Thinking about quiting ER

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Specializes in ER, Med-Sur.

Hi everyone,

I started my nursing career with new grad initiative program in ER. I having such a hard time coping up with work. Previously I had heavy medicine floor placement as a student which i enjoyed. So i thought ER would be great to get good experience from me. But Its been 6 months, and I hate it - i drag myself to go to work. I don't enjoy it any more. Its more demanding physically and mentally. I know that many people say to give 1 year to get comfortable with ER, but I don't know if i have handle it for that long. I am competent in all my skills, but the back-to-back pt and the workload is just overwhelming for me. Usually we are short of nurse at my unit and one day I was on my feet for 12 hrs continuously - I did not even get a 5 minutes break, it was a busy night. After my shift, i felt so weak and tired, i don't even know i drove home after that shift. I am just thinking about quiting but at the same time if i do quit then i will feel like a quitter. i love nursing but i am afraid that i am going to hate my profession. I don't know what to do. WHAT SHOULD I DDDOOOOO :-(

heartbroken,

coolnurse

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Specializes in Home health care, CNA (nursing home).

I think that if you feel like you hate the ER why don't you just find something else that you would maybe enjoy. Something slower paced, maybe not in a hospital and instead in the home care field or maybe corrections nursing. There are a lot of different options out there and just because you don't like the ER doesn't mean you don't like nursing in general. I would try and get into a different department or area all together. Good luck and keep your chin up! It can only get better! :)

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

I'd try to get out of ER too. Try a floor where you have a set patient load for the shift and see how you like that! We just had a girl transfer up to our floor from the ER because she wasn't liking it down there either. She likes our floor much better!

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Specializes in ED/trauma.

What you describe sounds like a typical shift in our ED. It is not for everyone-you need to find what makes you happy and where you "fit." That's one of the reasons that I love nursing-so many different opportunities. Hang in there!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Yup .... the ER is often go-go-go without a break! But that's part of what I like about it ... most of the time! :D Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

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Specializes in ER, Med-Sur.

Thank you all for your replies and support... i am going to talk to my manager on wednesday... keeping my fingers crossed for a smooth sailing

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