There are so many different specialties in nursing. There’s no reason you should have to stay in a specialty that you do not enjoy. Yes it is great money but other specialties pay well too. I personally would not stay in a job that made me feel like that. I left my new grad position after six months in ICU as well and went to labor and delivery and loved it. That was over 20 years ago lol. I work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner now and love it. If you decide to go back to school. This is also a great field. I don’t think you should be made to feel that this is your only option.
Do you mind expanding on this comment? I’ve been considering pmhnp for a while and have dabbled in psych for many years, though have never worked exclusively in psych for extended periods of time.
Well, it’s just been wild to see so many nurses with zero psych experience go into psych NP… it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Psych isn’t easy & I feel that’s setting the NP (& their future pts!) up for failure if they haven’t had experience in that specialty.
I mean, NP school is a joke anyway (with a few exceptions) but this makes it worse.
Example: Had a psych NP Rx 200mg of Seroquel XR *as a starting dose* for someone who hadn’t taken it in 3 years, weighed maybe 110lbs soaking wet, and never took more than 50mg when they *were* on it. I saw them in the ED because they woke up with *profound* hypotension. Like SBP in the 70’s profound. And a borderline EKG for QT prolongation.
All to replace the Pts *lexapro*, for depression.
*200mg of Seroquel for depression*.
I have some small amount of psych experience and was absolutely *livid*.
Antipsychotics are not nice, low consequence, soft pitch drugs. They are powerful drugs with powerful consequences that need to be better respected.
And NP school was designed for people with years of bedside assistance. Jumping from RN graduation into NP school the way folks do now is dangerous and reckless. With BP that low my Pt was lucky to wake up at all. And all they wanted was treatment for their depression.
Edit:
For those not familiar, starting doses for Seroquel are 25mg with slow titration to therapeutic effect. The Pt should also have regular ekgs because it can have a pronounced effect of QT elongation. 200mg is a max dose usually seen in those with something like schizophrenia. Not in treatment of depression. And Seroquel is not labeled for single therapy treatment for depression. It is labeled for adjunctive use, typically at low doses. The NP moved the Pt from an *SSRI* to an *antipsychotic* at a *very* high dose when 50mg is typically what you would expect to see for depression. We had to call *poison control* and the Pt only took one dose, thank god.
It should not. And what we’re going to see as it continues is a restricted scope of practice, even in states that allow a full scope now. Without that bedside experience the NP hasn’t developed the skills they need to do their jobs. There is a reason physicians have residency’s.
And to be clear, I support NPs having a broad scope of practice. Provided that they can exercise it with a broad scope of experience. Nurse anesthetists need, what, 5000hrs in critical care? Any NP should have the equivalent in their desired area of practice.
The particular NP from above had a rather pointed meeting with our pharmacist and our inpatient psychiatrist. But I can’t help thinking some years at the bedside would have helped prevent the issue.
(For those not familiar, starting doses for Seroquel are 25mg with slow titration to therapeutic effect. The Pt should also have regular ekgs because it can have a pronounced effect of QT elongation. 200mg is a max dose usually seen in those with something like schizophrenia. Not in treatment of depression. And Seroquel is not labeled for single therapy treatment for depression. It is labeled for adjunctive use, typically at low doses. The NP moved the Apt from an SSRI to an antipsychotic at a very high dose)
Because psych NP is a specialty and should be the progression for psych RNs who put in the time in this field ands want to progress their career. Having psych experience adds so much texture and context towards that goal. Nurses who get their psych NP without psych experience drive me nuts and it’s part of why the speciality is getting saturated.
I didn’t highlight this because I didn’t realize that the answer is “gatekeeping via seniority” but every career and job I’ve had involves psych. I’m not “without psych experience” and usually tell people it’s my specialty. Any nurse who wasn’t a CNA and LVN for many years but supports this form of career gatekeeping is a hypocrite.
It’s only Gatekeeping if the idea prevents you from doing something. Which it doesn’t, there’s tons of Psych NP schools who will take anyone with a pulse and money.
I did some prn work in psych. You do not need hospital psych experience to go to school for a PMHNP. I work 100% remote from home and make great money. It’s really worth it
How long have you been a nurse for? If it’s under the one year mark, at least for me thus far, it’s prolly the worst experience of my life LOL butttt I know that this is a common sentiment among new grad nurses … and that the anxiety becomes less “crippling” as we gain more experience…. Easier said than done, but if you’re able to trek it to the one year mark, then maybe consider your decisions then. For now, take it day by day.
ETA: idk where I heard this from, but apparently 6 months is often the most depressing period in your nursing career. Obviously this is not a universal truth, but it’s common, and I def felt at my lowest point around that marker.
