Struggling at new job

RE: Struggling at new job

Kerry Brooker — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 12:21:01 GMT

Im feeling relieved that I’m not the only person who felt like this.. It’s completely soul destroying when you are trying so hard! I had so many sleepless night and went home in tears almost everyday. im really glad to be getting out of there... But I think if you continue keeping your head down after a year you would be enjoying it. I also luckily had a couple of understanding nurses who i could lean on for emotional support. I really hope things get better for you, my old boss also asked me to come back so I can’t be too awful! Good luck with it all!

RE: Struggling at new job

Gizmo — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 17:44:24 GMT

Feeling exactly the same... came to work at a hospital after doing a lot of work (in another country) in a shelter/rescue organisation and with rehab/release hospitals for wildlife. No induction and no set tasks so some days I go in for my shift and still don't know where I'm supposed to fit with everyone rushing and highly stressed; I feel like I'm a spare wheel and get delegated the crap tasks that I had hoped would be left to those members of staff who don't have, and aren't studying towards, a vet nursing qualification. We're understaffed but I struggle to even get time with the clinical coaches and head nurses to discuss a plan of action so that I feel I'm useful and get the additional on the job training I need. Massive drop in confidence to the point where I wonder if vet nursing is where I should be.... the only thing that keeps me going (most of the time) is that vets I've worked with in other practices have all said they'd gladly have me back. I switched countries for this job.... don't want to pack it in but some days it's very hard to be here.

RE: Struggling at new job

Kerry Brooker — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 17:46:24 GMT

Wow! This is word for word my exact same story! I finally decided to pack it in after 3 months andrecently gave my notice. I trained at a small practice and was there for 7 years, it was the only practice I ever worked at. Then I moved to a hospital, I was so overewhelmed, completely destroyed my confidence, I considered coming out of nursing all together! However I have found a small practice as that's what I'm used to! I think working in a hospital environment is hard! Its not for everyone, and you need to do whats right for you.. You may start enjoying it with a bit more time! xx

RE: Struggling at new job

susie123 — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 18:00:09 GMT

Good luck! I’m worried about the same thing when I eventually start work one day.... wishing you all the best xxx

RE: Struggling at new job

Heather Bacon — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 20:28:16 GMT

Good advice has been given re: trying to settle in. I would like to say though that if you have given it a go and are still feeling the same later down the line, it's ok to say sorry this isn't for me.

I felt the same at a hospital I worked at. I gave it go for 8 or 9 months but in the end I just wasn't happy there. Moving was the best thing I did. Good luck!

RE: Struggling at new job

Nick Shackleton — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 16:43:56 GMT

Its always hard to adjust to new surroundings and people. I struggled when I joined a large hospital from working in a relatively small clinic. these things take time. when you say everyone is rushing around, are you given set roles on your rota, ie wards, theatre, prep etc... I think providing you are sticking to our role and are fulfilling those tasks I wouldn't worry too much. keep your head down, stick to your rota. offer help if others need it. Do you have chance to catch up with your line manager? I just learned to chip in where needed, gain the trust of my new work colleagues. I also found a lot of people were frightened of me as much as I was of them if that makes sense. particularly those who had been there a long time. frightened of new nurses coming in with different ideas etc...

Try to build bridges with other members of the team whether its vets or nurses. if you form bonds with others it may help you integrate into the team. its only human nature to feel isolated and insecure when you don't know anyone. good luck am sure you'll fit in soon enough

RE: Struggling at new job

Arlo Guthrie — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 08:28:58 GMT

[quote user="Alison Clare Hickman"]hiya, bless you, it's hard to fit into a hectic team as a newbie when everyone else seems to know what they're doing.. But I bet u every single one of em felt like u did to start with. Not much comfort in knowing that other than to reassure u that u are not being unique in feeling that way! Can u find a buddy at work to talk to about it, possibly the latest newbie before you? Combine your forces and support each other? [/quote]

I was thinking the zact same fing. Often very tough being in a new environment, especially when they don't seem to do much to smooth your passage. But I would definitely give it some time, as I'm sure your confidence will grow, till you reach the point you feel able to make your own decisions about how you work (ie feel confident enough to decide what tasks you are going to / want to do, rather than standing around, if that makes sense).

[quote user="Alison Clare Hickman"]Keep us in the loop, hun. We will be here to listen, help guide and support u.[/quote]

That too!

RE: Struggling at new job

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 19:21:51 GMT

hiya, bless you, it's hard to fit into a hectic team as a newbie when everyone else seems to know what they're doing.. But I bet u every single one of em felt like u did to start with. Not much comfort in knowing that other than to reassure u that u are not being unique in feeling that way! Can u find a buddy at work to talk to about it, possibly the latest newbie before you? Combine your forces and support each other?

I am assuming from your post that u haven't had a formal induction? I would ask for one. It is (in my opinion) shameful that newbies do not get a formal induction as a matter of priority/importance. Plus a buddy to go to for advice for those vital first few weeks. How can one perform most effectively if thrown into the deep end? Even as a locum, when expected to be Fit For Purpose straight away, I expect to be shown the basics of the practice (or ask for it if not offered!!).

So, before u jump ship, be honest with ur HN or Vet or PM and get some help. You should be no worse off it is not forthcoming than u are now but there is the potential u cud b better off! Am sure the practice will not want to lose u as RVNs are hard to come by these days... The practice that doesn't invest in u, doesn't deserve u - see what happens if u ask for help and make a judgement on that basis before throwing in the towel.

I hope u find the support u need, use it and go onwards and upwards.

Keep us in the loop, hun. We will be here to listen, help guide and support u.

#vetnursesolidarity

Ali h xx

RE: Struggling at new job

PHA86 — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 17:26:09 GMT

I think you should do what makes you happy, and if it doesn’t, take steps to change it!