ready to quit

SunnyAndrsn · Oct 23, 2008

I'm sorry you're so frustrated, but give yourself a break. It's been four months, that's not that long and you've been working part time.

It was right around that 6 month mark that I really started to feel comfortable in the LTC facility I work with. I used to be shocked that the other nurses could finisht their med pass so fast--I was sure they were cutting corners. Nope, just fast!

HANG IN THERE!!!!

i think i am ready to quit nursing... it's pathetic, i suppose, but i graduated 4 months ago from the bsn program, part-time on a floor with amazing and supportive staff with a manager that really cares for us, and yet i just can't seem to feel like i'll ever be comfortable working in this environment. I love caring for people, but i must have been disillusioned about my role as a nurse. It never hit me how much i am responsible for until i started working. There are also so many details about the job that are incredibly frustrating to me like not having all my pt's meds in the right place, ambiguous Dr's orders, pt's who are confused and whom i cannot assess properly, troubleshooting equipment, IV's that infiltrate during bl. transfusions, ppl with crummy veins with dr's waiting for stat bloods, nurses who can't write legible notes.. ok, those are just the little pet peeves. There are more fatal ones around i'm sure... I look at the nursing assistants with envy.. i would love to be able to just give basic care to people, without the fears of having to make decisions that could have repercussions on their lives. I understand there's a long period of adjustment, but dealing with people's lives where mistakes can be lethal.. is just not for me.
To make matters more complicated.. i was recently offered a full-time position that will take into effect in a couple of weeks.. Why i accepted is beyond me! I think i was frustrated at myself for being so indecisive that i just called the manager up and accepted the position .. now i feel even worse if i tell her that i would like to leave.. What is your take on me leaving after just accepting the position..?
thanks in advance

Jules A, MSN · Oct 23, 2008

Hey,

I hear ya and have resigned myself to thinking that much of what you have written just is the way it is. I'm always amazed at you young gals that were responsible enough to get through nursing school and start these high pressure jobs. I couldn't have done it at your age. Its great that you are aware of your comfort level and I don't think there is any shame in quickly telling your supervisor that you will not be able to take the full time position. The great thing about nursing is that it is so flexible. Start looking around because maybe something more low key would suit you better for now. Hang in there and definitely don't give up on nursing.

Jules

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Oct 23, 2008

Don't quit now. There are so many other positions out there besides in a hospital. And they are all not the same. Sure you use your assessment skills and things you learned in school but its different. I was ready to quit after 10 yrs working in the hospital but i am in a less stress job and wonder why i stayed so long in the hospital. Start looking around for other areas that might better suit you. AFter all you are just partime and it does take awhile even working full time to be adjusted. There are so many more avenues.

LydiaNN · Oct 23, 2008

I think taking the full time position will help you feel comfortable in your role as nurse more quickly, because you'll get more experience quicker. If memory serves correctly, it was a solid year before I felt anywhere near competent. Four months isn't very long, especially considering that you only work part time. Try to give it a whole year, especially since after that long, if you still feel floor nuring isn't for you, you'll have more options open to you.

pepperdoodles · Oct 23, 2008

I have to say I understand. I've been out of nursing school for 10 months now, just about to finish "new grad" status. Its been a hard year. So afraid of making mistakes. All the little irritants, and yes, being in charge of other people's lives. I always look at the new grads that go straight into ICU or another critical care field, and wonder what they have inside them that tells them they can do that kinda work off straight out of school. they are so brave. The good thing is I'm finally starting to feel a bit better, but I'm still not really comfortable. I also recognize this is probably not the exact field of nursing for me. I love caring for patients:heartbeat (I also have envied the nursing assistants), I'm just so afraid of doing something wrong. My faith in the Lord is always developing, but I have to put my faith in Him, otherwise this job will drive me crazy. Ultimately, I believe He is in control. that has helped me enormously, however, I must remind myself multiple times a day of this. And I rely on my charge nurses. I always ask questions. I never worry about looking dumb. (at least I try not to). I find I am really drawn to Hospice care. After my 1 year is up, I am definitely going to look into. I'm not so much into the whole "saving lives" thing. It scares me. I'm also part time, and I pick up shifts when I want to. that way, when it becomes overwhelming, i just take some time to myself. I like it that way. Don't give up on nursing yet, the Lord has blessed you with a great opportunity. Just take your time and keep your eyes open for an opportunity that is more suited for you. At least you take your responsibility seriously, and you obviously care. Good luck

tootsie37 · Oct 23, 2008

I had an instructor saying the same thing to us on one of her lecture. She said almost the same thing about 4 months of working. She called her former instructor and said that probably nursing is not for her. Then her instructor said that she should give it a year. Before that year ended her former instructor talk to her and told her that one of her patient when she was still studying is looking for her because the patient wants to thank her for saving her life. During the time that she was a student she encouraged this patient to ask her doctor about a lump that she notice on the patient's abdomen. She end up saving her life. This patient encourage her to hold on to her career... As she have told us... this patient also saved her at the end... she told us that what you feel are common to all nurses... just hold on... besides there are a lot of position in the hospital where you can go .... there are a lot of opportunity for nurses... Just hold on...

meadow85 · Oct 23, 2008

I know how you feel, but honestly things do get better. All the small things that are bothering you will eventually roll off your back. Some days are just worse than others. During my last shift everything that could go wrong, did go wrong! And thats just life ... gotta roll with the punches! Dont sweat the small stuff. You always have people there who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Dont allow all those years of schooling go to waste because you have a lot of potential and there are so many opportunities out there for you. I used to envy the nursing assistants as well, or whats equivalent to them in Canada, because they care for the less stable patient. Once the patient becomes unstable they transfer the pt over to an RN. They do 8 hours shifts and I always see them hanging out at the RN station. Dont get me wrong, they are excellent at what they do and they are some of the smartest people you will ever meet and I have learned a lot from them.

It took me a good year to finally be confident enough to handle anything that was thrown my way. And now that I have started a new job its like I'm kinda starting all over and it can be scary at times. But I have support from the staff who always offer words or encouragement. I will be like them soon, getting to chance to sit down and chat for a bit, instead of running around all day.