So my first nursing job sucks!!!

[Carrie_MTC]

First off let me start by saying the only reason I got the position was because I worked there for 2 years as an aide while in nursing school. I was hired on as a home health nurse for 10-20 visits per week, at $27.00 per visit. The pay is pretty good, but no benefits. However my orientation was non-paid, and now I'm in training with another nurse I'm making $10/hr I told them when I was hired I prefer working nights, and was told that shouldn't be a problem because most of the nurses have kids and like working during the day, etc. At the end of my orientation they gave me my schedule 0645-0800 monday through friday and then mondays, wednesdays, and fridays 0915-1000. How crappy is that??? I was called monday to see if I could go out that evening and start an IV and do a blood draw. I haven't even had any training from them on starting IVs or doing blood draws and the last time I did one was in April. I've started maybe 6 or 7 IVs ever, so I told them no I didn't feel comfortable with that. I just feel completely incompetent for this job, and its not the type of training I need for a new grad. I've put in about 150 applications to hospitals all over Ohio and hear nothing. Should I quit this job? I fear I may not find another job for months, but I also don't want to put my month old license in jeopardy.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

My advice is probably about the same as what you'll get from anyone else on here: keep your job, work to get the experience, and apply to other jobs in the meantime. Home care is difficult, and employers will respect the fact that you have that experience as you apply to new jobs.

Oh, and by the way... I can honestly say I've hated every job I've had for the first month or so... but it usually gets better after that.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

My advice is probably about the same as what you'll get from anyone else on here: keep your job, work to get the experience, and apply to other jobs in the meantime. Home care is difficult, and employers will respect the fact that you have that experience as you apply to new jobs.

Oh, and by the way... I can honestly say I've hated every job I've had for the first month or so... but it usually gets better after that.

[surferbettycrocker]

yikes starting IVs at home with barely any experience? well if the blood return is bright red and spurts like a heart beat and your in the AC take it out an try again!

[OCNRN63, RN]

I really think home care is a bad place for a new grad with no experience to start off. You really need to be confident in your skills, both clinical and assessment, to be able to function independently. You're right to be concerned for your license. Don't accept any assignment you don't feel comfortable taking. See if you can get some additional training with IV/phlebotomy. I would definitely keep looking for a job that would offer you a chance to gain more confidence in your skills.

[newNYCrn]

Hi there,

I am new grad myself. After reading your story, if I was in your position I would RUN LIKE HECK! I have worked way too hard to earn my license and I will not do anything that jeopardizes it or my safety or my patients. If your employer isn't willing to provide adequate training for you, it's time to make a serious decision. Yea there is a recession and "new" grads have become "stale". But would you rather seriously hurt yourself or someone else or sit at home for a few weeks. Tough call but remember the life you save will be your own!