Is nursing for me?

I am a new(ish) grad...graduated from nursing school in 2009. I have been working nights as a RN on a surgical floor for a year now. I am feeling so down lately. I am feeling like i don't want to be a nurse anymore... All the demands at work, the workload, nasty patients, lack of sleep because of night shift, never seeing my husband/family/friends, being constantly exhausted, wanting to cry all the time...it all has me dreading each day I have to go back to work again. I am given the "difficult" patients because they seem to think I can handle it better than others...should be a compliment but it drains me! I am starting to really hate people...most people are rude, demanding, and critical. I find that almost every second at work I am screaming inside. The only bonus is that I work with amazing people and they are the only ones that get me through...

What do I do? Do I stick it out a while longer? Do I find a new job? Will anyone even hire me with only 1 year of experience? Are these normal feelings? Do experienced nurses feel this way too? Should I just suck it up? Do you think I just need a vacation, lol? help!

I am at a loss and would really appreciate your comments.
I think that's just life, and you have to deal with it. You are lucky you have a hospital job, I've been unemployed for 2 months since receiving my NJ license. I'm dying to get a spot in a hospital because it's really hard for me, i'm an international graduate last April 2010. Do things that will help you relax.

Maybe you should switch to days? Working nights really takes a toll on your mind and body.

Quote from ChuvaaaaaI think that's just life, and you have to deal with it. You are lucky you have a hospital job, I've been unemployed for 2 months since receiving my NJ license. I'm dying to get a spot in a hospital because it's really hard for me, i'm an international graduate last April 2010. Do things that will help you relax.

Starting to really hate people? Working with the public does that for you. I don't like working with the public anymore and have a lot of difficulty listening to someone complain such as when patients do about comfort, hygiene, etc. The thought that immediately comes to mind is, "I don't ****ing care so shut up." Not very nursey, I know.

Try a different type of nursing job.

Will anyone hire you with only 1 year of experience?Well, there's only one way to find out.

I do not think it is fair for you to take care of the difficulty patient all the time because you are able to handle them. It sounds like your co-workers are lazy or just using you. By handling difficulty patients can be stressful. The patient load should be based on acuity levels of patients. I am not going to say put up with it because it is hard to get a job or find a different nursing job, but I am going to say something needs to change at work. I hope this helps. Good luck!!!

i agree with happyparamedicrn , most of us hate our jobs, the mere thought of clocking in tomorrow literally makes my stomach turn. there is so much stress put on nurses! i've been a nurse for 9 years and i haven't liked one job any better than the next..

There are PLENTY of nursing specialties. Hospitals, community, occupational nursing, tele health. You have been in this for just one year. Try different specialties. Make a list of what exactly you hate, and what you liked in nursing. I think it is too early to change profession yet. I am saying it as a person who is changing profession, but before I decided on it, I tried a whole variety in mine.

So sorry that you're having such a rough time. Even those of us who still love nursing, may have difficulty with a particular type of nursing. Night shift is not for everyone and may definitely be adding to your stress. The switch from nursing school to real life nursing is tough too. You have several things adding to your feelings right now. Before you throw in the towel, at least try to decide what you like and don't like about your current job, shift, people, co-workers and nursing in general. Not every patient is going to be grateful or cooperative. Try NOT to take that part personally. Patients are frequently afraid, in pain and out of control. You are a convenient target for all that frustration. The great thing about nursing is that there is such variety. The economy will turn around. I've lived through several times like this before (hard to find nursing jobs so you take something you don't like because you need money). Nursing is rarely an easy job but it's rewarding and challenging when you find the RIGHT nursing job for you. I always think it's a great idea to continue your education dependent upon what you are interested in. Spend this time researching and deciding what type of nursing you want to do. As a survivor of many years of night shift....try to get yourself into a decent sleep pattern that works for you. Have your loved ones respect your need for sleep. Really need family support. You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel with decent rest. Good luck and I hope things work out for you. Nursing is not for everyone but it can be a wonderful career. You spent all that time and effort becoming a nurse, so spend a little more time becoming the kind of nurse you want to be.

I agree with the others--try a different type of nursing! For example: I don't deal with rude patients because I take care of babies. All they do is cry yes I'll get the "special" parents, but not hardly on night shift!

Quote from fancyhenSo sorry that you're having such a rough time. Even those of us who still love nursing, may have difficulty with a particular type of nursing...Nursing is not for everyone but it can be a wonderful career. You spent all that time and effort becoming a nurse, so spend a little more time becoming the kind of nurse you want to be.