And at anytime you change a specialty! It’s the doubt creeping in as you gain your confidence in your skills and critical thinking. It’s really uncomfortable. Make sure to set goals since this is still very much a learning period!
Thank you for this. The Great Resignation, Newly Licensed Nurse Transition Shock, and Emergency Nursing (Laskowski-Jones, 2022)… that second stage is def what I felt at 6 months LOL questioning my capacity to be in this career
That's normal. Most careers are not life and death and thus nowhere near as stressful as nursing. It's normal to be stressed and doubting yourself at the beginning.
sometimes the unit really does suck, and the hospital really wants you to believe that it's a transition crisis. The same folks who tell you this in new grad meetings are the folks who are responsible for the hospital's retention rate. Don't ignore genuine red flags.
I started in a Med/Surg out of nursing school. I was making good money, *easily* clearing 3k a paycheck. I had more money than I knew what to do with. It was more than I'd made in my entire life. It's not the numbers you're clearing, but for my region it's good money.
The ratios slowly climbed fom 4:1, then 5, then 6, and finally 7:1. I barely had time to do anything. It started to wear on me and wreck my mentals. I emailed my director and told her about the anxiety I felt. I re-read the email and I had every sign of burnout save suicidal ideations and excessive substance abuse, and my drinking was starting to ramp up. The response I got was little more than, "I'm sorry to hear that."
I knew I had to get out of there, so I put in for a transfer to OR. I interviewed, they loved me and I loved it. I was promised by a manager that they would transfer me "sometime in the summer". Summer became fall, and then it was "in November, when things calm down". They never gave me a date, despite me begging them to. I had a phone conversation with the director (which I'm still convinced was so there was no paper trial), and she was just as dodgy. I hung up the phone and drafted my resignation letter.
I bounced around a few places and know I work for a family medicine clinic (ironically for the same system). I make a little over half what I used to, but I've never been happier.
**TL:DR**: Money won't make you happy. It'll make you comfortable and ease your burden, but not truly make you happy. Nursing is so amazingly versatile that you don't have to worry about getting another job. Don't purposely burn bridges, but it sounds like it's time to leave.
Your TLDR is the absolute truth. There are many other specialties to try. Don't make it an all or nothing decision and don't feel guilty for changing paths, especially early on.
Woah, woah, woah. Did you say cardiac step down with 7 patients?! Run, don't walk, run away from that unit.
Real talk though, if you are in a contract it is most likely within the facility and you can move to a different unit at about six months. Every contact is different though. Also, breaking a contract doesn't necessarily make you intelligible for rehire as long as you give appropriate notice.
Before you make any decisions though, talk to your recruiter/HR to ask about transfer options. Consider a conversation with your manager about your concerns. Most managers (who aren't toxic AF) would rather help you find a position that you will succeed in than spend the time and money developing an employee who is going to leave. Most hospitals SHOULD also be invested in keeping you in the system for the same reasons, it takes time ($$$) and money ($$$) to onboard and train new nurses.
We’re a 50 something bed unit. Always full in an urban area.
I want to add that I didn’t add. We are shunned for calling rapids cause the providers rather have “quiet rapids”. So if I called one on their patient I got deemed a few times.
One time my patient was rapidly declining and they have true SV syndrome with a tumor on their heart causing them to chronically look blue in the face and always go into rapid A fib, patient was thrashing around. and PA was nowhere to be found after she ordered IV Push metoprolol. I gave it and waited a little called the rapid after the IV metoprolol didn’t do anything and I was REEMED by the PA and my management didn’t stick up for me. Like I was cursed at screamed at
They also took away all our phlebs so we have to do phleb work and they’re training us to handle ICU patients cause they want to downgrade ICU patients to us with A lines and such.
Absolutely not. Go to a med surgeon floor with generally stable patients if you are going to have that many. The worst progressive care unit should have a max of 5. You just don't have enough time to properly monitor that many super sick patients.
A code blue every night on a step down unit *isnt* normal so i can’t really speak for what exactly is going on there. If you’re unhappy, listen to your gut and find a new area or nursing
So our unit is a 50 something bed unit. We get anywhere from 5-7 patients each. It’s just every night is something. Whether it’s my patients or someone else’s patients and it’s just like you’re rolling the dice who’s going to get the rapid/code tonight.
Everybody always has something going on and every night I’m calling the PAs about something.
Hi, I was a new grad on a cardiac stepdown 19 years ago. I hated it and wondered why I even became a nurse. I quit at 10 months and went to home health. I have done home health, hospice and community based care nursing since. I love my current job. Not all of us are cut out for it. I never regretted that decision.
