Hate my job

**TiffanyDyan** · 04-19-2010, 02:52 AM

Okay so I started a new job about two months ago- working on a High Risk OB- and surgical GYN floor at a big hospital- I was really excited about the job at first because my original intentions were to go into L&D but it's hard to get there without experience- so I was thinking that I would take this job to kind of get my foot in the door with womens stuff- well, I've done it for two months now and hate it- I don't know what to do. Have I given it enough time? I'm absolutely miserable when I go into work- I'm starting to wonder if nursing is the right career for me? Maybe I'm just in the wrong department? Idk. Someone please give advice. I don't want to be a job hopper but I do want to be happy.

**Gona_bea_nurse** · 04-19-2010, 01:45 PM

give it a year to get off the new grad and move on, maybe that specialty just isn't for you. Plenty of others to try.

**Edson!** · 04-19-2010, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by TiffanyDyan

Okay so I started a new job about two months ago- working on a High Risk OB- and surgical GYN floor at a big hospital- I was really excited about the job at first because my original intentions were to go into L&D but it's hard to get there without experience- so I was thinking that I would take this job to kind of get my foot in the door with womens stuff- well, I've done it for two months now and hate it- I don't know what to do. Have I given it enough time? I'm absolutely miserable when I go into work- I'm starting to wonder if nursing is the right career for me? Maybe I'm just in the wrong department? Idk. Someone please give advice. I don't want to be a job hopper but I do want to be happy.

Two months is not enough time, even if full-time. Give it at least the equivalent of full-time hours, one yearm, or closer to two years, if you are working PT. Unless there is something grossly abusive or there are issues of serious harassment, try to learn and grow. Two months or even six mo.s to a year is barely scatching the surface.

**NurseEducator** · 04-19-2010, 09:20 PM

I agree that you need more time. But, for now evaluate what aspects you dont like. Is it the staff, the patient's, a particular task with this type of patient, a specific MD, the pace, etc. I think once you evaluate and break down the real issue then, you can focus on solutions. I would encourage you to join AWHON and review standards,network with others in that speciality, look for specific CEs, education, seminars, or conferences in your area that will help you get over the learning curve earlier. Have a discussion with your original preceptor or educator re: areas of needed support and where they can be obtained. At any rate, there are many avenues in nursing even, non-clinical and you will find the area that is right for you if you search. Lastly, are you balancing your work and home life, not working OT, and getting enough rest and relaxation? If not you will surely burn out quick.
Take care and stay encouraged. The best is yet to come!

**Edson!** · 04-19-2010, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by NurseEducator

I agree that you need more time. But, for now evaluate what aspects you dont like. Is it the staff, the patient's, a particular task with this type of patient, a specific MD, the pace, etc. I think once you evaluate and break down the real issue then, you can focus on solutions. I would encourage you to join AWHON and review standards,network with others in that speciality, look for specific CEs, education, seminars, or conferences in your area that will help you get over the learning curve earlier. Have a discussion with your original preceptor or educator re: areas of needed support and where they can be obtained. At any rate, there are many avenues in nursing even, non-clinical and you will find the area that is right for you if you search. Lastly, are you balancing your work and home life, not working OT, and getting enough rest and relaxation? If not you will surely burn out quick.
Take care and stay encouraged. The best is yet to come!

Excellent insight and advice.

**TiffanyDyan** · 04-23-2010, 02:20 PM

Thanks to all. I agree that more time is needed but I seriously want to cry when I'm driving to work. How do you relieve that dreaded feeling and hang around for a year to figure out if you really hate it? I'm just struggling!!! Idk what to do. I've never had this problem before and I've had plenty of jobs.

**TriciaB** · 04-25-2010, 12:24 AM

Tiffany: Find a mentor. Get this person to tell you what she likes about the job and get her to help you identify what it is you don't like. Try to sort out if you just need time to feel more comfortable and confident, or if the job truly sucks. If the job is a bad fit, don't stick around and wait to get sick; start looking for something else. It doesn't take a whole year of hating something to know you hate it. There's no shame in trying something and moving on if it's not for you.

**Gona_bea_nurse** · 04-25-2010, 08:59 AM

If you can find another job before you quit then quitings fine. It's tough out there though. You probably would't like a nursing home any better but they are typically in need of people though mainly lpn and cna's.

**Rmmd84** · 05-05-2010, 01:50 AM

Hi Tiffany,

We all know hospital based jobs have benefits but the working environment is very tough. I would suggest that you at least work two more years for getting knowledge and experience. With the help of long term hospital experience many health care/medical based organizations could appoint you for many times of positions. Even many self employed persons have their own “Home Health Services” business.

You can find out on some SMB (small medium business) portals, where you can check the worth of your work and experience, and what you can do with them.

**copperrose** · 05-05-2010, 09:35 AM

Try to analyze what it is that you don't like. Write it down. Have a what I like specifically column and a what I specifically don't like column. Think about each thing in the don't like column: Can I deal with it? Can it be changed? Is it totally in tolerable? Get specific and analyze your issues. It will help you figure out what it is you hate and is there anything you can do about it. You say you work in a large hospital, there should be plenty of areas to transfer to. Most jobs however require that you stay at your current position at least 6 months before you can transfer. Good Luck!

**Frankreich** · 05-05-2010, 07:04 PM

Good ideas Copperose!

I remember several times early on in my nursing career, thinking to myself during a particularly difficult shift, was this it, "is this what I studied and worked so hard for all those years". Is this really worth it?

It took me about two solid years of experience to grow into a confident and self-assured nurse. Sometime clinical experiences were confusing as what I learned from my professors did not always match what was practiced in reality.

It takes time to learn and adjust to the various personalities and skill sets you will encounter.

Looking back my 31 years in nursing have zoomed by and I don't regret a moment of it. Just wish life didn't move so fast.

**rozie527** · 05-06-2010, 10:48 AM

I think all nurses who have been working in the hospital for any length of time at some point have felt as you do. Its a tough job. I have had many nursing jobs, sometimes just trying to find my niche and guess what? They are all difficult, they all have their own reasons to dread going in to work. I have learned to TRY and perservere and try to focus on what I really like about the job, come on theres got to be something. Its funny that we accept jobs based on the pay and benefits but who thinks about that when you just want to go home already. Focus on the things you like about your job. Is the pay and benefits package great? Do you like the hours? Do you find teamwork and friendship with your coworkers? Is it a short commute? And, if you absolutely can't fine anything good about it, I hate to say but you probably should move on. You have to decide if you are just annoyed at work or if you truly are miserable. Then start looking for another job. Word of advise - don't hand in our 2 weeks notice until you are sure you have another job. GOOD LUCK.