Something Has to Change

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I'm a new grad 3 months into my orientation on a med/surg floor. I am feeling very discouraged and defeated. I feel like nursing school taught me NOTHING. I don't like that I can't spend the time I want with each individual patient because we are expected to take so many. We seem to always start out with 5 patients, and then it never fails that we're getting an admit right after we get report and are trying to start assessments and meds. I feel like patients in the hospital don't get enough attention due to understaffing, and I'm having a harder time dealing with that than I thought I would. I'm learning that I'm a horrible multitasker that would do better in a slow-paced environment. I also live over an hour away from my job so I spend at least 2 hours driving to and from work. I think I'd cope better working closer to home. I want to explore nursing jobs outside the hospital setting, but I'm afraid of it looking bad for me to quit this job before I'm even off orientation (even though I'd give my 2 weeks notice). If you're a nurse not working in a hospital, could you tell me what your job is like so I can weigh my options? I've never considered anything besides bedside nursing because I always thought that's where I wanted to be.

Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.
4 hours ago, Sharon626 said:

Thank you for your transparency. I never intended to be a bedside nurse either. I've had a rough time finding a job period. But through word of mouth and family, I've had a couple of Private Duty assignments, which lead to some Flu clinics. I've developed some confidence. Always thought I'd be a clinic nurse - applied to many with no responses. I enjoy the senior population. Giving serious thought to Nursing homes now. I still like Surgical service, Endoscopy particularly was my favorite rotation. Unfortunately, I wasn't taught how to draw blood or start an IV. Which has been a huge road block. But I still believe there is something special for me in nursing.

You’re welcome!

Perhaps, you could take a IV certification class at the local college?

Keep trying. You’ll find something that works for you.

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On 11/9/2019 at 10:50 AM, AlmostThere19 said:

It's definitely sad how many patients nurses are expected to care for. And it sounds like you've had a very interesting and diverse career - thanks for giving me some insight into possible options to look into! I'm going to try my best to stick it out and give this job a chance. I feel bad that I'm taking so long to get the hang of it, but I know that's probably common with new grads.

Bemoaning this fact (of too many pts) will do no good.

The solution is to educate the public about what is happening in their hospitals and nursing homes, and to unionize.

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