"do" or "sit"

[weirdRN, RN]

I am a very new nurse. I got my CNA, then my LPN now, my RN. I am having some trouble settling into my new job. I work at a Long Term Care facility as a house sup.

I am a do'er by nature. I like to be up and down. I like teaching. I like assessing, and planning, and evaluation. It isn't my favorite thing, but I don't mind charting.

I hate paperwork. And that is the bulk of my job. I am utterly repulsed by my new job. I am so incredibly let down.

I realized when I took the job that it wasn't med-surg. I was okay with that b/c I really like the older population. But the bulk of my job is no longer doing the assessments, and charting and nursing oriented tasks, it is now mostly clerical. Stuff that makes life easier for everyone else, but doesn't give me the opportunity to use the education I paid for. I take off Dr's orders, write out MARs and TARs, verify this and fax that. I hate it. I spend more than 50% of my time behind a desk. There is little patient interaction. I am thinking that I should start looking for antoher job, because this just isn't it for me, but I have only been there for three weeks.

Anyone have any sugesstions on what I might do about my situation?

[grentea]

If you know your job isn't what you wanted this soon, consider yourself lucky for being that insightful. Don't be afraid to give your two weeks if that's what you need to do and find a job you want. I started out at a job right out of nursing school in September that I knew wasn't right for me, and I'm so happy that I looked around and found one that was. I work in rehab which is kind of like a cross between long-term care and med-surg at least on the unit where I work. So if you gravitate towards long-term but you're not happy with the large amount of paperwork, maybe you'd like rehab. It's very hands-on and most of our patients stay with us for 2-3 weeks. I can't promise you won't escape paperwork because there's still lots of it to do but just as much as any med surg nurse. Take a look around your area and think about what you'd really like to be doing.

[catlady, BSN, RN]

If you hate it, you gotta go. I'd say welcome to long-term care, but you already know about it as a CNA and an LPN.

Go into acute care. There are plenty of elders on that side of the fence. You'll find a lot more opportunities, too.

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

When I worked med/surg the majority of pts were 75+ in age. Still lots of paperwork, unfortunatly. But you do get to do lots of assessments. LOTS.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

I agree dont be hard on yourself, I am a great believer if it'd not right for you then look for something else. If you are not totally happy where you work then you will never perform your best. I would look around though and see if there are prospects for your future. I have to be happy where I work or else I am miserable at home because I dread going in. A lot of the RN's job involves paperwork so you probably wont completly get away from that but there are so many units with hands on nursing.

[weirdRN, RN]

Hey everyone, I interviewed with a local hospital and got hired. I am giving my two weeks and trying not to burn any bridges.

[chadash]

Yeah! You are making a good move.