Should I go somewhere else? I haven’t even been working as a nurse for a year, but I feel so stressed and my anxiety is thought the roof, there’s what feels like micromanaging and I’m so unhappy even though this was supposed to be my dream unit.

There will always be some sort of micromanagement because leadership needs to ensure protocols are followed. I’d say study protocols, procedures, meds, labs and how to correlate them. Once you’ve proven yourself to your coworkers, they wont micromanage you. I work icu/ed registry and full time staffs dont micromanage me because i know what im doing. If i dont know something, i ask them. Spme are rude but i dont really pay attention to their rudeness as long as i get the answers. Lol be sure to learn procedures like chest tube management, codes or iv ultrasound, those unusual ones. They’ll be nice to you because they’ll need your help lol you got to be better than them if you dont want to be micromanaged

RUN don’t WALK There are a lot of toxic employers out there Do NOT settle GO!

Yes, 100% quit! And go somewhere else that will appreciate you. You can go anywhere! Your mental health is important!
You will see that when you leave the position is posted IMMEDIATELY!! So you’re just a number! Value yourself… expand your knowledge and experience. Don’t specialize in anything yet. Get all the different skills and certifications you can get! I’ve been in healthcare for over 30 years! I make more than a normal LPN. But it’s because I’ve dedicated myself to learning more about other aspects of patient care… insurance… facilities operations… hope this helps.

Management seems to concentrate on silly stuff where I'm at... care plans (i haven't done one in like 6 years), JCAHO, CMS, MAGNET charting. There's really not enough time to audit all of it, and there's always a "flavor of the month" topic they're concerned about. Make sure your pts are ok/safe, become clinically competent, show up on time and you're golden. Understand that management has to do SOMETHING and emailing you about some module or charting issue is their job. Nod and smile, then go about your business taking care of the pts.

As a nurse with 30+ years of experience I have to say yes. For you to be happy in any role you need to feel fulfilled. Some anxiety is normal as a new nurse. The key is figuring out if it is that or the job. An easy question a fellow nurse taught me: Do you get ready for work and are excited? if not then you have your answer I think. Good luck to you as you start this amazing career.

A. Think for a moment what is really causing your stress & anxiety? Being a new nurse you are probably realizing just how much responsibility you have taken on and how much more learning you have to do! If leadership is truly the problem and you don’t have the support you need there to grow, by all means look for a different place to work. But if there is a chance that your dream unit can be just that give it a chance. You may discover in time that you are exactly where you want to be.

Definitely! Change jobs

I’ve worked as an RN for 50 years..in that time I have done everything from Adult & Neonatal ICU to Er to Psych to Admin to Detox to Floor Nursing to Home Health & Hospice with a Wound Care Specialty..that is the beauty of being an RN..So many options..if you are unhappy after 1 year of giving a place a chance..Move on and do something else..In my wildest dreams I never imagined loving Hospice but I do…Throw your resume out there and see what sticks..and don’t be afraid to try something new..At 71 I am still learning and may try my hand in a Drug Rehab…The world is open to you. Hugs!

Hello! Yes! There are so many opportunities in nursing! Life is too short to stay where you are and be unhappy. Your dream unit may be another hospital or even outpatient. Stay positive and start applying. I have been a nurse for 3 years. After one year, I changed hospitals and specialties, and then after a year and a half, I went to the OR. Look at it as an opportunity! :) Good luck to you, love!

This job may not be a good fit for you and I would go elsewhere. Find another position before putting in your notice and try to stay at least a year if you can. You need to take care of yourself and your well being especially so early in your career. Also, people don't leave good jobs.They leave because of poor leadership.

There are plenty opportunities for nurses don’t work under stressful conditions. Stress kills and just like that job you are replaceable, don’t settle for discomfort!

Even dream units can let us down. Nursing is a very stressful job that can be so rewarding. Look inside yourself. What called you to this particular job, what is fulfilling you? Reread your contract and particularly look at the supervision piece of it. If something more than what was stated in the contract is occurring have a conversation with your supervisor. Make time to decrease your stress. Take classes in mindfulness, yoga, tai chi or other calming modalities. Breath work is vital as you can actually intentionally change the way your body responds to stress. Find a new support group. If all else fails after trying to change your stress loop, recognizing that this may not be your dream unit after all. Take care of yourself. Find another unit. But have a conversation with someone you trust first.

Greetings STRESSED OUT!
Although you have the "dream unit" it is most likely in a nightmare hospital!
DO NOT confuse your passion with BAD management! I have moved 4 times in my career. I finally found a place of tolerable annoyances. DO NOT SUFFER! QUIT!!!!!
find a place that APPRECIATES you and YOUR talents!
As a retired nurse educator, I have trained many people in my time. I ALWAYS suggest that they follow their passion BUT not sacrifice their souls. Work is meant to be a supportive environment where YOU and your staff can SHINE!
So go forth and find a NEW place to work! DEMAND respect! Live long and prosper.
Sincerely G. M. MED MSN

Don’t give up! I had a HORRIBLE experience my first nursing job in a dream ICU. The staff were super nurses eat their young, very unsupportive in their precepting roles, actively talked crap about all the preceptees to other preceptees making you question EVERY thing you did/didnt know etc. The manager was the only supportive person, but unfortunately the unit kinda outweighed her trying to rein in the drama and horrible treatment of staff to each other. Once I hit the floor on night shift, my mental health REALLY suffered. I ended up taking a medical leave of absence, and ended up on long term disability until I found a new gig.

My new gig was a swing shift in the ER! (Which was also a “dream” unit for me). My first preceptor there relit the flame for my draw to healthcare and nursing. I flourished. The unit was great. Eventually, I ended up being recruited/cold called to a SUPER DREAM DAYSHIFT ICU. They harassed me for almost 4 weeks during the beginnings of Covid to join the team on nightshift, when they called me, followed by an email, stating a dayshift had opened since I had voiced each time I was interested, just not capable of night shift. It still has had its ups and downs with burn out, mental health triggers, staff I don’t get along with etc, but it’s amazing. I’m glad I went on a LTD leave and fanned my resumes out to every career fair like I did. That’s how my current position found me is that had kept my resume for over a year.

I felt the same way about my nursing job. The anxiety you feel is probably your gut warning you. Don’t ignore it. There’s so many jobs out here! It’s always unfortunate to find out your dream job is actually a nightmare but you’ve got this! Best wishes

I think itmight be worth considering if there are ways to address these issues in your current workplace first, like talking to your manager or HR about your concerns. If the situation doesn't improve, exploring other options could be beneficial for your well-being and career satisfaction. Remember to prioritize your mental health and happiness.

