say that she has more time to sit down to read the patient's charts and understand the WHY (ex: they had past procedures done) vs. all the task-y things on dayshift. It is a relief to know that there are other easier units than this and that this is not the be all, end all--that I don't always have to rush, rush, RUSH. Looking forward to a new unit as this one because I do feel it can be pretty negative and too much at times. Thanks for all your wonderful advice! I appreciate your kind words. :)

I would love to be part-time because it seems like they ALWAYS need help on all floors, then you look like the HERO when you sign up for extra shifts :) But you're really just paying rent, haha, or really, you're just working to a full-time status without actually being full-time. This makes your work schedule more flexible and your vacation schedule!

I'm about the same amount into an ortho/neuro floor and am also a new grad. I feel the same way as you and am looking towards my one year when I know I can transfer (right now the new unit isn't hiring). I'm sorry this is so hard... I'll keep you in my thoughts! *fingers crossed* you get that new job!!

Thank you so much for your kind reply. I have heard that before about the first year being the hardest, but I feel like it's even more difficult than it should be. But, who knows, I could be wrong. I seem to have good reviews, but I'm not too happy right now and don't enjoy going to work (more than any other job I've had). I do have a few mentors I'll check in with shortly. Thanks again for your input.