1st Nursing Job: Exploring my options

[Fntsemi]

Hi all,

I am a new grad working at a community hospital on a busy telemetry floor. I was given 2 months of preceptorship and have been on my own for two months. I am still feeling overwhelmed. Although thankfully I haven't experienced any bullying there isn't a lot of support for me. 2/3 days a week I work with a charge who rarely responds to requests for help. The stress is taking a toll on my mental and physical health. I am trying to excercise, meditate and I have sought therapy but I'm still struggling. I know that all new graduates go through some stress and that this is a very hard career to pursue but I just want to know if anyone has any tips. I know i am very fortunate to have landed a telemetry job right out of school but I don't think I am cut out for this floor long term. Alternatively, I completely understand that if I were to leave it could be a major red flag for other facilities. I would like to try and make it to a year and then either transfer internally or look for a new position. What are your thoughts?

Thank you.

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Definitely don't stay in a position if you find that there isn't any support, especially from the higher ups. Unfortunately for new grads like yourself, you don't really have the option because you are a new grad, you need the experience, and you may be locked in a contract. Only advice I have for you now is stick it out until you can get an internal transfer and/or get that 1 year experience and look elsewhere.

I've been a tele nurse for almost 3 years and I love it. The acuity isn't as bad as a PCU floor, but I feel like I am making a difference and I am sort of keeping my critical thinking skills up to date. It might not be the unit/floor specialty that you don't like, maybe it's the coworkers and management. Then again, you'll find your passion eventually.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Your plan to stick to stick it out a year and then transfer is a good plan. Often just having a plan helps to make a situation more bearable.

I can tell you that how you feel at 4 months out is different than how you will feel at 12 months out.

Sorry your charge is not more responsive! Try befriending one nurse on your shift who you can trust as a support. You can even consider asking a colleague if they would mentor you over the next 6 months. This gives you someone to help guide you during this intense period.

What are the nurse patient staffing ratios? 1:4 is max for Tele and pending legislation calls for mandatory minimum nurse patient ratios of 1:3 on Tele. Best wishes