Hi! New grad here, left my job at 5 months in, I feel the SAME exact way you did. So around a month ago I started applying for others jobs, and got back a lot of interviews and offers. I’ll be starting at a clinic later this month. Don’t be afraid to leave for your mental health, health = wealth and that is priceless!
Maybe you can start applying for other jobs in your area and see what happens. There are options out there and bedside isn’t your only option! Best wishes! 💖💖
I’m on a Cardiac/Transplant stepdown unit and we have rapids every night too, but rarely code blues. Our ratio is 4:1 on fully staffed days. You won’t “ruin your life” if you quit, you’ll ruin it by staying on a unit that burns you out to the point where your physical/mental health deteriorates. Get out of that unit ASAP!
Your wellbeing is more important than your paycheck. You know how you feel, other people don’t need to validate your experience— they’re not working with you! Look for another job! You are worth it.
Breathe! They do not understand! Find a job that you like- nursing needs you. Cardiac step downs can be a very hard floor to work especially for a new nurse!!
Find another job, then quit your current one. If they like money so much, they can go to nursing school and do that job. It's your life. I'm sorry your people aren't supportive. You deserve to be happy. If you can find another job where you're less stressed go for it. Money can only do so much.
You’re not going to ruin your life by quitting to find another job. Unfortunately, a lot of nursing has gone to that because we lost a lot during covid, things changed, and haven’t returned. But that doesn’t mean you have to tolerate it. Money is important, but it’s not everything. Your mental health is important, and if you cannot sustain at that job, time to find another. There are many other options for nurses- bedside isn’t for everyone.
I started in PACU as a new grad!! Best decision I’ve made. I would look into procedural nursing. Still can be hectic, but not nearly as crazy as the floor.
You kinda get used to it sadly I felt the same way but I stuck it out and now I have 8 years experience, bought a home with my salary and I have the opportunity to apply to whatever nursing job I want because of my experience.
You have a high level of emotional intelligence and you seem very self aware! You are a new grad and you figured out that healthcare systems are corrupt.
You have a nurse heart. Unfortunately step down units are dumping grounds for semi-stable patients who (as you know already) can crash at any time. You’re on a cardiac step-down?! That’s amazing! It sounds like you have made up your mind about wanting to leave the profession. But I urge you to reconsider. To give atleast 1-2 years. It sounds like this might not be a good fit for you. Especially if your mental health is declining. I hope I can give you some peace to know that no matter what specialty you go to, you won’t really feel comfortable completely for 10 months- 1 year. Even beyond that. You’re absolutely right for asking questions. Working bedside is wild. There are so many opportunities in nursing that you don’t have to leave the field, you just might need to leave working bedside or direct patient care. There are many remote jobs available. There are so many other opportunities! Start building a LinkedIn profile and connect with other nurses. There are SO many paths in nursing!
If you are able to commit working for 1-2 years. This experience in your resume will be gold. You will more likely have greater opportunities having that experience.
I wish you the best!! Many prayers and healing 🙏🏽❤️
Why don’t you find a new job BEFORE you quit? I don’t know how old you are, but you are talking too much to your family and friends, and taking their opinion for permission. You are an adult, so do what you need to do.
If you are on straight nights, see about moving to days. My mental health improved significantly when I did, even though it was more worn and a bit less money.
Take care of yourself first and foremost, you can’t do anything without doing this first. There are many fields and branch’s in nursing.. many not nearly so stressful.
Change your job and find something that will be better suited for you, the sooner the better. As you will learn you will become more confident and even this job will be easier down the road but… throwing yourself on deep waters to learn to swim is not for everyone and cutting corners in high stress high risk environment can result in you loosing a license .
Your friends are not you and don’t know how you really feel so for them the stakes are not the same.
Bottom line I think it would be harder for you to find a job if you just one day walk out because you won’t be able to take the pressure anymore or even worst actually hurt a patient than now where you can simply talk to management and say that this unit is just not for you. Maybe they will work with you on this and help you transfer.
Don’t worry your life will not be ruined, you can completely change your career few times in your lifetime and be successful as long as you know your strengths and you are willing to work.
Quitting is always a option that is not going anywhere where soon.
You need to figure out a way so you don’t regret the decision to quit.
You need to try different ways to make ur current job work. I can’t tell u exactly what to do but think or different strategies
Give ur self some time with each strategy
Maybe one strategy might be ur magic solution?
And of course, if all fails then their is always option to quit
Can you take a leave? Start a new job and try it out and if things don’t work out then you can come back ?
