will it ever end?

lpnflorida · Nov 26, 2008

When I first started working the only shifts available to me were the day/night swing. It took me 3 years before a day/eve fte opened up. My current job, although I knew I wanted days. I ended up being hired onto a straight eve, I hated it. Thankfully within 6 mo. our hospital went to 12 hour shifts and I was lucky enough to get onto the straight day, well 7am-7pm shift. I know it is hard to not be on the shift of your preference. As a shift/fte opens up apply for it on your unit. It is how we transfer from one shift to another. Sometimes we are lucky and they open up quickly, other times we wait.

Only you can decided if it is worth the wait on the unit you are presently on. I would also see if there is a way to talk with the night staff and ask if they could help you with your continued learning on tele. I would think their might be at least one who is willing to mentor.

Butterflybee · Nov 27, 2008

So I'm 3 months on my way to 4 on my first job as an LVN Its a telemetry floor. To begin with I am married no kiddos. I asked when I was hired to work days but when I received my offer from the hospitals it was for nights. When i asked why i was told it was pretty much impossible for new nurses to get a day shift. Well okay but when I started we were trained on days, and all of the new hires were my classmates and have of those had daytime positions. The nurses minus a few on days were more than willing to help and teach however now that I'm on my and on nights I feel like we are just annoyances for our charge nurses. They act like we are the worst nurses when we act questions. And most of the people on the rotation including CNA's(most of which i worked side by side with as a CNA) treat us the same way. I hate every minute I am at work. I miss my hsuband. I can't stand it and to make matters worse they did the song and dance for me and I signed an 18 month contract. I feel utterly lost all the time. I was one of the tops in my class I should not feel like a complete idiot all the time. I can't figure out if it is the bully co worker or if I truly don't get nursing IDK sorry this is so long. I just needed to vent and looking for people to tell me it will change hopefully

It doesnt sound like youre the problem, it sounds like the problem is a lack of support. You need a support system especially at your place of work as a new nurse. Im a new nurse too (flip back to read about my experiences ...) I hope you find a few that will help you because the one thing new nurses dont need is discouragement. Hang in there !

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 27, 2008

I agree, this is a lack of support, which is common for new nurses. In addition, it is usually harder for new nurses to obtain desireable shifts. As mentioned earlier, seek out a mentor. Sometimes, it takes a bit of charming, but most people are egotistical by nature and feel valued if they are looked upon as a leader. If this is possible, attach yourself to such a person.

Also, I have no problem advocating for myself. I am quick to say to some of these rude, inconsiderate people that I am here to help, but can only help if I know, the only way I can know is if someone takes the time to teach me. What many nurses do not realize is that they shoot themselves in the foot. They scream bloody murder for help, and when it comes, they suddenly treat them like crap and wonder why they run for the hills. I have been known to show them where their behavior will get them and it usually stops.

It may be that both, you and these workers are slow to get acquainted, they may have been burned by new faces in the past, who knows...? But, it does get better, either by them warming up and becoming more inclusive or that you have to leave, but have learned some lessons on survival...however, it does get better.

flwannaB · Nov 27, 2008

So I'm 3 months on my way to 4 on my first job as an LVN Its a telemetry floor. To begin with I am married no kiddos. I asked when I was hired to work days but when I received my offer from the hospitals it was for nights. When i asked why i was told it was pretty much impossible for new nurses to get a day shift. Well okay but when I started we were trained on days, and all of the new hires were my classmates and have of those had daytime positions. The nurses minus a few on days were more than willing to help and teach however now that I'm on my and on nights I feel like we are just annoyances for our charge nurses. They act like we are the worst nurses when we act questions. And most of the people on the rotation including CNA's(most of which i worked side by side with as a CNA) treat us the same way. I hate every minute I am at work. I miss my hsuband. I can't stand it and to make matters worse they did the song and dance for me and I signed an 18 month contract. I feel utterly lost all the time. I was one of the tops in my class I should not feel like a complete idiot all the time. I can't figure out if it is the bully co worker or if I truly don't get nursing IDK sorry this is so long. I just needed to vent and looking for people to tell me it will change hopefully

Do you and your husband a favor and start putting your application in other facilities. Nursing is far to stressful to go to work every day and hate your job. If those people are annoyed at you that is there problem, not yours. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Sounds as though they are burnt out or bitter. Be confident that you will learn what you need to. I have been a nurse for 2 years and it took me that long to feel comfortable in my job. My charge nurse hates LPN's. I have been blessed however that I work with a bunch of great RN's that have no problem helping me. If everyone is like that, you work in a hostile environment. It's not unusual for nursing to change jobs. Good luck.

tofunurse · Nov 29, 2008

I am still a student, I have 8 more months to go before I will be in your position. I'm afraid I cant offer very much advice except to let you know you are not alone and to hang in there. Keep in mind why you wanted to be a nurse in the first place. Maybe this department isn't the best fit for you. You mentioned you signed a contract, so just do the best you can while you are there. Keep your head up and know in your heart that you are making a positive impact on peoples lives whether you are aware of it or not.

Best of luck to you!:heartbeat

DebanamRN, MSN, RN · Nov 29, 2008

I've been an LPN for 2 years and am on my 3rd LPN position. It took 3 jobs to get to a job I really like. It is very discouraging when you don't get any support from fellow nurses - after all, they were new once also. And, I agree with the other posters - I've only recently felt truly comfortable as a nursing, and trust my nursing judgement. It takes around 2 years to become confident. At 3 months in, I was still shaking. Now, I'm able to handle just about anything. But it didn't happen overnight.

I'd look at the contract you signed. Do you have to stay in that specific position? Can you transfer to another position and still fullfil your commitment? What happens if you quit? I'd let the contact guide me. Talk to human resources, if you feel comfortable with the people there.

Good luck. Things will work out!

newbie26 · Dec 3, 2008

Update: So I was on my way out yesterday and my Manager pulled me into her office and informed me that she was moving the new LVN's to the float pool, because they were hiring new rn's I was in absolute disbelief. I truly believe this woman thinks her life would be better if Lvns became obsolete. I heard once just hear say she said that at one point and time. Well anyway after my shock had worn off I called her to ask the details. She gave yes no answers and said she would call me back. None of the other LVN's have heard this yet so I don't know what to think maybe this is a window of oppurtunity IDK

Coloradogrl · Dec 3, 2008

Can you get out of your contract?

healthcarefome · Dec 3, 2008

Do you and your husband a favor and start putting your application in other facilities. Nursing is far to stressful to go to work every day and hate your job. If those people are annoyed at you that is there problem, not yours. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Sounds as though they are burnt out or bitter. Be confident that you will learn what you need to. I have been a nurse for 2 years and it took me that long to feel comfortable in my job. My charge nurse hates LPN's. I have been blessed however that I work with a bunch of great RN's that have no problem helping me. If everyone is like that, you work in a hostile environment. It's not unusual for nursing to change jobs. Good luck.

what????????????? why???????????

Dacia · Dec 4, 2008

Hey, I hope you are starting to understand you are not alone. I too feel this way. I work in a mental health facility. My first job as a lpn. I would not recommend that for anyone. but i took what i could get. I work days, luckily. Weekend option. It seems like it is getting harder not easier. Like if i ask a question now, they think i am retarded and can't do anything by myself. I have yet to go to nursing orientation for the hospital so i can't even use the glucometer without someone else's badge number. They have 3 more months to get me into it. have been working there for 3 months. for the 17 of this month and it is just retarded. aleast 3 times every two weeks i get EO'd which is Extra Off. or cost contained. I barely get enough money to live on and can not find a new job.