No.. don't go somewhere else. You need to just stop take a few minutes to collect your thoughts take some deep breaths to reduce your anxiety and then proceed with whatever you were doing. You went through months of clinicals and schooling not to mention the amount of time the hospital or place of employment that gave you all this education to work there. You know what you're doing otherwise you would have never passed your boards or certifications. Just stay calm and you will remember. If you feel like you need to get help just Google it or review all the protocols believe me they're all there for your benefit. You feel micromanaging because you don't have enough confidence in yourself you will.. good luck in your dream unit

Good day. Am very sorry to hear that you are feeling stress, having anxiety while working. I have three point to highlight for you to get through these.
First, you need to invest in yourself. Getting exercise, eating right, doing something that makes you less stressful.
Secondly, one of the things that cause stressful periods for new nurses is skill mastering. You need to get comfortable trying new skills. Do be afaid to try new things. This will increase your confidence thus less stress.
Thirdly. management are there to micro-mange the staff, there will be days that patient to nurse ratio will be a little bit to much to hand but if you are up to date with the first and second point then you will be fine.
Good luck .

When I was a new nurse I worked at a large regional hospital that had every unit you could imagine. I worked on the Ortho/ Surgical Unit and we got a nurse who transferred from Medical Observation Unit. She told me that she had worked in every unit at the hospital except for Labor and Delivery. After about three months she left our unit saying it wasn’t for her, that she was transferring to L and D. She said that if she was still unhappy she would leave nursing. I ran into her about a year later on the elevator and she was delighted with L and D. She said she finally found her place. Sometimes you just have to search a little longer than others that’s all.

This is also my first year working as a nurse also. It has been hard for me too. Give yourself some grace; this is your first year. Sometimes rethinking your choice is best. You will find where you belong! You’ve made it and you have your license. Your dream still awaits.

Dear nurse: spread your wings and fly! There are so many options in nursing that you don't have so stay where you are and be miserable. Its not worth all of the stress that you are having, and the longer you stay, the more stressful and miserable you will be. Start looking at other nursing jobs: same day surgery, hoome health care, school nursing, psyche nursing, the sky is the limit! Don't hold yourself back, go for a new adventure!

Absolutely. That’s the great thing about nursing…so many settings to choose from. After 5 jobs in 5 years, I finally landed my dream job (trauma/surgical ICU), and worked there for 12 years. You didn’t say where you’re working now, but for me, taking care of 1-2 critical patients was much less stressful than 6-10 tele or med-surg patients. If you want out of inpatient altogether, there are clinics, hospice, home health…I’ve done them all. You don’t always find your niche in first job.

This job is not for faint of heart but that said, you should not feel doom and gloom clocking in. I’ve been a nurse for 16 years and can say from all the moving we’ve done I’ve worked at several facilities across the United States and management is key. You should feel supported not micromanaged. You should feel able to speak your mind and also be ready for feedback. In a profession where information changes almost daily, we all need to be open to suggestion or learning. I’ve worked with a staff that welcomed questions and feedback and the nurses helped one another instead of competing. The doctors valued the nurses feedback and the patients there received the care we all deserve. Sadly I moved from that state and began at a hospital like I believe you feel your is, one in which speaking up meant getting singled out and where the staff was very unhelpful to the detriment of the patient. So I’d say you should go where you feel YOU are allowed to give the level of care to your patients the best. There are many crummy places to work but also many good and maybe if we all walked away from the crummy ones they’d get the idea that their level of patient care and staff support is not good enough and they’d have to change to offer a higher level of care . Best of luck and just know their are some amazing nurses out there to work with and work under and we all need nurses that care, that’s what this profession is all about:)❤️

Yes. Definitely start looking for a different job. Your mental health is important. If you don't take care of yourself, how do you expect to take care of your patients and your family? Good luck!

If you don’t mind me asking… What type of facility are you in? RN or LPN? What specifically do you not like about your current position? Is there anything you like about it? Why nursing? Is this your first career? If not, what did you do previously? How old are you? What do you like to do for fun? I have been an RN for 20 years and have worked in many fields. Some better/worse than others. I may be able to point you in a better direction if you tell me a little more. Healthcare is tough and ever changing. Don’t give up on it yet!

Yes! Life is to short and nurses have many opportunities. You will find that perfect job!

My first nursing job was a nightmare. I came home unsatisfied and crying everyday. I dislike the culture in the unit, the type of work I was doing, the management, and the culture of the hospital. I applied for other jobs and as soon as I had another job lined up I quit. Here’s the shocker. I was at that first job one month. Follow your instincts because there are better situations out there, better units, and you will learn something from each of them that will help you advocate for yourself with each move.

Sometimes the newness of it all contributes to the feelings that you are experiencing. Try to focus more on learning and broading your skills. Use the same passion that made you want to become a nurse help shift your enthusiasm about being on the unit. Remember to establish stability within your 1st year this makes a difference on your resume...Good Luck and stay posotive

The first year is the hardest. I say give it some time.

In my opinion, your health and well being come first. If you don’t like it there, you need to consider going somewhere else or chose another branch of nursing that is not as stressful. Sometimes you don’t get paid as much as you want in the job that you like. However, in nursing you always have the option of having a side job . Nursing is about longevity. If you are healthy and relaxed you can work for a long time doing something that you like.Stay healthy and happy ! ❤️
Best of luck to you !

The first few years of nursing are very stressful no matter what unit or facility you end up on/at! Take a step back and look at, in your words, “what feels like micromanaging” - could it be your leaders and coworkers are helping you become a better nurse by showing you corrections? Hard to say from your letter but new nurses absolutely come under more scrutiny for many different and solid reasons.
Maybe brain dumping what you like about your unit (camaraderie, days off, not being called in on your days off, ability to get OT, the patient population, etc) might help you decide. If the list is short maybe it’s not your forever job. If it’s a long list- or has your top priorities checked off, then maybe addressing your stress level is the way to go.
It’s hard to move to another nursing job with less than a year’s experience so try to figure out a way to make your time there more manageable. Good luck!

Hello. If you have only been a nurse for a year, you probably need micro managing. There is alot to learn that you never learn in school and you need all the guidance and teaching now that is available. Take advantage of it. A simple mistake can cost someone their life

If you are in a contract, I recommend completing the contract. On your day off, think about exactly what is stressing you. Try to get specific. Who is micromanaging? Who do you enjoy working with on the unit?
How have you relieved your anxiety in the past? Do you have a counselor or therapist you can talk to? This unit may not be your match but you want to have a good understanding about why it isn't working so you can avoid a similar situation in the future.