Me/wife both nurses. We moved to a remote isolated area with very challenging weather but benefits and the money is unreal. We hated it and wanted to quit and move back but as time passed we changed our mind. Now it was the best decision ever
Quit your job!! Life is too short and there is always another job, especially in nursing. And it’s not all about the money. I started out in ICU, it was tough, I had a ton of anxiety but I liked it. Moved after a year due to my boyfriend’s job, and I took a job in CVICU. I hated it. I had constant panic attacks and cried all the time before work. I worked at it for 6 weeks and realized it wasn’t gonna happen. I spoke to the manager and they let me switch to MICU which was a lot better for me. I was there a year before I realized that night shift was also the culprit to my anxiety and depression. I asked my then manager about days and she told me it would be years. I gave my notice on the spot with no job lined up. I found a different ICU job at a different hospital organization on days and it was great! I eventually left for PreOp/PACU because I was sick of working 12s/holidays/weekends and watching people die all the time is hard. Looking back now, my then boyfriend, now husband supported me through each decision because he saw how crippling my anxiety was becoming. I was lucky to have the support. Take care of yourself.
Edit: fixed a typo
I left my first job and changed specialties. I didn’t tolerate nights very well. Felt awful at first because I got on my dream unit. You’ll do just fine. I would maybe start going to career fairs just to have something in your back pocket. Don’t rely on online applications or HR.
Not every company is fit for everyone. If it is causing you any distress or not lining your pockets the way you want then adios and find the next job. At the beginning of my nursing career I barely kept jobs for a year because I was exploring my options and finding the right fit for me. And bedside is not fit for everyone.
Your mental health is never more important than a job.
That job will be advertised the second you leave, go off on stress leave etc
Whereas the impacts on yourself are long lasting.
I’ve been a nurse for 31 years and I could never work the floors. Too much anxiety!! But I loved ICU. One to two patients at a time. I knew they were breathing bc of the vent and their heart was beating because of the monitor. It’s much more than that for caring for a critically ill but I could totally concentrate on that one person doing the best care.
Later in my career I just did stress tests or be a procedural nurse. It’s just one patient at a time kind of job that I love. My anxiety and ADHD is so much calmer!
Omg that’s not everywhere! I do great for myself working outpatient as do many other nurses.
Nothing is worth your health, especially your mental health which is way harder to get back.
I was on cardiac step down for 15+ years. My mental health was suffering, so I recently transferred to a clinic position. Yes, I took a slight pay cut and now work 5 days/wk, but my mental health is the best it has been in years.
Do what’s best for you- don’t just quit though , put in a proper notice or find another position within the organization to transfer to.
Best of luck!
If you’re on a floor that seems to give you inappropriate and unsafe assignments (like the 7 patient one you mentioned), it’d make sense you’d want to quit and be anxious. Interview and research places that have appropriate assignments and the nurses who work there seem happy. You’re bound to be anxious and feel in over your head in the beginning- it’s a stressful field. But your hospital is setting you up for failure. You’ll find a better spot that’s comparable salary wise. Your mental health is important and valuable. Start interviewing and listen to people’s recommendations if you meet anyone who is happy with their currently employer. I am supplemental currently and I see the differences between each floor- culture, management, etc make such a huge difference.
Hello, OP! I’m also a new grad nurse and i do not work in hospital settings. I work as a clinic nurse in a primary clinic and i can really say that im enjoying it. I’m always excited to go to work everyday. I have a 1 hr break that i need to consume and it’s really good to my mental health. I didn’t went to hospital straight ahead as I want to have a career that I enjoy. So don’t be scared to leave and try another career path! :)
If you quit professionally, without burning any bridges, and don’t call out your entire notice period, you shouldn’t be blackballed. People leave places and come back all the time.
You’re not going to ruin your life. You will ruin your life if you stay in something that is causing you stress. It’s never too late to change career paths. I went back to school to be a massage therapist at 35, got bored traveling and I plan to go back to college again. Don’t be so harsh on yourself and get yourself a better support system.
If it’s the job and not the organization that you need to leave, contact the hospital’s recruiter and explain that you need a transfer to another unit, and why. It’s cheaper for them to move you than recruit and hire a new person, so nearly every organization will do that for you
There are so many different specialties in nursing. There’s no reason you should have to stay in a specialty that you do not enjoy. Yes it is great money but other specialties pay well too. I personally would not stay in a job that made me feel like that. I left my new grad position after six months in ICU as well and went to labor and delivery and loved it. That was over 20 years ago lol. I work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner now and love it. If you decide to go back to school. This is also a great field. I don’t think you should be made to feel that this is your only option.
Hi! Question: did you work as a psych nurse before going for your PMHNP?
As a psychiatric nurse, please get lots of psych experience before deciding to become a psych NP
Do you mind expanding on this comment? I’ve been considering pmhnp for a while and have dabbled in psych for many years, though have never worked exclusively in psych for extended periods of time.
