Lucky21

Im a new grad with 4 mo experience on a postpartum unit. When I was in nursing school I knew that was the only thing i wanted to do. Now that iam here im questioning myself as to wether i like it. I now find myself asking "now what?" I never considered doing anything else. All i know is that iam making myself sick. That's all i think about, i dread going into work, an im always sad. I thought that maybe hospital nursing isn't for me. Way back before i even started nursing i knew i didn't want to work in a hospital. The only problem, it's really hard to find a dr's office position. I dont like working nights because my schedule is screwed up even on my days off (not being able to fall asleep until the wee hours of the morning). I just dont know if i like nursing. I was an excellent student in school. Making honors but i always dreaded clinicals. The only one i semi enjoyed was postpartum. Maybe that was a major sign i ignored. I thought nursing would be nice because of the money, flexibility in scheduling, only working 3 days/wk. But I could care less for that I just want to be happy. Everyone says "you end up liking something you never thought you would" and to switch to another area. But i just have such a pessimistic attitude i dont think it will ever get better anyway im just rambling. But if anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

Hello everyone , Ive been on a postpartum unit a little over 3 months and Im thinking about leaving. Iam considering going to the OR in march or april when they have their next orientation. Can anyone tell me how they like the OR and their experiences there. Any advice to give? Iam a new grad so Im trying to make it to my 6mo mark where Im at now. Thanks

I've been working on a postpartum unit for the past three months. It's my first nursing job and im beginning to wonder why i chose this profession. When I was in nursing school everyone asked me, "do you know what field of nursing you want to go into?" and without a doubt the only thing i ever wanted to do was postpartum. I never even considered anything else. NOw that im here, i really dislike it. I work in a hospital that delivers over 9,000 babies a year and has a 68 private bed postpartum unit. Just like every where else our unit is short staffed and they assign RN's 5,6,7 patients. Not only do you get the moms but also the newborns. Taking care of 10-14 patients is rediculous. I was orientating on day shift staying 1-2 hours past my 12.5 hour shift to chart. The stress is unbearable. Ive never been the one to handle stress very well. Im the first to crumble. Everyone tells me "you just need cofidence and time management which are the last two things you'll acquire." Even RN's who have been there 5+ years seem to be just as stressed out and I dont want to spend my working career stressed out like this all of the time. I just dont know what to do with myself everyone tells me not to give up on nursing yet and to give postpartum at least 6 mo before i start looking for another job. Nursing is such a big responsibility and i dont know if i can handle all that responsibility on my shoulders... Does anyone have any advice..please help:uhoh21: