Fed_RN14

If you are legitimately concerned you have mental health issues, please see a specialist to confirm this. Much of what you are describing are personality quirks. I don't think anyone makes it through nursing or medical school without some self diagnosing. Heck, I was once convinced I had HIV because I was so tired and getting sick frequently. (Because I was a stressed out working student). I'll tell you the same as I'd tell a patient- talk to a doctor. A psychiatrist in this case. Let the experts do the diagnosing.

Yes! Public health is incredibly rewarding.

Just because we could all use an occasional reminder, I think it would be fun to think back to the beginning of your journey. Why did you become a nurse? Who or what inspired you to begin this journey? What did you want from this career? I'd love to hear your story!

Well. I was a CNA, then LPN, ASN, now BSN. Everyone is working their tails off. My back hurt all the time when I worked in a skilled rehab center as an LPN. The thing is, it will always look like the people "above" you aren't working as hard. But we are all dealing with high stress, just some have more physical and others have more mental. So, yes, every step of furthering my education was worthwhile. I'm so glad I did it... but not because things got easier. That never happened.

It is absolutely normal to feel like you got yourself into the wrong situation as a nurse. I think we all had some, "what am I doing here?" moments, so I empathize. However, moving on already may not be your best bet. Figure out where you want to get and how to get there. Say home health sounds great to you. You seem to want that one on one. Great! You can't do that yet. You cannot have the hands on skills or keen assessment required to be on your own with all kinds of situations. Do you know the subtleties of early systemic infection? How to place an ng tube on a confused person? Change a catheter unassisted on a 300 lb women? Of course not. That's okay! So work hard and learn a lot where you are right now. Learn what you need to get where you are going. And one more thing... you are not a failure. You are a novice. Set appropriate expectations of yourself.

Consider Indian Health Service if you are willing to relocate. $40k for a 2 year committment and that can be extended for an additional 20k for another year. Plus, IHS is just a rewarding place to work.

Are you all really acting as if nurse bullying is not an issue? Tons of studies on how and why this exists are available. I've seen it. I've experienced it. It is definitely not everywhere, but to dismiss OP like her observations are fruitless is inaccurate, based on the research.

I don't understand why nurses tolerate this. No way I would. I am a full time professional and I will work hard those 40 hours. In return, I will be paid accordingly. $3 an hour to wait? No.

You will find work. We were all new once. I recommend looking at hospitals in your area and see who offers good training programs for new nurses. Some hospitals have fabulous programs to support and educate their newbies if you will sign a contract to stay for a year or two. And if none offer anything like that, make sure you are applying for positions that are accepting new grads. No one expects a new RN to be ready to actually practice.