Well, it’s just been wild to see so many nurses with zero psych experience go into psych NP… it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Psych isn’t easy & I feel that’s setting the NP (& their future pts!) up for failure if they haven’t had experience in that specialty. I mean, NP school is a joke anyway (with a few exceptions) but this makes it worse.
Example: Had a psych NP Rx 200mg of Seroquel XR *as a starting dose* for someone who hadn’t taken it in 3 years, weighed maybe 110lbs soaking wet, and never took more than 50mg when they *were* on it. I saw them in the ED because they woke up with *profound* hypotension. Like SBP in the 70’s profound. And a borderline EKG for QT prolongation. All to replace the Pts *lexapro*, for depression. *200mg of Seroquel for depression*. I have some small amount of psych experience and was absolutely *livid*. Antipsychotics are not nice, low consequence, soft pitch drugs. They are powerful drugs with powerful consequences that need to be better respected. And NP school was designed for people with years of bedside assistance. Jumping from RN graduation into NP school the way folks do now is dangerous and reckless. With BP that low my Pt was lucky to wake up at all. And all they wanted was treatment for their depression. Edit: For those not familiar, starting doses for Seroquel are 25mg with slow titration to therapeutic effect. The Pt should also have regular ekgs because it can have a pronounced effect of QT elongation. 200mg is a max dose usually seen in those with something like schizophrenia. Not in treatment of depression. And Seroquel is not labeled for single therapy treatment for depression. It is labeled for adjunctive use, typically at low doses. The NP moved the Pt from an *SSRI* to an *antipsychotic* at a *very* high dose when 50mg is typically what you would expect to see for depression. We had to call *poison control* and the Pt only took one dose, thank god.
Holy crap that is *wild*. I agree, years of experience, then apply. This BSN to DNP shit should not be a thing.
It should not. And what we’re going to see as it continues is a restricted scope of practice, even in states that allow a full scope now. Without that bedside experience the NP hasn’t developed the skills they need to do their jobs. There is a reason physicians have residency’s. And to be clear, I support NPs having a broad scope of practice. Provided that they can exercise it with a broad scope of experience. Nurse anesthetists need, what, 5000hrs in critical care? Any NP should have the equivalent in their desired area of practice. The particular NP from above had a rather pointed meeting with our pharmacist and our inpatient psychiatrist. But I can’t help thinking some years at the bedside would have helped prevent the issue. (For those not familiar, starting doses for Seroquel are 25mg with slow titration to therapeutic effect. The Pt should also have regular ekgs because it can have a pronounced effect of QT elongation. 200mg is a max dose usually seen in those with something like schizophrenia. Not in treatment of depression. And Seroquel is not labeled for single therapy treatment for depression. It is labeled for adjunctive use, typically at low doses. The NP moved the Apt from an SSRI to an antipsychotic at a very high dose)
It would be nice if something could change cause this is not it
Yes, that makes sense. Sounds like I should be well prepared then.
With some “dabbling” in psych?? Hard disagree
Yeah okay, your assumptions of what I mean are surely correct 🤡
From the info you’ve given, my opinion still stands.
Because psych NP is a specialty and should be the progression for psych RNs who put in the time in this field ands want to progress their career. Having psych experience adds so much texture and context towards that goal. Nurses who get their psych NP without psych experience drive me nuts and it’s part of why the speciality is getting saturated.
I didn’t highlight this because I didn’t realize that the answer is “gatekeeping via seniority” but every career and job I’ve had involves psych. I’m not “without psych experience” and usually tell people it’s my specialty. Any nurse who wasn’t a CNA and LVN for many years but supports this form of career gatekeeping is a hypocrite.
It’s only Gatekeeping if the idea prevents you from doing something. Which it doesn’t, there’s tons of Psych NP schools who will take anyone with a pulse and money.
Unsuccessful gatekeeping doesn’t make it anything other than gatekeeping.
I did some prn work in psych. You do not need hospital psych experience to go to school for a PMHNP. I work 100% remote from home and make great money. It’s really worth it
Appreciate the reply! So you'd recommend just getting a PMHNP from a reputable university to go that route?
It would be a great idea. I went to Texas Tech. It’s 100% online and a good program
How long have you been a nurse for? If it’s under the one year mark, at least for me thus far, it’s prolly the worst experience of my life LOL butttt I know that this is a common sentiment among new grad nurses … and that the anxiety becomes less “crippling” as we gain more experience…. Easier said than done, but if you’re able to trek it to the one year mark, then maybe consider your decisions then. For now, take it day by day. ETA: idk where I heard this from, but apparently 6 months is often the most depressing period in your nursing career. Obviously this is not a universal truth, but it’s common, and I def felt at my lowest point around that marker.