If your anxiety consistently interferes with your ability to perform your tasks, you are burned out. It will compromise your wellbeing, and it does not improve despite efforts to manage it. It might be time to consider leaving your current work situation.

It may still be your dream unit .... Don't fret. Don't let the culture define who you are and where your passion is.
There is no reason to stay in a toxic environment. I will say this DO NOT burn bridges. Leave gracefully with a two week notice and just move on. Chalk your" time done" as experience. All experiences don't have to be great ones for you to have learned something. So now you know what questions to ask, what to look out for in the next potential employer, in the next peer interview.
Move on not with guilt but with a bit of insight and a bit seasoned for the time you put in. All the best!

I know how you feel this happened to me as well. Although I am a seasoned nurse, I took some time off. When I went back the culture had changed. I felt stressed and anxious once working again after five years gone from the floor . I spoke with the manager who is someone I was not familiar with I spoke to her twice, although she listened and understood things still did not change in things were worse. Ultimately, I ended up to find a different job that was more conducive to learning with a supportive core staff that was willing to teach and help me understand in a brand new setting.

I actually just resigned from what I thought was my dream job as a clinic manager at a very prestigious healthcare organization after less than 90 days; I thought this was it, the one I was going to retire from. There were some "pink" flags from the start that grew redder and redder as the days passed. This was not the first position I have resigned from, others before I stuck it out too long thinking things would improve but didn't.
Unfortunately, most senior leadership in healthcare are non-clinical and the clinic staff that rise up usually succumb to the pressures of leadership in order to keep their job. As a MSN RN with a long history as staff and/or project manager in healthcare and other businesses, I advocate for my staff as much as my patients or customers. I understand the business side and know that without making money the doors close, but it should not be at the expense of staff providing patient/customer care or other supporting roles. If you are unhappy my advice is LEAVE, do it on good terms with appropriate notice but definitely leave.

The first year of nursing can be very stressful and anxiety promoting. You have a lot of responsibility and things to learn - add in it's your "dream unit" and it's a even more stressful. And you probably are being micromanaged - you're new and require a lot of training.
But that being said - have you received or done the following:
Have you met with your manager on a regular basis to discuss your progress?
Have you made your manager aware that you are stressed out and anxious and are there ways she can help you through this?
If these two things haven't happened - they need to.
If they HAVE happened and you still feel overly stressed/anxious and micro-managed - maybe this unit isn't for you... And that is OK!!!
Don't give up on nursing. It can be a GREAT career that is very satisfying. There are SO many options for nurses these days, so don't give up yet.
Best of luck to you!!

Yes, go somewhere that makes you happy and doesn't increase your anxiety. As you know there's many opportunities as a RN and many opportunities for better pay. Also - no one needs to be or feel like they're being micromanaged. Nursing is great if/when you find the right fit and co-workers!!

Best of luck
Kyle RN, BSN

Dont force to be there just bec that is your dream unit. Team play and management is very important in every unit. If you dont feel supported and helped, leave. There are other places/unit you will be more comfortable, supported, and appreciated. Once you’re skilled enough, you can go back to where you want. Good luck!

Hello,

I'm really sorry to hear about your struggles. Nursing is undeniably demanding, and finding the right fit can sometimes take a bit of trial and error. It’s perfectly okay to prioritize your well-being and mental health, even if it means looking for opportunities elsewhere. Remember, your sanity and happiness are crucial, not just for your professional success but for your personal well-being too. If your current environment feels overwhelming and is causing you significant stress, it might be worth exploring other units or hospitals that align better with your needs and where the management style is more supportive. Take care of yourself first—you deserve a fulfilling and manageable work environment.

Best wishes,
Steph LVN

I say, stay at your dream job and work on creating a change in the environment. Often times, the person isn’t aware of their effect on managing the area. Gently show how it can be better managed. Being loud and forceful is not well received. Also, you leaving just means you run from adversity instead of being a role model or change agent.

Welcome to the field of Nursing. I understand exactly how you feel, I was in the same position as a new nurse. The great thing about nursing is that you have options. I say try another unit or a different company. Nursing is stressful enough without all the extras. You can't learn if you're anxiety stricken and miserable. Try home health, it's a slower pace, 1:1 care, or L&D, or maybe Hospice, until you feel more confident. Med surg, ER, ICU, will always be there! Trust me, you will be OK! Hope this helps.

Hi, dear new nurse I understand your frustration. Nursing job can make you feel like this. However you have to care about yourself and do things that will reduce your anxiety. When you are a nurse and taking care of people you need to maintain calm . You got to learn a lot and gain all the experience you get from your job and co- workers. Whenever you are overwhelmed take a timeout and talk to a supervisor or manager or a go to person reliable. Communication is very important.

If over 90 days or say if you got a grip on role and the administration is whats getting to you. Yes make the move. You will find work life balance else where. Ive been there. Similar emotions. Remember this feeling. You may find yourself if if you don't think so now in a leadership role being an administrator. Life is too short there is too many paths for RNs to not have your work life balance. Keep your chin up and with time you will find your value and admin will truest value YOU & ALL your efforts.

Hi. Speaking from experience, you wouldn’t be the first person to change departments.
If you have done all you can to rectify the situation and you are still having these concerns, then without a doubt, leave ASAP for your overall well-being.

Kick your feet up. I have found 1:1 home care visits to be my answer and have decided to work for an agency like Homecare. I can choose where and when I work to get an overall feel for each health system before deciding to work for a system permanently.

Hopefully, you have support where you can have this time off to reflect on what you are actually looking to do but as a nurse, you are in a great position to choose to work wherever you want 😉

Yes, you should go somewhere else. Nursing is a broad field, give it a try in another unit/ hospital. You don’t have to stay in one place if you don’t feel appreciated and your health is getting bad due to the work environment

Yes, LEAVE! you can’t work effectively/sufficiently under stress. Working while stressed is not safe for your patients or you, you’re at high risk for med errors/poor judgment.

There so many other options for us as nurses don’t limit yourself especially if you’re not happy. You can easily work your dream job elsewhere without the stress.

yes you should transfer

I took what I thought was my dream job about 2 years ago. I quickly realized I was wrong. I tried to stick it out because I was stubborn but after 6 weeks I gave my notice and never looked back. So glad I did. No regrets.

