Should I quit?

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I'm a pool RN in a nursing home, and it's been tough for me. The work is overwhelming and I am so stressed out. Whenever I would hear the phone ring, I'm always worried that it's work calling. I dread going to work, but when I am there, I always try my best to have a good time, give great care and do my job properly. I haven't gotten a lot of hours, so I'm not getting used to the work at all. They call me mostly at 7AM in the morning asking me to come in right away, and that stresses me out. I know that is what my position (pool nurse) is for, but as a new grad, it just stresses the hell out of me.

I have another pool job which I love, so i'm considering quitting this nursing home job? What should I do?

I appreciate everyone's comments. Thank you! :)

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

If you hate it and dont need the money and have another job, then yes, quit.

But if you need the job, dont have other options etc, then stay.

Try to wake up a half hour before you expect they will call ( say 6:30,) have a soothing cup of tea or cocoa or whatever, so that if they call you wont be jolted out of sleep which will certainly make you hate the job.

Also when they say come right away , that doesn't mean you have to rush yourself and drive like a maniac to get there, you are entitled to arrive calmly and in a timely fashion, but not harried (that means, dont stop for breakfast at your local IHOP, but do take the time to prepare yourself properly)

Try remembering the good you do in improving the quality of life of your patients.

What you should never do is act in a way that will make them fire you.

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New grad as a pool nurse?

something doesn't smell right

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what do you mean?

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

As an Assist. Direct. of Nsg, I would NEVER hire a new grad to be a pool nurse. I don't see how you can possibly learn the job and the expectations just coming in for shifts here and there. Seems you are set up to fail before you even began.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
As an Assist. Direct. of Nsg, I would NEVER hire a new grad to be a pool nurse. I don't see how you can possibly learn the job and the expectations just coming in for shifts here and there. Seems you are set up to fail before you even began.

I agree, sounds like they do not value her as a nurse and expect her to fail and leave. My guess would be that the facility utilizes "warm body" staffing as a standard rather than "right fit". This, IMHO, is increasingly common as nurses are viewed as necessary but expensive laborers rather than professionals essential for the health of their patients.

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Specializes in School, LTC, OB, LNC, Instructor, etc.

hi zefutebolera

hi,

i have to agree with nascar nurse and twedles, you should not have that responsibility as a pool nurse. when i graduated in the dinosaur age :>) they would always tell new grads, go to a hospital and get good solid floor experience. ltc is a specialty and you need to get some strong experience under your belt. they are not being fair to you and put you in a serious liability position. these are some of the reasons that nurses leave the profession. if you can find a book called reality shock, try and read it. it will help you move on and have some eye opening knowledge to being successful.

please go to a hospital and get a job on med surg, even if it is part time. they will rake the time with you to help you to get the good experiences and background to go out and be a successful nurse.

good luck and take your time and learn from everyone you can.

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