Scared to Get New Job

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation! Nurses Nurse Beth Nursing Q/A

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Hi Nurse Beth!

I recently just graduated with my RN back in January but before that I was an LPN for 2 years. I am currently working in a long term facility pediatric facility caring for kids on vents/trachs and have worked there for a little over 2 years. I'm starting to feel really burned out and I'm just not sure what to do. I don't know if the burnout is where I work or nursing in general. I keep thinking about jobs I could go work in now that I'm an RN and I always said I wanted to do labor and delivery or the NICU. I feel like I'm wasting my potential by staying where I work but I get scared to leave because what if I hate the new place or I'm not good at it. I'm just really confused in where to take my nursing career at this point. What would you recommend?? Thank you!!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Really Confused,

You need to search for a job in acute care without delay. The urgency is because you are still in your first year and have new grad status. You may be eligible for a new grad residency.  The clock is ticking, and the sooner you take action, the better.

Usually, the first year as an RN is full of excitement and learning. Instead you are disillusioned and stagnant, and that is sad.

Please give yourself a chance to realize your potential. You were so determined and goal-oriented to go from LPN to RN in such a short time. Now it's time for the next step. Don't make decisions based on fear. You have to push through the fear and inertia. Believe me, once you change your work setting, you will feel different.

Reach out to your classmates to find out where they are working. Contact one or two of your clinical instructors for letters of reference and set up a time to talk with them. Clinical instructors are typically affiliated with local hospitals and can guide you or maybe even help you land a job.

Best wishes and thank you for writing-

Nurse Beth

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