Have you talked with a therapist to understand what is happening and why you feel this way? I would find a new place to work anyway. Just because you thought it would be your dream job maybe it isn’t the right fit. It takes a while sometimes but your happiness is what matters. Also it may lead you down a path of mistakes if you are always stressed and anxious. Leave and find something else. There are plenty of jobs out there!

YES> Should not feel so stressed and Unhappy; you will be less productive and mat resent your job and coworkers.
MOVE ON..... there is a place for you out there somewhere.

No job is worth sacrificing your mental health. Have you tried working in Case Management? It’s the best career choice I ever made.

The first 1-2 years of nursing are brutal. This is normal. Give it more time, but find ways to manage the anxiety or it will eat you alive. Find a mentor nurse or just a nurse you can talk through situations with. Maybe therapy, more HCWs are taking advantage of this. Make sure you sleep, eat, have interests outside of work. If its management though, you may benefit from a different unit. Some units are just toxic!

Nothing replaces the feeling of waking up in the morning and wanting to, if not excited to, go to work. I’m in somewhat of a similar situation expect I work outpatient. It was what I thought was my dream but once micromanaging starts, it usually never ends unless the person who is doing it suddenly becomes unemployed. I’m sorry to hear that your dream may not be what you thought it was. It may still exist out there, however I’ll tell you what I should be telling myself. The world has a strange way of working out. If your dream unit wasn’t meant to be, you may still find it or this will lead you on the path to where you truly belong. Keep your chin up, it does work out.

Absolutely, it is time to move on. So many of the nurses I work with now, including myself, felt that very same anxiety and stress. And that is why we walked away. There is something better out there for you.

Well I understand your problem. You should write down the issues that are causing you stress then discuss them with the manager maybe they can help you change your schedule or assist you with your patient load or whatever is causing the anxiety.

It is normal for stress and anxiety to hit new nurses, and often times when we struggle we feel micromanaged due to our own fears and insecurities. Take a mental step back for a moment and ask your self these questions:
1. Why did I get into nursing? Focus on your answer and make that a strength moving forward.
2. When I help my patients’ progression of care, how do I feel afterward? Again make this a point of strength moving forward
3. What exactly am I struggling with? Is it specific tasks? Time management? Knowledge base? Find ways to address individual struggles instead of drowning in it all
4. Am I spending enough time researching the how, why, when of my work? Often times this will help answer the above question
5. Lastly and most importantly-does my specialty give me the satisfaction it did when I started? If not and you have already answered the other questions then it may be time for a change.

As a forty year veteran, I would recommend you try to make it to the one year mark, and then start looking! Hanging in there for a year at your first job will look good on your resume, and remember, that resume will follow you your whole career! Good luck!

No. I would suggest cutting down on yours hours and refrain from picking up extra shifts at this time. You can also take a short break. Hope this helps.

No job is worth your mental/ physical health. It would be ideal if you could hold off on leaving until you e been there for 9 months, but if you feel like you can’t, don’t. You’re a nurse. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new job and one that makes you happy!

What are the triggers that is causing you stress? For me- I had anxiety and stress doing bedside care. You can try being a nurse at an outpatient clinic. It’s less stressful than working in at a hospital or care facility. You can maybe even look in being a school nurse. Informatics nurse is also an option. Sometimes your dream job isnt really your dream job and you won’t know it until you’ve experienced that role.

My point of view - try to make it to 1.5-2 years. I have been on hiring committees and jumping ship too quickly can reflect poorly, especially from a new grad.

I may be reading too much into it, but dream unit sounds like L/D, ICU, or something else high stakes. If you have a lot of type A personalities on a high risk unit - some level of micromanaging is somewhat expected. Take it as sign of them investing in you rather than a lack of confidence in you. I am almost 5 years in on the same unit, and I am always learning new things from people more experience and less experienced than me.

However, if it is truly condescending micromanagement that doesn't go away and your anxiety/stress levels continue to rise, then do what you think is best for you, only you know what that is. I would try to make it to two years. But remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, like you said, you thought this was your dream unit. The great thing about nursing is you can get a job almost anytime, anywhere, so options should be plentiful. Wishing you the best

If you are that unhappy, then yes. Nursing is too diverse to be stuck in a job you hate. Get out and explore. Snag a travel job, pick what venue you work in, experiment with all kinds of things- Tele, cardiac, med-surg, ED, ICU, RRT team, school nursing, research, case manmanagement, try anything. Find what you like and settle in.

Maybe you should try Private Duty Nursing

If this was your dream unit. Maybe look at the perspective different. Micromanaging maybe how you feel is just your feeling Maybe if you look at it as the person is trying to micromanage but instead trying to share there knowledge to you this way you get what they know but they dont know what you know.. sometimes the hardest thing to do is to be the bigger person because people act like they know more than you. And see if it will give you different perspectives.

Worse come to shove if it doesn’t work maybe you need to venture out. You will find the same unit but on different hospital.

But remember wherever you go there will always be people who will always micromanage you its everywhere even when you become director of a hospital because its a management technique and everyone is different in leadership. Good luck

I would not leave as it is the same in other places. Its been a few years since I worked ICU I am in the community now as a NP. That is something you can do work part time and go back to get your NP. All I can tell you is the work is the same stressful in office and hospital. I would hold out for a year and get exercise that helps immensely.

I never gaveup.i stand and always believe my Lord and saviour is with me.My God never let me down.And my deam will fruitful one day.

Absolutely! If this job causes you undue stress and anxiety you should consider looking for a job elsewhere. Never allow yourself to be held hostage by a toxic work environment. That’s one quick way to loose compassion and burn out. The grass could definitely be greener on the other side. You didn’t go to school to be miserable in your “dream unit”.
Best of luck

Since this is your first job and you haven’t been working there for a year I would say give it a little more time. I remember when I first started working in my dream job all eyes were on me. I showed them what I capable of and they left me alone.
Good luck

This nursing job is not a good fit. There are so many other opportunities out there, don’t get discouraged by the what I call “Drama”. Think of nursing as a pair of jeans, there are so many pairs out there, and they don”t fit everyone, but one day you will buy that one pair that fits perfect! Keep your head up.

Hi Chris. Yes explore your options if your miserable.The beauty of nursing is all of its opportunities available.
Hope this helps.Good luck.

