Stressed Out! - Should I stay and tough it out?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

I recently changed jobs from a stepdown unit at one hospital to a cardiac ICU at another. I made the switch wanting to learn new things and gain new skills for whatever may come down the road later. However I find my stress levels are really starting to get to me and my stress reduction techniques aren't helping.

I find myself in tears and not sleeping or eating before shifts, which is never a good thing. I spend the entire night on pins and needles. The problem is I have only been there three months, two of orientation and one on my own. I find myself starting to look for new jobs.....maybe as an ambulatory clinic RN, interventional radiology or some type of outpatient service.

I know some of it is just newness, new facility, new people, new skills etc but I feel terrible because the staff has been supportive and leaving after such a short time feels like giving up. I have tried talking to other RNs and am always met with "It will get better. Don't worry. You are doing just fine".

Am I doing myself a disservice by leaving those ICU skills behind and going to look for a different job (where I may need those skills anyways)? Are employers going to see that I left after three months, couldn't hack it as an ICU RN and not want to hire me? I am no quitter but I also know my limits, should I stay and tough it out? Any advice?

Dear Undecided,

It would be definitely be better for you to try and stick it out longer than the one month you've already put in. For yourself, and your resume.

Sleeping and eating disturbances at this point are awful but not uncommon, although if still you have them 6 months out, it'd be more of a concern.

It's a good sign that your co-workers are supportive and are telling you "It will get better. Don't worry . You are doing just fine".

Have you considered they just might be right? If you do decide to look elsewhere, write back in for some resume tips from Yours Truly. Good luck, friend.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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Specializes in Cardiac and Emergency Department.

Dear undecided,

Breathe. If your coworkers are supportive and telling you that you are doing a good job, you most likely are doing a phenomenal job. You are in a very challenging speciality. It will take some time to feel comfortable and confident. Embrace all the good that is happening with your current situation. 1. You made it through the orientation process. 2. You have supportive coworkers. 3. You are learning valuable life and job skills. 4. Your coworkers are not only hearing your concerns, they are also verbalizing support. Many, many times we are our own worst critic. Try to focus on all the good things that happen in each shift, learn from those that don't go well, and grow. I started in a very busy urban emergency department right out of nursing school. I didn't even feel comfortable with IV's or foleys. I too went sleepless between shifts, laid awake worrying about what I forgot to document or what tasks went undone at change of shift. I had myself tied in knots......but it did eventually get better. When I realized no one was asking me to be perfect, they just wanted my practice to be safe. My coworkers were not verbally supportive, but they were physically supportive. By that I mean that they came along side me and helped pick up my slack (helped by triaging an ambulance while I stabilized a cat. 2 in another room). I try my best to be supportive of all my coworkers and verbalize appreciation for the jobs everyone else is completing from housekeeping to dietary to unit clerks to nurses and doctors. The other week I had a patient decompensate within five minutes of the hospitalist being in the room. The patient went ashen in color, diaphorectic and had a bp of 70/38. Thankfully, the hospitalist was still on the floor and when I stepped out in the hall to grab the ekg machine, I mentioned the change of status to the DR. Who came to the bedside immediately. It was a team effort and he was stabilized and went to cath lab a lot sooner than later due to the hospitalist quick response to my change of status report. THAT is why I am a nurse. I love knowing that the actions we took, saved this mans life.

Again, you made it through orientation, your coworkers are supportive and you are learning and growing professionally. From what you've said, you sound like you have the makings of a great ICU nurse. By the way-it took me a full 2 years to feel comfortable with what ever patient came to my rooms. This past week I started a new ER job in a smaller facility with an antiquated charting system...I'm feeling anxious about learning everything regarding the charting system, it is very difficult to use-in addition to learning all new coworkers and equipment. Anyway-we are in the same boat-I'm determined to see the best in this situation. I have a great preceptor, it's much closer to my house so I get to sleep in, and people seem helpful and approachable. Best wishes in whatever path you choose to take-know that you aren't alone.

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I am glad that everyone is being very supportive and honest. But i feel differently. I think if the job is stressing you out that much and you are considering other jobs...why not just go ahead and leave? It's definitely not healthy for you and a health risk for you and a patient safety risk as well by you trying to work with no sleep! You don't have to put this job down on your resume. You can always look for an ICU that maybe is smaller than the current 1 and may not be as stressful. There'stoo many nursing jobs out there for you to be going through this Iin my opinion. Whatever your decision... good luck to u!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
I am glad that everyone is being very supportive and honest. But i feel differently. I think if the job is stressing you out that much and you are considering other jobs...why not just go ahead and leave? It's definitely not healthy for you and a health risk for you and a patient safety risk as well by you trying to work with no sleep! You don't have to put this job down on your resume. You can always look for an ICU that maybe is smaller than the current 1 and may not be as stressful. There'stoo many nursing jobs out there for you to be going through this Iin my opinion. Whatever your decision... good luck to u!

Good point, I agree in that if it's beyond normal new nursing job stress, the OP should look at her health and even consider getting help.

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Hi,

I'm in my second semester of Nursing school (taking Patho and Med-Surg), along with taking care of an 11 mo old daughter, working two jobs and I go to school 2 1/2 hrs away and I have to drive back home every weekend. I'm really, really struggling in my courses this semester and I would really not like to work but how is that possible when I have a child and bills? How is it possible to keep my grades up when you're constantly studying at work, tired in the day, classes, driving, etc. my body feels drained and so does my brain so I can barely retain what I read. How in the world do I get over this feeling of defeat? I want to win this race but it's so hard. Help

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Nursejaye! You definitely have a lot on your plate! Is transferring to a closer school an option? Or temporarily relocating closer to the school? Good luck and don't give up! Good luck.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Women's Health, Education.
Good point, I agree in that if it's beyond normal new nursing job stress, the OP should look at her health and even consider getting help.

If her hospital has an EAP that would be a good place to get free counseling. When I was a new grad I was extremely stressed out and sleep deprived. I kept seeing signs posted for the EAP but was too scared to call them. In retrospect I wish I had, it might have saved me some painful experiences.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I know this posting is older, but I will respond since it was recently resurrected from a slumber. Sticking with this job for a year before moving on would be good.

Nonetheless, I have reached the point where I do not care about ever learning another procedural skill again if it means more stress and anxiety. My current job entails no hands-on patient care, but zero stress. The trade-off is worth it to me.

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