Unhappy in unit

[bexspn]

Hi, I'm a new nurse who graduated in May with my BSN. My dream is to work in NICU/peds, that's why I became and nurse, and I don't really enjoy working in adult land. I got a job in the cardiac tele unit because no peds or NICU positions were hiring. I've been working on my own for about two months now, and while I really like the other nurses I work with, I really don't enjoy my job. I dread going in, I don't find the kind of satisfaction I desired when taking care of my patients, and I just don't think I'm cut out to work with adults. It's making me feel depressed and I've been having a hard time adjusting to working full time and not being in school.

I've been telling myself to stick it out for 6 months to a year before I look into transferring, but it's just really difficult. I was wondering if anyone has any advice? I don't want to hate being a nurse and I'm really worried about burning myself out.

[Nonetheless]

Find something so you can be with kids while holding your present job to get that experience time. Ideas: work at a pediatricians office part time, volunteer w children who have a disability, volunteer at a children's hospital, take on volunteer work where you can teach children. Also see if you could work once a week at a children's hospital and keep your hospital job. I think you should stick it out but do something on the side w children.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I hear you loud and clear. I'm not happy on my unit either but I'm only sticking it out for a year so I can possibly transfer to OB. It's better to hang in there and be in the system for a year then to quit. You want that good recommendation from your Manager when that time comes.

I felt so down and depressed in the first few weeks when I first started. I was hurting physically, emotionally, and spiritually but I spoke to people for guidance. I faked it in front of my patients who were raving about the wonderful care I was providing, but in front of my coworkers they saw how down I was. Many of them approached me privately and were a shoulder to cry on. I realized then that what I was feeling was common for GNs. I'm much better now because of the support I have on my unit. Keep your head up.

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[iPink, BSN, RN]

Also wanted to echo the previous poster's advice about being with the Peds population one day a week if it doesn't overwhelm you. I got advice from my coworker who encouraged me to pick up an extra shift on the OB unit. This is a good way to make connections with the nurse manager when it's time to apply for a transfer.

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[S RN]

I know it is not easy do a job that you don't like, but as obesity33 said, try to do something that fill that part of you that want to be around children…think that this is a necessary job that you have to do to be in the NICU in the future just like part of nursing school…also, think how lucky you are that you have a job…tons of new grad (counting myself) are more that frustrated trying to find that necessary part that you already have in order to be one day in our dreamy job…just be patient…before you even think about it, the full year will be gone...good luck :)