Unhappy with employer- what to do about it?

[LEA1]

I'm a new nurse, just 9 months on the job and I've become very unhappy with the hospital I work at. I find myself complaining to co-workers about the situation often... I know that doesn't solve anything and just brings morale down - I need to "grow-up" and do something about my situation but I'm scared to actually voice my complaints to the boss. Some (few) of the issues I have my unit director may have control or influence over but a great deal of my job dissatisfaction comes from hospital policies- issues on health insurance contribution, educational loan reimbursement, etc that I think would have to be addressed through my union. My thought at this moment is to talk to my director first, only because this is the best paying job available to me in this rural area, I need to keep working here for the time being and I really don't want it to be a situation where I'm constantly at odds with my employer, or have to resort to pulling the union card every time an issue comes up, I'd like things to be more harmonious. I've been told by trustworthy friends that I take things way too personally so I'm also afraid that maybe some of my issues with the hospital are emotionally motivated- maybe I'm just a big baby... I don't know. Can anyone give advice on how to tell the boss I'm not happy and would like some changes made without making waves?

[mark3274]

all I can say is start looking around at what is out there. When you do find a new job instead of talking to the old boss which in most places sadly will not change much is just when the time is right give them your 2 weeks and say I am sorry but for my own growth and good I am moving on.

[caliotter3]

I've learned in my years of experience that bosses don't really want constructive criticism, even if they say they do. I wouldn't recommend that you try to make any changes or say anything to your boss unless you really feel very secure about how you fit in at this place and you feel very strongly about the things you want to see changed. Don't expect any action on management's part. Don't be discouraged if you talk to your manager and they have a nice conversation with you and then ignore your suggestions. Beware that by going to the boss about anything, you are setting yourself up to be labeled a "troublemaker" even if you have very good and very valid ideas.

You might want to take a good personal inventory about what is troubling you and see if there are ways you can change your circumstances other than changing your job. You might jump from the frying pan into the fire and that is something to avoid. If at all possible, try to find a way to tolerate the job that you have now. You know the saying about greener pastures. If you find you really can't tolerate your present job, then try to at least make the one year mark before you move on, and have your next job lined up before you resign.

Something else to consider is depression. Your problems might be partly because you might be suffering from depression. Rule out physical problems while you are analyzing your unhappiness. People that are depressed are more prone to find outside circumstances to be less tolerable.