What now?

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Here's the thing. For the first time in my life I am not attending school of some sort. I graduated high school. I graduated college. I landed my dream nursing job in the NICU at an awesome local hospital. I completed 4 months of intensive orientation. And after 5 months of being on my own as an "adult" nurse, I hate to say it, but I think I'm...bored?

I love love love my job, don't get me wrong. And I know there's always more to be learned in the neonatal field. And trust me, I'm always carrying around my NICU Handbook to read. But I just feel like I need to be doing something else now. It's like I reached my goal of being a nicu nurse, so now what?

I eventually want to go to school to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. So I've been researching that lately. But I'm still such a new nurse, I feel like it's too soon to go back to school. But then again, the sooner the better. Heck, once I finished NNP school I'd probably be right back where I am twiddling my thumbs! Haha

Other things I have also researched: Starting a jewelry business...What?:dead: And finding medical mission trips to go on in foreign countries. Neither of which are free. Blah.

Does anyone else experience this constant need to be doing or planning something?!

Tell me I'm not crazy people!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg.

Are you an AACN member? Perhaps consider getting involved in your local chapter.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It's time to start thinking in terms of "enriching" your job experience as opposed to just going back to school to provide stimulation for growth. Are you ready to precept? Be in charge? Serve on a committee/task force that is working to solve a problem or improve practice in your unit?

As a student, there was always someone in a "teacher" role stimulating you with assignments and course requirements that forced you to learn new things and develop new skills. Now you need to be a "grown up" and take responsibility for your own learning and growth. You sound ready to do that.

So instead of looking for someone else to provide that stimulation, do a self-assessment and make a plan to progress in your career as a NICU nurse. Let your unit leaders know that you are interested in "what comes next" in the development of a successful staff nurse. Seek out learning experiences that will establish yourself as an "up and coming" nursing leader. Get involved in the unit's governance structure ... or educational activities ... or Quality Improvement initiatives ... etc. Those types of activities will help you to grow as a professional so that you will be ready for grad school when that time comes.

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Specializes in ICU.

What level NICU is this? If you're bored after 5 months on your own (as a new grad?) in an acute level 3 or big level 4 NICU, I'd be concerned that the problem is that you just don't know what you don't know yet.

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Great idea, thanks!

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llg, all very valid points! Thanks for the suggestions!

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Luckyyou, haha it's a level IV. I understand what you're saying. And you're probably right. But rest assured I know I don't know everything. Not even close! "Bored" isn't really the right word for what I am feeling. It's just weird not being in school anymore! Having the pressure to turn in assignments and tests coming up, ya know? As I said, I do bring my neonatal handbook with me to work so I always read up on the conditions my babies have. Trust me, I know I'm not done learning yet. Probably never will be haha. No need for concern.

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Specializes in ICU.

I would say relax and enjoy being an adult for a while. For me, I knew it would feel weird after graduation, but I also knew I was going to love going back to real life. Just the day to day going to work, coming home, and enjoying days off. What kind of social life do you have outside of work?

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Nursegirl, not a huge social life other than with my boyfriend haha. All my friends mostly live out of town. But the bf keeps things fun.

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

I second the idea of getting involved in AACN. I'd suggest following a few of the suggestions above and work on deepening your knowledge base, as well as considering becoming involved with committee work (Practice Council or something similar). Build your professional network.

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I too experienced that feeling after completing my BSN. It's just odd to not have that deadline/assignment looming in the back of your head. I don't think it's weird at all. You've been in school essentially, since 5 years old. Now you're not & you're sort of lost. But I think the getting involved with your local chapter of AACN or a NICU group, etc sounds like a great idea. And your significant other may appreciate having more time together. Or volunteer somewhere: i used to go to our local humane society & walk the dogs. Therapy for me too!!!

Good luck & just take a little time to breathe, now that you can. I'm sure something will pick up soon enough & you'll wish for these moments of 'boredom'. :-)

Congrats on getting where you want to be.

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I understand where you're coming from but I agree with many other posters. It's time to transition to a professional focus and deepening your learning of on the job. And enriching your extracurricular and social life. Maybe some classes outside of nursing. Dance, a new skill, etc. :) Enjoy!

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