The nursing job (specifically, RNs) isn't as promising, rewarding, or glamorous as they made it out to be. The system & greedy schools set us up for failure. I know the question is about something else but I feel that a big part of it is that they don't prepare nurses for the REAL job/life. They don't tell us what to really expect or give us enough experience. Most of the learning is online, from books, mostly done on our own, not enough hands on training. Yet, post graduation, most employers look for that 2 yr experience so one has to struggle & be frustrated all over again :/
If you're unhappy in that unit, cut yr losses & move on. It's important to work in a place where the staff got each other's backs

It sounds as if you might be burned out. Consider other options of working as nurse as there are many, some may be less stressful than
others. Or sit down with your head nurse and discuss what your feeling
and see if he/she can help change some things about your position to
help with the stress. A good place to start might be to start with a therapist. She can help you pinpoint the areas of stress and what are better options for you.

Find a new job and leave the current one.It is not worth waiting ,there are so many options in nursing.,Some managers and staff are like that they like to harass you and make your life miserable.

Yes. GO QUICKLY. There are a million nursing jobs out there AND THIS IS WHY - many of them are just as you describe. It’s a terrible profession (RN, 8 years in and each job MORE horrible than last) and nurses ARE awful to their peers. Keep trying until you find one that fits - I’m still trying but almost ready to give up. The understaffing and unsafe ratios create all the stress and anxiety. I run my ass off - an 8 hr shift becomes 10, 11 hours easily with zero breaks while your peers casually pass tasks off, marks items as done and hide in the bathroom. Then proceed to micromanage YOU! GET OUT.

If you are unhappy where you are, you should definitely start looking elsewhere. Your mental health is so important. Not all hospitals are created equal, and not even all units in a hospital are created equal. Start talking to staff in your hospital first and see what they think about their units. I work in a PACU and we never have more than 2 patients per RN and we have great teamwork and morale. I used to work on post-surgical units where the patient/RN ratio was horrible - usually 7-8 per RN but sometimes more, especially at night. Since COVID, hospitals have been allowing these unsafe ratios, even for new nurses, when 4-5 used to be the expected load even for a seasoned RN.

What was it about that "dream unit" that you were hoping to find? Maybe you can still experience that dream on another unit. Good luck!

I know I answered once, but after reading all the responses encouraging you to leave, if you even get as far as mine…. Leaving with under a year of experience is bad for you, and it’s most definitely bad for your patients. It’s really hard to tell if this is a normal first year “ everything is hard” experience…. Because it is, or if your management is truly terrible. This is your year to learn. From novice to expert takes 5 years minimum. If you’re not learning then you need to be somewhere else, but I’d talk to someone you trust with more experience to see if your gut impression is the right one.

No. Unfortunately no matter where you work the first year is hell. There’s so much you are learning to do and integrate. Management is tough, but leaving before a year is up looks flakey on a resume, as you don’t have enough experience. The only exception to that would be if there are blatantly unsafe practices going on in your unit, and you feel at risk. Then defending that at your next interview is going to require some creative thought. Best of luck to you!

I was like that at my previous job. I stayed there for 5 years and literally hated every second of it even tho it was my dream job at one point. I’m at endless journey hospice now and it’s an entirely different atmosphere. I feel free and I have little to no anxiety. I make my own schedule. It’s amazing.

I think it can be overwhelming in your first job. It is never like when you were in school. Don’t give up if this is where your passion for nursing is, don’t be afraid to talk to your supervisor. If you find this is not what you want to do that is fine too. I know my first assignment in a telemetry unit told me I wanted to go to ER or L&D. I went to L&D and was extremely happy.

There are so many opportunities in nursing. You shouldn't be so stressed. Look for another facility that has your dream position. Sometimes it's not the job, it's the management.

Yes definitely go somewhere else. If you’re stressed and unhappy it could lead to mistakes that you don’t want to happen. Nursing is stressful anyway but find a job that you enjoy! Good Luck!

As a nurse you have so many options available to you. No nurse should be unhappy with their job. Find a job you love Life is to short to be in a unhappy with your job. In today's market nurse are in high demand. The opportunities nurses have are endless. Go find your happy place in nursing.

I’ve been a nurse for 30 years and everywhere you go you will find micromanaging and it can be very frustrating, going to work with the attitude that your patient comes first just do your job, but if the anxiety starts to affect your health, that’s when you have to go!!

The question is hard to answer without knowing more. All new nurses go through a honeymoon phase, which ends with a sudden change to reality. If that’s the case, ask yourself why your anxiety is increasing and what is driving your perceived micromanaging. Most new nurses transfer within their first year for any number of reasons. If the unit isn’t for you. Or it is truly toxic, it’s time to look elsewhere. If this is just reality setting in, I suggest talking with an experienced nurse or your educator and working through your concerns.

You should explore your options either on the unit ask for help from a veteran or find another unit, anxiety is health to a point. But it can also make you dnagerous

I usually tell people to wait 6 months after finishing your training to figure it out. If it still doesn’t feel right or you’re not getting the support you deserve from your team, then move on to greener pastures! There are plenty of jobs out there for nurses. Good luck!

If your job is bringing you so much stress and anxiety 1 it’s not good or healthy for you. 2 it’s not good or healthy for any encounters u have with fellow staff, patients, or patient family members. Pack it up and move on. I have taken on quite a few managerial roles and it’s quite stressful. I have left my current unit manager role and took on a supervisor position due to the overwhelming amount of stress and pressure you are under. I stayed up many nights stressed out and my anxiety was through the roof. I feel much better now and I perform so much better due to the change.

When I was a new grad nurse in the ICU I always felt anxious and second guess myself when something weren’t usual happened and my dream unit is ICU
After the third years in the ICU now I have more confidence and can see myself as an more experienced than the new grad who’s just started
I also had fellow new grad that started at the same time in the ICU with me moved to another unit or different ICU and felt more comfortable and happy
So ask yourself if this unit is really yours dream now is the environment or the people that cause you anxious then you will know what to do
Good luck for whatever you decide to do

The first year is the hardest and it only gets easier by experience.Sometimes just staying is the best as it should get easier .My advice is do not take on any overtime (even if they beg. You ) .Remember you can always move to another job and learn something new.
Remember you need to make sure your basic needs are being met first .

Welcome to nursing.

Sounds like the only job I ever just up and quit. It was the worst nightmare job. My manager was a moron that the hospital had too much invested in. So, they didn't fire her. They just kept moving her around from one unit to another. I am not kidding, I had to fight with her every single day. I was miserable going into the hospital and mad going home. My kids even got me a symphony tape to play on the way to and from work so I wouldn't be so angry. One day on the way in, I asked myself " is this what you want to do the rest of your career? I said no and when I got to the unit, I asked for a memo and told her I was resigning. As of that day. She told me I couldn't leave, that I needed this job. (I was going through a divorce). I told her no I don't and left. During my exit interview, I asked why this person was allowed to remain and I was told that since, the hospital raised her, it would take too much paper to fired her. There are so many other things you can do with your degree. You should not stay in a bad situation. It is not worth it.

