Ready to leave nursing for good

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I have been an RN since July. I left my first nursing job after 4 months due to feeling like mynursing license was on the line every shift. The position and policies of the facility were just not safe for nursing practice. I currently work in an upscale long term care facility. the patients can be demanding, which I can deal with. After 2 weeks, I was promoted to charge nurse for my shift (with only 5 months job experience & LPNS working under me who have WAY more experience than I do). I am now orienting new employees, dealing with the CNAs, both of those I can deal with. They recently hired 3 new RNs. One is from another country, has language barrier issues, and ZERO critical thinking skills. Every shift she basically has me doing her workand answering the same questions every day. If I explain that I have 30 of my own residents plus charge nurse duties, she makes me out to be the "bad guy". She possesses little nursing skills and is very dangerous on the floor and Ihave informed my DON about the situation. The other new hire is catching on fast & is excellent. The latest new hire refuses to speak to physicians on the phone due to a language barrier, although she is picking up the job tasks quickly. The nurse that I give report to every night makes me start report 5-7x every time due to her complaining or asking a never ending slew of questions that do not even pertain to report. When I politely ask her to stop & let me give report, I am the bad guy once again.

On top of all of this to deal with every night, we have a new unit manager who I have learned alot from. This unit manager has instituted so many changes (for the better) that is impossible to finish our jobs in two 8 hour shifts let alone the one that we are scheduled! When I explained that these things were entirely too much and we needed another nurse, I got told to pretty much suck it up.

I am told I have a bad attitude, even though I have explained to my DON and supervisors that I feel overwhelmed and need help. I was informed that they feel that I can handle it or I would not have this type of responsibility. The stress is causing me to

be cranky with coworkers, short with patients, and generally wanting to leave nursing all together. I love taking care of people and helping them, but Im slowly starting to hate myself for the way I feel about going to work and being unable to handle the stress......

Any advice please????

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There are many other areas of nursing to work in. Why not just look for another job?

Your job sounds like a standard LTC job.I have heard of many that are worse.You may feel more confident once you get more experience. It sounds like you are managing fine.Leaving nursing altogether maybe a hasty move.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Unfortunately Loriangel14 is correct. Anyone please correct me here, but long term care equals everything you are saying and it is simply a day at work. I am NOT discrediting you legit concerns and frustrations. They are real and legit. But it is what long term care is all about. You are now in the real world of nursing and I wish I could make it better for you, but you are living and working what every long term care nurse deals with. You are very special people.

You have to reconcile with yourself if you can do the best job you can while clocked in... drive off and leave it all there, not take the stress home (on most days) and continue to do it, and it not shorten your quality of life.

If this is affecting you at home, and you can't get control of it, you DO need a change. Finances in this type of setting are beyond tight and not in the best interest of you or the residents, you only have the ability to do the best you can with the time and resources you have... you need to be whole with this and be good... to keep doing this type of nursing.

You sound very astute to the issues and very competent in your self assessment of your situation and I applaud you for that so early in your career. Only you can decide if you can be an advocate and be the best you can be with the resources you have, or need to move on for your health and well being.

I know, in time you will make the best decision for you. I hope you stay, we need good people like you to care for our elders. But it is ultimately up to you.

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Specializes in ..

I agree with the first two responses. The only suggestion I can offer beyond what's been said is requesting your DON to initiate recorded reports. It might get your out of the place on time, and alleviate one frustration. Sometimes, dealing effectively one problem at a time can reduce stress and make a terrible situation a bit more bearable.

Think hard before you give up nursing. You seem responsible, able to see 'the big picture' and have good critical thinking skills. Your current job sounds dreadful, but you niche is out there!

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It's ok hang in there sometimes you have to juggle with so many things and stress.... i would be so thankful to even have the position that you do. just pray and try to relieve some stress by exercising etc. you will be okay. maybe you need a break or something.... or you need to change the unit you are on,. try dealing with babies maternity ward or something. if you need someone to talk to just pm me. k

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Specializes in Neuro ICU/Trauma/Emergency.

This is a typical day for LTC or an acute care facility.

Though, since you are the charge nurse and see the new nurse as incompetent, this should be your call in 3 months(if you are still around) whether you would like to keep her as a part of your team. In the mean time, tactfully explain the responsibilities to each employee, explain what is acceptable, and if not ask them to make life decisions. The same thing goes for you, make life decisions if you are unhappy!

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The only advice I have to offer other than that already given, is that I would not make the decision to leave nursing yet. Another venue and several more months or a year or two might make all the difference, or make it clear that perhaps you should find another line of work. Best wishes.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Keep in mind also that changes (even for the better) take time to adapt to. Sometime it means reorganizing your routine to be more efficient. I too work a place that has undergone many changes recently. In the long term, I can see the benefits. As we are trying to implement them, it's been really challenging them at times. Coupled with your role, that puts a tremendous amount of pressure on you. Good luck!

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My advice is maybe step back from charge duties... You've only been a nurse since July?! You are taking on so much! The first year is extremely stressful and usually by the 12th month new nurses are feeling down and out about the profession (at least, that's what my BSN Residency teachers always quoted from a study). So not only are you new, you are training nurses, supervising, and doing all kinds of administrative stuff too! Go find a job being a staff nurse, maybe LTC, maybe not. Just focus on your skills and your patients. No wonder you want to quit!

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Specializes in Dementia & Psychiatry.

Leave nursing? I wouldn't go that far, but leave this facility? Absolutely.

Dian

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Specializes in none.

If you want to leave Nursing do it now. It is only going to get worst. What you described is nursing in LTC. You work your butt off. no easier way to put it.

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Maybe look into other jobs. I'm sure you'll find a great work environment. Don't stress it adds on grey hair and wrinkles. Breath when you can, and stay calm. Best of luck.

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