Really sad :(

tigerlogic · Jul 20, 2012

You know, I'm a CNA right now and am *so bored*. I do a lot of all night 1 on 1s with suicide or flight risk, basically watching them sleep. But you know what. Im learning good things and I'll be a lot more competitive at this hospital when I finish my BSN than I would be without this experience. So I'm learning everything I can, rocking this job as hard as I can, not complaining, looking forward to the future.

Fyreflie · Jul 20, 2012

Here's my take on the "dream job" scenario: there will be times in your life when you're not doing it, or something is vastly different work wise than you want even when you are, and more valuable than anything else you can do to prepare yourself for the eventuality of something more suited to you coming along, is being present in the moment for your patients and using the skills you have.

We live in a generation that is the epitome of instant gratification--Internet signals that come back to us from space in seconds to give us information, telephone signals that reach around the world to almost anywhere--but if you sit down with your mother or grandmother or grandfather and ask them if they had their "dream job," most of them will laugh because they may have done jobs they enjoyed, but they worked to live and not the other way around.

Even when you get your dream job--and I really hope you eventually do!!--you will run into terrible managers, bitter or dissatisfied co-workers, power-tripping physicians and frustrating patients. The absolute best thing you can do (besides the great information in many threads, many of them recent! ALSO, STABLE, ACoRN etc!) to prepare yourself for your ideal job opportunity is learn to maximize every learning experience you get, and more so as a relatively new nurse, and for now, practice work--and then practice leaving work....at work.

Good luck!!!

Seas · Jul 20, 2012

Sorry, welcome to real life. We don't do our dream job right away. Many people have been trying to get a job that they have a passion for, while doing something they hate. I know a big bunch of those people, and I am one of them.

Seems like you have some growing up to do. I don't mean it the bad way. I am guessing you are on your early 20's. Well, me too; I am not old, but... Suck it up, act like an adult, not like a baby, get some L&D related certifications, and keep trying.

pinaytoh · Jul 20, 2012

First of all congratulations on getting a job:nurse:

This is my opinion: I love nursing, this is why I change gear towards this noble profession. I am currently working as a Tech, I recently graduate/lic LPN last May 2012. I've been looking for a nurse job that will provide a decent benefits (health insurance). Got few offers, but unfortunately benefits is horrible and have to turn it down. I decided to stay at this hospital (been here for 3 yrs) so may be I can get a job once I become an RN. I would love to be a couplet care Nurse, but I know that they will never hire a new grad unless you already work there (as a TEch?)..

Just try to enjoy that first job, you might end up loving it and never leave. There's a lot of things to learn in this profession, try to enjoy every minute of it..

One of my co worker waited 4 years before she got transfer to the OB floor..It's a competitive unit: NOBODY leaves until retirement, promotion or relocation. They want experienced Nurses caring for those new born and moms... :nurse:

Your very lucky to get that first job (hospital)...couple of people I worked with, got their RN Lic last Dec, and still working as a Tech...

PennyWise · Jul 20, 2012

I can relate. I went into Med/Surge by choice. I was listening to the advice given to me by an instructor who believed everyone should have at least one year of M/S. Going straight to ICU/OR/ER/L+D right out of school was "cheapening the profesion" in her eyes. Me, I wanted to be "a great nurse" and not just a warm body, so I followed the advice.

I regreted it. I ended up spending close to five years on M/S type units and hated every minute of it. There is a very specific personality that likes M/S and I don't have it. I was so burnt out on nursing becaue of it, I went into travel nursing (M/S units only) just to feel like I was doing something different.

I've escaped the M/S setting and will never go back. I'd be homeless before I did.........no kidding. But, I did survive it for five years so its not impossible. Things that will help make it better while you seek/await a more ideal position: 1. Avoid OT, its plentiful on mot M/S units and poisonous, 2. Get into a committee that requires you to be active within it, you'll find yourself appreciating the break from bedside care, 3. Continue your education, even if its just one class at a time (might help you land that more ideal situation and keeps you feeling like you are moving forward) and 4. Humble yourself.

What I mean by #4 is: Don't give off an air that "this is just temporary for me" while on the unit, give your best everyday (as much because it is what your patient needs as because not doing so will only sabotage future opportunities) and remember, these days, even if its not your ideal position, you are working and don't have to worry about where your next meal will come from.

allnurses Guide · Jul 20, 2012

Just wanted to highlight what you said about "co-workers are super friendly and helpful". You probably don't realize it, but that is not what we hear very often from new nurses. I just wanted to point that out. I hope you show them the appreciation they deserve for treating you that way as a newbie. Yay for the staff on your unit!

allnurses Guide · Jul 20, 2012

I gave up the "dream job" idea recently. Now I just work to live. I'm

glad to have a job.

Anyway though, if L&D/NICU is really what you want to do, then keep

on keeping on, give everything you have to this Med/Surge job, learn

all that you can, and then when a job opens up in L&D, NICU, whatever,

go for it. Be patient. Like everyone else, I get the feeling that you

are quite young, so you have lots of time!

Please, please, appreciate this job, appreciate the fact that you

have helpful co workers, great patients... sounds like you are

in a good place. Don't hurt that, appreciate and embrace

it. Good luck!

dee78 · Jul 20, 2012

I am going through the same thing. I gave up on the idea that I could get my dream job right out of school. You have to change your perspective. Think of this as a time to grow as a nurse.

cienurse · Jul 20, 2012

The best way to make yourself more marketable to the NICU is to get a good, solid year of med-surg under your belt. Once you're proficient at the basics: meds, time management, complex wounds, IV's, etc., the more marketable you'll be. I know it's hard to wait but if you put your best foot forward and really make the best of your med-surg experience, it will give you the knowledge base you'll need to take your career in any direction you choose now and in the future. Good luck!

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jul 20, 2012

Buck up!

nursie_nursie_415 · Jul 20, 2012

It's called "paying your dues".

Is nursing the only profession where new graduates generally feel that they can hand-pick their "dream jobs" right after obtaining their license? I mean, I want to drive a Porsche 911 but I wasn't bummed when that wasn't possible right after I got my driver's license. Not to sound rude, but so many new nurses have this sense of entitlement & it's really annoying.

Simply put, suck it up & play the best hand with the cards you've been given... anyway, landing a "dream job" right away without any "real" experience may cause disappointment - might be in your favor to get some experience & perspective before entering your "dream job".

You may have your "dream job" but are you that patient's "dream nurse", especially one without experience? If I started to drive a Porsche 911 right after obtaining my driver's license, imagine the potential for horrible outcomes...

At any rate, good luck & keep focused on your patients - nursing is & always will be about the patient, not ourselves.