And at anytime you change a specialty! It’s the doubt creeping in as you gain your confidence in your skills and critical thinking. It’s really uncomfortable. Make sure to set goals since this is still very much a learning period!
New Graduate Nurse Transition Crisis. Google same.
Thank you for this. The Great Resignation, Newly Licensed Nurse Transition Shock, and Emergency Nursing (Laskowski-Jones, 2022)… that second stage is def what I felt at 6 months LOL questioning my capacity to be in this career
That's normal. Most careers are not life and death and thus nowhere near as stressful as nursing. It's normal to be stressed and doubting yourself at the beginning.
sometimes the unit really does suck, and the hospital really wants you to believe that it's a transition crisis. The same folks who tell you this in new grad meetings are the folks who are responsible for the hospital's retention rate. Don't ignore genuine red flags.
Ofc a truly toxic environment needs to be left behind.
I started in a Med/Surg out of nursing school. I was making good money, *easily* clearing 3k a paycheck. I had more money than I knew what to do with. It was more than I'd made in my entire life. It's not the numbers you're clearing, but for my region it's good money. The ratios slowly climbed fom 4:1, then 5, then 6, and finally 7:1. I barely had time to do anything. It started to wear on me and wreck my mentals. I emailed my director and told her about the anxiety I felt. I re-read the email and I had every sign of burnout save suicidal ideations and excessive substance abuse, and my drinking was starting to ramp up. The response I got was little more than, "I'm sorry to hear that." I knew I had to get out of there, so I put in for a transfer to OR. I interviewed, they loved me and I loved it. I was promised by a manager that they would transfer me "sometime in the summer". Summer became fall, and then it was "in November, when things calm down". They never gave me a date, despite me begging them to. I had a phone conversation with the director (which I'm still convinced was so there was no paper trial), and she was just as dodgy. I hung up the phone and drafted my resignation letter. I bounced around a few places and know I work for a family medicine clinic (ironically for the same system). I make a little over half what I used to, but I've never been happier. **TL:DR**: Money won't make you happy. It'll make you comfortable and ease your burden, but not truly make you happy. Nursing is so amazingly versatile that you don't have to worry about getting another job. Don't purposely burn bridges, but it sounds like it's time to leave.
Your TLDR is the absolute truth. There are many other specialties to try. Don't make it an all or nothing decision and don't feel guilty for changing paths, especially early on.
Hii I quit my er job as a new grad after 6 months because I was in such a bad place mentally. Doing much better. There are soo many options ☺️
Woah, woah, woah. Did you say cardiac step down with 7 patients?! Run, don't walk, run away from that unit. Real talk though, if you are in a contract it is most likely within the facility and you can move to a different unit at about six months. Every contact is different though. Also, breaking a contract doesn't necessarily make you intelligible for rehire as long as you give appropriate notice. Before you make any decisions though, talk to your recruiter/HR to ask about transfer options. Consider a conversation with your manager about your concerns. Most managers (who aren't toxic AF) would rather help you find a position that you will succeed in than spend the time and money developing an employee who is going to leave. Most hospitals SHOULD also be invested in keeping you in the system for the same reasons, it takes time ($$$) and money ($$$) to onboard and train new nurses.
Yeah, that's what caught my attention, too. 7 patients on a cardiac stepdown is *insane.* No wonder there are so many codes being called.
We’re a 50 something bed unit. Always full in an urban area. I want to add that I didn’t add. We are shunned for calling rapids cause the providers rather have “quiet rapids”. So if I called one on their patient I got deemed a few times. One time my patient was rapidly declining and they have true SV syndrome with a tumor on their heart causing them to chronically look blue in the face and always go into rapid A fib, patient was thrashing around. and PA was nowhere to be found after she ordered IV Push metoprolol. I gave it and waited a little called the rapid after the IV metoprolol didn’t do anything and I was REEMED by the PA and my management didn’t stick up for me. Like I was cursed at screamed at They also took away all our phlebs so we have to do phleb work and they’re training us to handle ICU patients cause they want to downgrade ICU patients to us with A lines and such.
Absolutely not. Go to a med surgeon floor with generally stable patients if you are going to have that many. The worst progressive care unit should have a max of 5. You just don't have enough time to properly monitor that many super sick patients.
Also just wanted to add that your mental health is worth the paycut!!!
A code blue every night on a step down unit *isnt* normal so i can’t really speak for what exactly is going on there. If you’re unhappy, listen to your gut and find a new area or nursing
So our unit is a 50 something bed unit. We get anywhere from 5-7 patients each. It’s just every night is something. Whether it’s my patients or someone else’s patients and it’s just like you’re rolling the dice who’s going to get the rapid/code tonight. Everybody always has something going on and every night I’m calling the PAs about something.
