Unhappy with the hospital environment...?

[OncRN10]

Hi,

I am a semi-new grad (May '10). I worked as a nursing assistant in a hospital for three years during college and, while i didn't LOVE it, I didn't hate it either. I recently started working on an oncology unit as an RN at a large university hospital. Oncology was not my first choice, but after searching for a job for 6 months, I figured I would give it a shot.

I have now been there two months, just finished orientation, and I find it completely horrifying and cannot wait to leave. I absolutely hate it - the patients are way too high of acuity for me, and during my 7 week orientation I already had 2 codes (and with each, a panic attack). Every time I start to feel comfortable with what I'm doing, I have a patient crash, and I end up crying during the whole 40 minute drive home. I feel like I've never had so much anxiety/depression/confusion as I have from this position. I was very active during college, involved in SNA and student council and wanted to go to grad school, and now all I want to do is get as far away from the bedside as possible. I really don't think I can handle doing this, and all I want to do is find a job outside the hospital. my husband and friends keep telling me that I should just wait it out and things will get easier for me as I adjust, which I'm sure they would get easier, but I hate it so much that I feel like I couldn't handle working there 10 more months to finish off a year's experience. I've been looking into jobs outside the hospital, but it seems like they all seem to want acute care experience...

Does anyone know of positions that are open to someone with a BSN that don't require hospital experience? Or do you think I just need to get over myself and stick with it for a while?

[kasidole]

have u tried nursing homes or agencies? most of them dont require acute care experience

[shoegalRN, RN]

I understand your concern.

I've been a nurse since May 2009 and I'm in the ER currently and I'm leaving the hospital setting due to all the politics, pettiness, and cattiness among nurses. I currently have an interview for a telephone triage position.

Most of the non-hospital jobs want atleast 1-2 years acute care experience, along with other experience. Since I used to work in corporate, I have that going for me.

I would try to stick it out for your year, and then start applying for insurance companies or home health agencies. You may want to try occupational health or clinics as well.

Good luck to you!

[Djenny]

I would love to be in any of your positions at this present time. I have been a nurse for 9 months and I crave an acute care setting. Where do you all live? It is so hard in Boston to get into a hospital, seems impossible right now. I have been doing home care nursing, and I really just want to be in a hospital setting. I say stick with it, there are many that want what you have, they say the first year is the hardest.