maybe nursing is not for me

1 i am 23 years old & i ma a new nurse, ive been working for 6 months & i must say that i am very much overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that a nurse holds. on the other hand, im thinking maybe ill get used to this, or maybe this isnt the right field of nursing for me (long term care).. i dont know.. sometimes, i dread going to work.. i just need to vent,,,
Have you tried seeing what other fields are available to you? There's so much an RN can do. What is it about LTC that is overwhelming? Are you a floor nurse or in a mgnt position? Maybe that particular place you're working just isn't for you? I wouldn't give up quite yet, like I said there is SO much an RN can do. Look n the paper, ask friends, see what other jobs are out there and see if any of them seem interesting. Good luck

It IS hard, but as you come to believe in yourself more and gain some more know how, you may feel better about your situation. If not, then by all means seek another area, or even a new career! Nothing wrong with that, it's always good to have a backup.

Confidence will grow with time, but statistics show that the MAJORITY of nurses quit their first job within 2 years. This suggests that we think the grass is greener elsewhere. I also believe we have little knowledge of the real nursing world and accept jobs without understanding whether or not it is a good fit. My recommendation is either stick it out and ask for input from co-workers, or go elsewhere. Consider school nurse, MD office, hospital, ---- all sorts of things out there.

Quote from RN_lori am 23 years old & i ma a new nurse, ive been working for 6 months & i must say that i am very much overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that a nurse holds. on the other hand, im thinking maybe ill get used to this, or maybe this isnt the right field of nursing for me (long term care).. i dont know.. sometimes, i dread going to work.. i just need to vent,,,

Hi,The first year is nursing is the most challenging. Hang in there.. you owe that much to yourself.I wish you all the best!Diane, RN

For a new nurse, the job is particularly overwhelming. I just passed my one year mark, so I can assure you that the transition from six months to one year will bring about a significant difference in your time management, clinical skills, and overall confidence. You are at a precarious point in your career right now. You've gained a large amount of knowledge (in a small amount of time) and have been expected to take on the responsibilities of a full-fledged nurse, yet you may not feel like one yet. In this vein, I do believe that a little more time and trudging through will bring about some big changes for you. However, you also need to ask yourself if your support network at your current position is working for you. Are there other nurses around that can lend a helping hand when you're feeling stressed? And if so, are you asking questions and requesting assistance when you need it? I was probably the most overwhelmed at around six months, but my co-workers were always there to pull me through to the end of the shift and beyond.Maybe LTC isn't for you. Or maybe it's just this particular LTC facility. But please, don't jump to the conclusion that you aren't cut out for nursing. There are so many areas of nursing to explore and you've literally only just begun.I would suggest seeing it through at your current facility for a few more months. Get a little more experience. I just wouldn't want you to confuse normal first year anxieties and frustrations with a feeling that you can't continue nursing and/or LTC.

I am a new RN grad and working in a LTC. And it is CRAZY HARD!!! But with each passing day I learn more and get more comfortable with my responsibilities. It is a lot to take on and if I could I would definitely choose a hospital. But Ive been told that a hospital isn't easier than a LTC. I just think as new grads it's going to be difficult because we are beginning a new chapter in out careers. I am 24 and my status up until last May has been "Student" Stick it out a little longer. You worked too hard to give up so soon! Good luck to you

When you walk into the door for your shift in LTC, you never know what you're going to get. You may have a calm night where nothing happens, or you may have 2 falls, a new admit, and a transfer to the hospital. LTC can be overwhelming for even seasoned nurses.

I am also a new grad with 6 months on the job. Some nights I feel this isn't the right path for me but then I realize it's probably the environment I'm working in. I'm not asking you to hold my hand but I am asking that when you see me drowning don't ask me when your clocking out if I need help. I try to make each night a learning experience so that in another 6 months (God willing) I can feel as if I am making a difference here.

Quote from rn_lori am 23 years old & i ma a new nurse, ive been working for 6 months & i must say that i am very much overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that a nurse holds. on the other hand, im thinking maybe ill get used to this, or maybe this isnt the right field of nursing for me (long term care).. i dont know.. sometimes, i dread going to work.. i just need to vent,,,

Get out while you can. Apply for any other job apart from nursing.I am starting a campaign now to let people know what nursing is REALLY like.People are mean, spiteful, nasty, hating, obnoxious, rude, arrogant and untrustworthy - and that's just the family members!The doctors think we are all idiots - nursing? Who would want to go into that? Too bad you weren't good enough for medical school! Oh well, I suppose nursing will have to do for you *sigh* You MUST be a complete and utter fool.You are viewed as a nothing when ur a nurse - a void, a black hole with no matter in it, an incomprehensible lump of blackness, a stupid anomaly.I saw a very nice and knowledgeable CN get humiliated today by a doctor who wouldn't even come to visit his own patients when asked to! He was a foreign doctor (of course) and they just don't see aged care patients as people. This CN was trying to get him to come and see a horrible wound - a split anal fissure that NEEDED to be viewed by a GP and a surgeon - the doctor refused to come out. He said just take bloods, etc. The CN I was working with was still polite to the Dr but very frustrated when she hung up - she was saying how are we supposed to get them to come out here to see their patients? The only way they could change this behviour was to report these Drs to the AMA (Australian Medical Association). Unbelievable!No, nursing is definitely NOT worth it. I can't wait to leave this soul-destroying so-called career.

Quote from RN_lori am 23 years old & i ma a new nurse, ive been working for 6 months & i must say that i am very much overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that a nurse holds. on the other hand, im thinking maybe ill get used to this, or maybe this isnt the right field of nursing for me (long term care).. i dont know.. sometimes, i dread going to work.. i just need to vent,,,