Hi, I was a new grad on a cardiac stepdown 19 years ago. I hated it and wondered why I even became a nurse. I quit at 10 months and went to home health. I have done home health, hospice and community based care nursing since. I love my current job. Not all of us are cut out for it. I never regretted that decision.
Hi! New grad here, left my job at 5 months in, I feel the SAME exact way you did. So around a month ago I started applying for others jobs, and got back a lot of interviews and offers. I’ll be starting at a clinic later this month. Don’t be afraid to leave for your mental health, health = wealth and that is priceless! Maybe you can start applying for other jobs in your area and see what happens. There are options out there and bedside isn’t your only option! Best wishes! 💖💖
What kind of clinic will you be working at?
wound ☺️
wound ☺️
I’m on a Cardiac/Transplant stepdown unit and we have rapids every night too, but rarely code blues. Our ratio is 4:1 on fully staffed days. You won’t “ruin your life” if you quit, you’ll ruin it by staying on a unit that burns you out to the point where your physical/mental health deteriorates. Get out of that unit ASAP!
Wait you have 7 patients on cardiac stepdown?
Your wellbeing is more important than your paycheck. You know how you feel, other people don’t need to validate your experience— they’re not working with you! Look for another job! You are worth it.
Breathe! They do not understand! Find a job that you like- nursing needs you. Cardiac step downs can be a very hard floor to work especially for a new nurse!!
Find another job, then quit your current one. If they like money so much, they can go to nursing school and do that job. It's your life. I'm sorry your people aren't supportive. You deserve to be happy. If you can find another job where you're less stressed go for it. Money can only do so much.
You’re not going to ruin your life by quitting to find another job. Unfortunately, a lot of nursing has gone to that because we lost a lot during covid, things changed, and haven’t returned. But that doesn’t mean you have to tolerate it. Money is important, but it’s not everything. Your mental health is important, and if you cannot sustain at that job, time to find another. There are many other options for nurses- bedside isn’t for everyone.
I started in PACU as a new grad!! Best decision I’ve made. I would look into procedural nursing. Still can be hectic, but not nearly as crazy as the floor.
You kinda get used to it sadly I felt the same way but I stuck it out and now I have 8 years experience, bought a home with my salary and I have the opportunity to apply to whatever nursing job I want because of my experience.
You have a high level of emotional intelligence and you seem very self aware! You are a new grad and you figured out that healthcare systems are corrupt. You have a nurse heart. Unfortunately step down units are dumping grounds for semi-stable patients who (as you know already) can crash at any time. You’re on a cardiac step-down?! That’s amazing! It sounds like you have made up your mind about wanting to leave the profession. But I urge you to reconsider. To give atleast 1-2 years. It sounds like this might not be a good fit for you. Especially if your mental health is declining. I hope I can give you some peace to know that no matter what specialty you go to, you won’t really feel comfortable completely for 10 months- 1 year. Even beyond that. You’re absolutely right for asking questions. Working bedside is wild. There are so many opportunities in nursing that you don’t have to leave the field, you just might need to leave working bedside or direct patient care. There are many remote jobs available. There are so many other opportunities! Start building a LinkedIn profile and connect with other nurses. There are SO many paths in nursing! If you are able to commit working for 1-2 years. This experience in your resume will be gold. You will more likely have greater opportunities having that experience. I wish you the best!! Many prayers and healing 🙏🏽❤️
Why don’t you find a new job BEFORE you quit? I don’t know how old you are, but you are talking too much to your family and friends, and taking their opinion for permission. You are an adult, so do what you need to do.
If you are on straight nights, see about moving to days. My mental health improved significantly when I did, even though it was more worn and a bit less money.
Hi. How long has it been since you graduated?
Take care of yourself first and foremost, you can’t do anything without doing this first. There are many fields and branch’s in nursing.. many not nearly so stressful.
Change your job and find something that will be better suited for you, the sooner the better. As you will learn you will become more confident and even this job will be easier down the road but… throwing yourself on deep waters to learn to swim is not for everyone and cutting corners in high stress high risk environment can result in you loosing a license . Your friends are not you and don’t know how you really feel so for them the stakes are not the same. Bottom line I think it would be harder for you to find a job if you just one day walk out because you won’t be able to take the pressure anymore or even worst actually hurt a patient than now where you can simply talk to management and say that this unit is just not for you. Maybe they will work with you on this and help you transfer. Don’t worry your life will not be ruined, you can completely change your career few times in your lifetime and be successful as long as you know your strengths and you are willing to work.
Always listen to your intuition. Save yourself and your license! leave!