It sounds like you're going through a tough time. It's important to prioritize your well-being. Have you considered talking to your supervisor or HR about your concerns? They might be able to provide support or suggest alternatives that could alleviate some of your stress.Working on a job where you are not happy is not good for your moral. Personally I would be looking for something else. It's nothing wrong with pursuing a different job. Being happy with what you are doing will help you to give a patient the best health care that you can. I hope this helps

Not every job setting is for every Nurse. Until you find where your passion lies and what makes you feel good at the end of your shift and not “ OMG.. I don’t think I can come back tomorrow and do this all over again “ Invest in a lot of Self Care. Talk to a couple of coworkers and see what they do unless the coworkers or management are part of that Stressed out feeling. Look for 5 minutes where you can just breathe.. I personally put my ear buds in and I find a place I can just dance it out. If I’m not the only one stressed I invite a couple of them to join me. Any song works if it gets you moving.. I use Taylor Swifts “ Shake it off “ on your days off unplug so staffing can’t call to see if you can work another shift. Eat really good comfort foods and don’t feel guilty about it because I’m pretty sure all of us eat what we can scarf down in 5 mins. If you interested in an area of nursing but don’t really know. Sometimes you can go in and talk with the DON or DNS. Be kind to yourself. Nursing is a hard job and sometimes when your stressed you are meant to be there

Get some experience under your belt. Your stress may due to lack of confidence. If your still feel the same way after a year or two, then your dream unit is at another facility.

Hi,
Your health is more important. There’s plenty of nursing jobs.

You should definitely try somewhere else. Nursing is tough but it’s not the same everywhere. I think if you looked you would find a job you like. Don’t give up on being a nurse.

I have been a nurse for 43 years…..I worked at the hospital prior to becoming an RN. I was a heavy equipment operator before, I was the only female on a 12 man crew, it was 1976.
Having 5 brothers taught me a lot ….i was a nurse when we had to stand when a physician entered the staff area. Stress and anxiety is part of the job. You must find an outlet to help you decompress ….Nursing is the most incredible professional you will ever be in…..
I learned to knit, cross stitch and crochet. These were things I could do on a break, I could leave them in my locker. I had a very busy family as well.
Dream unit? I am so sorry you are not finding your co-workers helpful. Talk with your head nurse, the chaplain, a therapist…you will forever be learning , and stress/anxiety is all part of the job . You must find an outlet to help you cope.
I miss my job, patients, learning and my co-workers everyday!

yes, the feelings will only get stronger. put your well-being first to provide better care to your patients.

Talk to your immediate superior. Tell her how u feel. If you don’t get the right answers start looking sometime things happen for a reason

Yes! Find another place! There are so many great opportunities where you can thrive. The only way you would know is to spread your wings. Working environment is so vital to your success and peace of mind. You are just barely getting your feet under you, there will be a better fit.

I don't know where you are in your career, but if you are so miserable its time to move to a different hospital or unit, your emotional state can set up for failure or errors. Do yourself a favor and look into something different or make a lateral change. I have been a nurse for 36 yrs. For the most part I have been very happy in my career. YOU have to take care of yourself.

Hi. It really depends…why are you stressed??? Is it just the micromanaging???
As a new nurse, the first year may be a bit overwhelming. If this is your dream unit, really think about what it is that is stressing you out before you walk away. What ever the main cause of your stress, you could also find it at your next job. Really reflect on what’s truly bothering you before you make a big decision.
Hope that helps.

I would stay there just for a year just so that it looks good on your résumé and see if it’s anything that you’re doing that you can improve or if it’s actually the units problem. Sometimes you can manage your time better and other times people just don’t wanna work with you so that’s my take on it.

I am sorry you feel stressed snd challenged.
Nursing is a challenging job for everyone at times
Please remember and know you are at the beginning of your career and have a lifetime of learning and experiences ahead l
Nursing can continue to be your dream job and play.
You are at the forefront of patients in crisis in addition to leadership desiring you to do your best. This may seem as micro management.

My best advice is to discuss the situation and your feelings with your leader if possible.
Most importantant, seek a friend or Clinician to discuss your feelings and unhappiness through support.
If you try the above and are still unhappy in your situation, know Nursing provides a wide range of opportunities. You may discuss a change your position, hospital, or environment.
I have felt your anxiety and stress many times throughout 34 years in Nursing. Nursing has been the most rewarding career for me because of the ability to guide patients and families through crisises.

Think about why you would be leaving. Have you talked to your supervisor? EAP? Are there any resources to help you?

Its ok to leave that unit and distress yourself.

You should absolutely leave. The right job will come along and your health and well being is worth much more than sticking it out for a year at an awful job. The grass is greener on the other side 💕you’ve got this

It

So sorry to hear you are having this experience. Don’t give up! Unfortunately not all your experiences will meet your expectations or sometimes even disappoint. However, if this is your “dream”, it’s only a dream deferred for now.

The great thing about nursing is you have options. Not all managers are great or even decent leaders. If all other or most of the components of the position are what you desire - talk with the “challenging manager” about your concerns, then move up the chain if things don’t change. You are probably not the only person experiencing these challenges with the manager and changes may need to be made by the manager not you.

If you are open to a new opportunities, prepare to exit but receive all the training possible to make you a stronger nurse for the next position. Even though your manager is a challenge try to ignore her approach and hear the opportunities to improve your skills as a nurse then leave!

Finds ways to leave work at work and not bring the stress home - exercise, meditation, screaming(not at work)etc. Keep you head up! It will get better.

MJB

Have you tried talking to your supervisors about how you feel? Have you taken time off to relax? If yes to both questions, I say start looking for a better fit.

I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. Have you talked to your boss about how you are feeling? Are the nurses who have worked there multiple years still looking stressed? Maybe talk to some of them about how they felt the first year or so. It might not be the right fit for you but I would suggest talking to others before leaving as they might be able to help.

I’ve been a nurse for 20 years and I felt similar feelings at the last position I had and I left after less than a year in the role. I felt like I was being pulled in too many directions, and I wasn’t able to get a full break the majority of the time. I talked to my boss a few times and was able to give them feedback and they had me shadow another nurse hoping I could pick up some pointers however this didnt help much. after realizing the nurses that had been there quite a few years already were still not getting full breaks, I decided it wasn't a good fit for me.

