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Discussion

Venting and seeking advice

Hello to all nurses,

I have been holding myself back from writing this topic for awhile, but being in this site for a year now, I realize the great support from all of the nurses here. So I'm writing this to vent out my feeling and seek for advice as well.

I started as an international student with no background in medical. Didn't understand a word for the first 6 months I was here. For the two years in nursing school, I was full time student with two jobs. Managed to finish school with all B's. Got my license. But my two years gap (being out of field) due to immigration status doesn't look good on my resume at all.

So here I am, a new graduate with two-year break, working at a hospice for-profit organization. I basically visits patient and function as both LVN and RN. I had 3 days training, and i was on my own. It's been four months, and I feel frustrated and helpless. I realize I lack of knowledge and nursing skills. I feel like I'm not a good nurse, not a safe one. I constantly seek for information and learn from nurses in this site, but it didn't get any better.

The company hires a new DON. She is great. The only problem is she seems to ignore me.

Im working full time, and going back to school full time for my BSN.

I just felt so lost. I don't know if this is the right profession for me. I don't know what to do. Im wondering if I should change my career? If i should quit this job?

Thank you so much for reading. I'm open for all opinions and advices.

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    I don't think you got enough orientation. You should've rode along with more experienced nurses for a time. Maybe try a new job at a company that will put you through an orientation. Home health hospice is not the best place for a new grad either. You should start off in a hospital ideally. You are in a tough situation, it's not likely your ability to be a nurse, just a matter of experience.

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    It sounds like you got a crummy job with no support. There are a lot of those, but the main issue is you are alone doing your job. You have no backup when you don't know something. My advice is to look for a job in long term care/skilled nursing. They are less likely to have an issue with your employment gap because of immigration status than a competitive hospital setting. Sometimes those places don't have great orientation either, but they do have other experienced nurses for you to work with every day. That way, if you don't know something, someone else probably does and will show you how to do it.

    Nursing school doesn't prepare you for working on your own. You have so much to learn on the job after you've graduated.

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    First of all, congratulations on your noteworthy accomplishments! Honestly, your writing is much more articulate than most of our native born Americans on this forum.

    I wouldn't be too concerned about your DON 'ignoring' you. This probably just means that you are doing a fine job and her attention needs to directed to more important and urgent concerns. Make an appointment to see her if you need input or clarification.

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    • Author

    Thank you so much everyone. I started to have doubt at my ability to be a nurse, but your support and encouragement give me confidence.

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