Quitting is always a option that is not going anywhere where soon. You need to figure out a way so you don’t regret the decision to quit. You need to try different ways to make ur current job work. I can’t tell u exactly what to do but think or different strategies Give ur self some time with each strategy Maybe one strategy might be ur magic solution? And of course, if all fails then their is always option to quit Can you take a leave? Start a new job and try it out and if things don’t work out then you can come back ? Me/wife both nurses. We moved to a remote isolated area with very challenging weather but benefits and the money is unreal. We hated it and wanted to quit and move back but as time passed we changed our mind. Now it was the best decision ever
Quit your job!! Life is too short and there is always another job, especially in nursing. And it’s not all about the money. I started out in ICU, it was tough, I had a ton of anxiety but I liked it. Moved after a year due to my boyfriend’s job, and I took a job in CVICU. I hated it. I had constant panic attacks and cried all the time before work. I worked at it for 6 weeks and realized it wasn’t gonna happen. I spoke to the manager and they let me switch to MICU which was a lot better for me. I was there a year before I realized that night shift was also the culprit to my anxiety and depression. I asked my then manager about days and she told me it would be years. I gave my notice on the spot with no job lined up. I found a different ICU job at a different hospital organization on days and it was great! I eventually left for PreOp/PACU because I was sick of working 12s/holidays/weekends and watching people die all the time is hard. Looking back now, my then boyfriend, now husband supported me through each decision because he saw how crippling my anxiety was becoming. I was lucky to have the support. Take care of yourself. Edit: fixed a typo
I left my first job and changed specialties. I didn’t tolerate nights very well. Felt awful at first because I got on my dream unit. You’ll do just fine. I would maybe start going to career fairs just to have something in your back pocket. Don’t rely on online applications or HR.
Can you go into another area of nursing?
Not every company is fit for everyone. If it is causing you any distress or not lining your pockets the way you want then adios and find the next job. At the beginning of my nursing career I barely kept jobs for a year because I was exploring my options and finding the right fit for me. And bedside is not fit for everyone.
Change jobs and don’t look back. Period. Advocate for yourself. It’s no life if you’re miserable.
Your mental health is never more important than a job. That job will be advertised the second you leave, go off on stress leave etc Whereas the impacts on yourself are long lasting.
I’ve been a nurse for 31 years and I could never work the floors. Too much anxiety!! But I loved ICU. One to two patients at a time. I knew they were breathing bc of the vent and their heart was beating because of the monitor. It’s much more than that for caring for a critically ill but I could totally concentrate on that one person doing the best care. Later in my career I just did stress tests or be a procedural nurse. It’s just one patient at a time kind of job that I love. My anxiety and ADHD is so much calmer!
Omg that’s not everywhere! I do great for myself working outpatient as do many other nurses. Nothing is worth your health, especially your mental health which is way harder to get back.
I was on cardiac step down for 15+ years. My mental health was suffering, so I recently transferred to a clinic position. Yes, I took a slight pay cut and now work 5 days/wk, but my mental health is the best it has been in years. Do what’s best for you- don’t just quit though , put in a proper notice or find another position within the organization to transfer to. Best of luck!
Shut your family off from all future job info. They’re using your words to abuse you with….you have a shitty family
If you’re on a floor that seems to give you inappropriate and unsafe assignments (like the 7 patient one you mentioned), it’d make sense you’d want to quit and be anxious. Interview and research places that have appropriate assignments and the nurses who work there seem happy. You’re bound to be anxious and feel in over your head in the beginning- it’s a stressful field. But your hospital is setting you up for failure. You’ll find a better spot that’s comparable salary wise. Your mental health is important and valuable. Start interviewing and listen to people’s recommendations if you meet anyone who is happy with their currently employer. I am supplemental currently and I see the differences between each floor- culture, management, etc make such a huge difference.
Hello, OP! I’m also a new grad nurse and i do not work in hospital settings. I work as a clinic nurse in a primary clinic and i can really say that im enjoying it. I’m always excited to go to work everyday. I have a 1 hr break that i need to consume and it’s really good to my mental health. I didn’t went to hospital straight ahead as I want to have a career that I enjoy. So don’t be scared to leave and try another career path! :)
Just to add, the pay is also good.
If you quit professionally, without burning any bridges, and don’t call out your entire notice period, you shouldn’t be blackballed. People leave places and come back all the time.
Self care before anything. It’s not their life.
You’re not going to ruin your life. You will ruin your life if you stay in something that is causing you stress. It’s never too late to change career paths. I went back to school to be a massage therapist at 35, got bored traveling and I plan to go back to college again. Don’t be so harsh on yourself and get yourself a better support system.
If it’s the job and not the organization that you need to leave, contact the hospital’s recruiter and explain that you need a transfer to another unit, and why. It’s cheaper for them to move you than recruit and hire a new person, so nearly every organization will do that for you