Best wishes and I prayed for you! 😊❤️

If you've already reported the bullying behavior...and that's what it is ..run! there are so many other jobs out there,if it's not getting better by now it probably won't. You're mental health is more important than any job, trust me...I learned the hard way!

Your dream job should make you happy. Apply for other jobs while this one pays the bills.

I am also a new nurse I have been working for 1 year and a half and to be direct the first year was killer, the learning curve as a new grad is HUGE and it comes with a lot of anxiety and self doubt. I started in a cardiovascular step down unit as a new grad, all my coworkers have at least 5 years experience and most have 15 +, although I am extremely grateful to work along side such knowledgeable nurses and really appreciate their input ,but this was so intimidating and sometimes it still is. Even though I have moments of imposter syndrome I have to remind myself that I still have so much to learn and that’s ok! With that being said nursing is hard ESPECIALLY the first two years, every department will come with cons but if patient safety is an issue I would say get out but if the problems you are experiencing won’t put your license out anyone in danger I would stay in your unit for at least 1 year before making a change

I left after 6mos at my first job! It’s important you protect your license and practice in a place that feels right for you. Sometimes bosses just suck and you need to find a team that fits your vibe ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Go to a different department.

Is it the area or the people you work with. If you enjoy the area it often takes a couple of years to really settle in. I know it did for me. I have a NICU background and it was very hard the first year but got better. I loved working in the NICU. NICU nurses seem to have a type A personality so it takes a while to get comfortable and develop trust. This could be the case for you or maybe not. If you love the work you do but have a hard time with coworkers it may be worth sticking it out. If it is the type of nursing you are unhappy with, check out other areas. The great thing about nursing is there are many opportunities to choose from. Pray you find your place in a field wide open.

Leave. Not going to improve.

You could look elsewhere; sometimes we fit in elsewhere; just remember grass isn’t greener on the other side; is there anything making you feel anxious.

Try a different hospital or facility

As a nurse it takes quite a while to become competent. Stay in touch with your preceptor and ask questions. We closely watch/monitor newer nurses to make sure you are practicing safely but are also not getting buried. We want successful outcomes
For both you and your patients. If you fee someone is being overbearing then ask to speak to them privately and discuss your concerns and find out theirs. Open communication is always a must.

Welcome to health care, it is all about the money, hell with the staff little own the patient

Good afternoon,
I am sorry you're feeling so stressed. I would suggest you hold on until your one year is completed. In the meantime, start looking for your other dream job. Are you stressed because the manager doesn't feel like you're competent and is always following up since you're a novice nurse? There is always EAP, which is confidential, to help you through these times. Also do yo belong to the ANA. They have virtual self-paced learning modules to assist you with your stressors. I have been in the field for almost 40 years. If you need to contact me, please get in touch with me at [email protected]
Vince

Unfortunately, this is Healthcare now. You can somewhere else, but the issues will all be the same. I'm sorry you're a part of the nursing world. My advice would be leave nursing before it destroys you mentally and physically. I'm twenty years in and hate what it has done to me and my life.

I always moved on if a better opportunity came up for me. I worked in a variety of units and nursing jobs and each one was better than the last.

Healthcare is only going to get substantially worse, enjoy!

You should try another department. Nursing is stressful already and if the management isn't supporting you the way you need, go somewhere else. There are so many specialties and needs for nurses you will find where you belong and are happy. Dream units are not always a dream once you get there and management is a HUGE part of feelings of burnout vs effectively handling the stress of a unit. I hope this helps :)

PS: They say it's good to move around in nursing units/specialties to become a more competent nurse so don't feel guilty about wanting to better yourself as a nurse!

Yes. If you feel this way you should go somewhere else. Take a prn position to be able to judge a place

In my opinion you should find another job. I had worked at a clinic that was horrible. I felt like an outcast and not wanted. So after 8 years of anxiety and tears. Lots of tears I finally left. Was the best thing I could’ve done. I now work at a wonderful facility that really cares for the patients.

Have you considered correctional nursing ?
1. Safe environment with a custody officer by your side every minute
2. You have time to take care of patients needs - no ratios
3. You take care of the patient holistically
4. Very rewarding as these are some of our sickest population
5. Patients are appreciative of everything you do and in most cases extremely courteous to the nursing staff

Yes if you get

Figure out where you want to go next and find out how much experience they want you to have. Hanging in for a year if you can might be better for your work record. Maybe find things to relax you off shift like prayer, meditation, yoga, exercise, counseling might be a good idea for learning how to deal with micromanaging. 33 years in hospital nursing had one boss that treated us like grownups/professionals and administration didn’t like him. My last boss was half my age and told us in my last annual meeting “The reason I only had one child is because I feel like you are all my children.”😳 And she had a masters degree.🤷‍♀️

I have been in situations with toxic environments, I tried to stick it out sometimes...I regretted staying as long as I did, I never regretted leaving.

Can you reach out to manager or employee life solutions at your facility?

It takes a while to really feel comfortable at a new job however it shouldn't leave you so stressed that anxiety is through the roof?
Talking to someone and meditation etc could help too until figure out if need to get a new job.

Hi.

1. First determine if the stress is coming from work or somewhere else.
2. Sit down with your manager and express your concerns. It is always easier to start looking for better. News flash, its not better most other units.
3. Sit in the moment, the best jobs are often the most difficult. However, be true to yourself, what is it that you are missing.

Yes - Change your Job life’s too short to be unhappy, and don’t feel guilty of you have to change jobs again. Change till you find your place.

Definitely go somewhere else! It's probably not you it's the management even if it was in theory your dream job
but in reality the management team is not your " dream management "!
Management can ruin everything if it's not cohesive and has a bully mentality
It's not your fault don't be miserable you have endless opportunities and you owe no one
and it is not failure !!!
Don't waste your beautiful dream on a place that will never change and could get worse!

May be you should find another job and then quit your first dream job.

Have a 1:1 conversation with my hiring manager. Express the cause of your anxiety. Define "micromanaging" and how it is affecting how you are feeling. There is a high expectation to perform clinically nowadays so what you may be feeing is the drive for excellence. These high expectations maybe affecting your performance as you are still trying to adjust as a nurse coming back to working clinically.

In Health care if we are stressed, unhappy, or have no work life balance, it affects every patient we are there trying to help. Being nurses we have so many different avenues to explore. The best decision I made nearly 13 years ago was to change from the direction I thought would be my dream job, to a job I never even new existed. Best decision I ever made, for myself, my family and my patients. Good luck, no job is worth being miserable in. You will have better health and be a better nurse if you are comfortable and happy in your working environment.

