starting to hate it?

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2011

Hang in there :)

First of all, you get faster with the documentation.

Second- if you're forced to switch shifts, you're going to feel lousy... I know most people don't like the idea of working nights, but is it possible to do that (just to buy some time to get your feet under you) in exchange for not having to bounce between shifts?

I personally think that switching shifts is a HUGE safety issue, and can be dangerous. Your health suffers- and as you've found out, your relationships suffer. If you are on 7p-7a, you can arrange for time with others- either meet them for breakfast, or an early dinner; and you can sleep regularly (I kept on a night schedule even on days off). It does make a difference- at least it's not as bad as having to switch shifts so much. :)

jmho :up:

Valhalla_Pure · Sep 23, 2011

I just posted about feeling stressed out and socially isolated from my friends and partner in a recent thread, so I know exactly how you feel! Sometimes the reality of the medical unit can be a real wake up call. However, like xtxrn said, you will get faster with things like documentation with time, so don't worry about that too much.

I work 4 twelve hour shifts, 2 days, 2 nights, with 4-5 days off in between. It's a rough schedule, and if your schedule falls over a series of weekends, it's tough to see your friends and family with regular jobs.

Something I have started doing recently is shift swaps in order to spend time with friends. I did a swap for a day shift yesterday and was able to go shopping with my girlfriends for the day, which really made me feel better.

It's not possible for me to work straight nights, as xtxrn suggested, but if you can, I think it's a great idea. The night shift is less stressful, no management types around, and you have more time for quality patient interactions, in my opinion. I really enjoy nights.

Hang in there, this is just a bump in the road. Remember to take care of yourself, call friends you miss just for a chat, and remind your boyfriend that even though you can't physically be there, you miss him. Things will get better!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2011

I hear you. I moved 2000 miles away from my friends to the country for my first job. Almost a year now. I went from 3 million people to 1100. By July, I was very homesick, but I'm learning new skills and making great money. It's worth it.

I like nursing and my residents, but my workplace has a lot of drama queens, which I find annoying. You're right about all the documentation. There's too much of it. I've learned to prioritize what I need to complete, and not worry about some of the useless forms. Paper on top of paper. I always make sure to CMA...but not dwell on every little thing. Life is short.

dudette10, MSN, RN · Sep 24, 2011

The other thing is the job itself. I'm realizing that nursing is less about caring for patients and more about documentation. I spend so much time documenting that I can't even believe I have anything to document about.

I'm right there with ya. I understand the importance of documenting so that the whole team can see the changes in the patient's condition, but the redundant charting, the regulatory forms, the this/that/the other to get patients out or transferred somewhere else...can it STOP?

joanna73, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2011

Right. Like for falls for example, we have 3 additional forms aside from the chart and the incident report. Who has time for all that? 2 forms are basically the same!