Should I or Shouldn't I?

[student200977]

I am a struggling new grad, and if you read my other posts you will find that I have been wanting to quit my job. But hang on, because everyone promises it will get better. I still want to quit, still cry, and wonder if I made the right career choice. I feel extreme anxiety before going to work, and toss and turn at night hoping everything went well. I've been on my own for about a month now, and hate it. Should I talk to my manager, let her know how I feel?

[caliotter3]

Do you think that your manager is kind and understanding or do you think she will turn around and throw you under the bus, or be just plain neutral? Most of the time it is not wise to voice misgivings to one's immediate supervisor. It takes a wise supervisor not to find reason to hold negative consequences for someone who confides in them. There are ways to deal with your anxiety but you have to want a positive outcome. If you feel you can trust your supervisor then ask for her input on the matter.

[cherick22]

Do you still work with your preceptor? I relied heavily on my preceptor and co-workers once I was on my own...still do a year later...lol. I like to have my "ducks in a row" so to speak. Get organized and ask questions as they come up. If all your ducks are in a row before you leave for the day then there should be nothing to worry about or toss and turn about. Do you have any good shifts? If the answer is no then maybe you should think about making a change...maybe work less hours?

Good Luck

[Jules A, MSN]

Have you thought of different clinical areas that might be a better fit for you? Starting the job hunt, preparing applications and interviewing might be a nice diversion to get you through the tough time you are having at work. I can't imagine hating nursing and yet feeling like I had to go to work every day. Its too hard not to love your job, imo. Sending good wishes your way.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Talk to your manager. Good luck, sweetie...I hear your pain.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I would only talk to your manager if you have a specific problem and have a solution in mind.

A simple "I am not happy" won't give a manager anything to work with.

[HeartNurse007]

You sound just like where I am now. I have been off orientation a little over a month with all the same feelings you have especially the anxiety!! I did finally talk with my nurse manager. I just wanted to let her know that I had been struggling some with coming off orientation. And that I'm scared that I'm not doing something right and just felt overwhelmed. I mainly feel overwhelmed on a certain part of my shift so I expressed this to her. She was very understanding and has been checking with me to see how my days have been going. Our nursing educator is going to shadow me this next week and try and help me with prioritization and also check over my charts and make sure my charting looks good. Reach out to your charge nurse when you feel like you are sinking! They are a great resource! I know it can be challenging especially when you have 'unapproachable' charge nurse. Remember you are there for the patient, if something doesn't seem right and you aren't sure what to do...ask them what you should do---Hang in there! We can do it! It's a lot harder than I thought adjusting but I've noticed it does slowly but surely get easier~

[neonatal_nurse]

I think you should talk to your manager. This way, you can vent your feelings and in return, she can (hopefully) understand why you act aloof, restless and unhappy. Maybe you should ask yourself why you're feeling this way. I haven't read your other posts, but maybe you're stuck in an area you completely loathe, or worse, you just hate nursing in general. I have classmates like this who after graduation, chose not to pursue a career in nursing because they just hated it. They went to different paths, and couldn't be happier now. Remember, life is too short for you to live it without passion, fulfillment and the joy you once had. :)