Oh gosh, I have so been there!! I landed my dream job 4 years ago and after 2+ years, it was killing me. Our clinic was micromanaged by corporate in NYC and we simply had no input or control. I was anxious, not sleeping, gaining wait, isolating myself from my family and friends, and literally it was sucking the life out of me. My advice ... life is short. No job is worth your mental or physical health. Human Resources typically is for the organization and not the employee, so while I'd like to tell you to talk to HR, I hesitate. If your workplace has an employee assistance program, I would encourage you to utilize it. There are coaches as well as mental health/counselors to talk to. Ultimately you will need to decide, should I stay or should I go -- I hope you have supportive people in your life who can help guide you through it. How about your manager -- is he/she someone you can talk with about your concerns? Is it a Union organization? All of those things may factor into what you can or cannot do. I really can't emphasize enough that no job is worth it - I left mine - and while I miss it and some of my colleagues very much, ... life is better. As a nurse, there are tons of jobs out there. Give something else a try instead of struggling!! You can do anything you want!!! Take good care!!
My best,
"I feel your pain".

Ask yourself some questions. Your dream unit or the unit somebody said you would be good on. Cons/pros about the unit. Have you looked elsewhere that meets your expectations, know what they are and will you fit. Be true to yourself. Do a self evaluation. Pray and ask God for guidance number 1. Wishing you the best

YES!! I am starting new job cause of what employer is unreasonable. No job is worth all that regardless what they pay! Move on. Apply for new job! You will be glad you did it. Take a chance. Remember that change is good thing!!

RETIRED LAST YEAR AFTER 43 YEARS OF NURSING. I CAN NO LONGER WORK AS A NURSE AS I CAN'T STAND BEING AROUND PATIENTS AND FAMILY THAT DON'T LISTEN, DOCTORS THAT DON'T CALL BACK OR LEADERS BEING IGNORANT. IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU LIKE, MED SURG, ER, OR HOME HEALTH, DO IT OR LEARN ABOUT IT. AFTER 25 YEARS, I WORKED OUTPATIENT INFUSION AND WOUND CARE. LOVED IT. THERE ARE MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO IN NURSING TO INCLUDE IT. IF YOU REALLY CAN'T STAND IT, GET OUT. THERE IS NOTHING EASY ABOUT NURSING AND THE PAY SUCKS. I WOULD NOT WORK IN A HOSPITAL AND I HAD PANIC ATTACKS. I HOPE YOU FIND SOMETHING THAT INTERESTS YOU ESP SINCE YOU HAVE PAID ALL THAT MONEY FOR AN EDUCATION. GOOD LUCK

If you’re that unhappy, you def should secure another job and then leave your current one. But that doesn’t mean you have to abandon nursing! You wired too hard to get through nursing school to throw in the towel already! I’ve been a bedside NICU nurse ever since I graduated with my BSN way back in 1986. I was lucky in that I found my niche with my very first nursing job. I love what I do, which has helped me appreciate good unit managers and tolerate the annoying, micromanaging ones. (:
Find your nursing passion and work with your coworkers on your shift to build a strong, supportive team (in my experience, night shift is better at that!). When those things are in place, the annoying things (like micromanaging) don’t make you as crazy.
Good luck to you!

It’s ok to leave. It’s ok that this was your dream unit and right now it doesn’t seem like that. It’s ok to take stress leave or fmla. It’s also ok to get help with the anxiety. There are several nurse run groups: Don’t clock out.org, debriefing and there’s also resources like therapy that can help put things into perspective. What’s not ok is you feeling unhappy and having high anxiety because of work. Sometimes certain roles in nursing are meant for certain people and sometimes shitty people run shitty units and it’s not the nursing. Be good to yourself and avoid blaming yourself or convincing yourself to stay even though you’re this unhappy: don’t do that it leads to burnout and that can lead to bad spaces. You’ll find what you need, just don’t stay if your this unhappy ❤️

Find a place where you are happy and feel appreciated. Healthcare is intrinsically stressful but it has a wide variety of opportunities. You may not have found the one that’s right for you yet.

As an RN with more than 30 years experience, including years of nursing management, it is very important to identify the reasons for your stress and anxiety. Have you been provided appropriate training to feel confident in your role? Is the "micromanagement" possibly misplaced support? Is there appropriate preceptor or mentorship in the unit? Is your manager approachable to discuss your concerns? If not, then this is an unsafe environment and not the best environment to start your nursing career. You should feel excited with your progress and role as you gain more experience and confidence. If you don't feel like you are receiving this in your present situation then it may be time to find a safer environment to work. Many larger teaching facilities provide more education, support and investment in their nursing staff.

See, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Pray about your situation and then request a meeting with your manager to talk about what you are feeling and how you love what you’re doing now. Don’t quit and make sure you’re taking breaks and eating healthy.

Being able to move around and trying on different types of nursing roles is one of the perks of the job. Every nursing role will reep incredible experiences and skills to make you more valuable and marketable. In fact there is even travel nursing where nurses enjoy exactly that. (I've not tried that. Yet.) Besides, there is nothing blocking you from going back to a dream unit with maybe even dream co-workers and supervisors, later. Don't be scared to makes changes. It's part of the process.

If you were that unhappy and stressed, it's going to affect your own health and slowly your job performance will suffer. Also. You need to be happy so I would definitely look at another unit or another facility all together

I think keeping your options open is always important. The amazing thing about the career we’ve chosen is there are so many opportunities for us to find environments that fit us and find places that better suit our vision for our lives. If you’re miserable at your current work place, look for jobs that support your vision better. You have no commitment to anyone else, except yourself. So feed your soul in a way that makes you happy. But if you love the workplace you’re in and want to stay, maybe look into ways to better prioritize the things you struggle with while on you shift. Either way you have many options! Good luck to you, sending love and positivity!

Yes , there are a lot of nursing jobs available. There is no reason to be unhappy. I’ve been a nurse for 32 years , and have never stayed somewhere I was miserable. I have always worked full time and had a per diem job or registry at the same time. That way you can switch jobs. It takes some time , but I found it works to give a new job 3 months. By then you will know if people are nice or not .

Hello fellow nurse, I hope this message meet you well. My humble opinion is that, if you are unhappy at this place, is not my idea of a dream place. Life is tooo short to be doing something you don't want to do. Some time you just have to trust GOD, put it in his hands ask for guidance. Changes are good, just embrace it.. Good luck...

Self care, and assess whether the unit is where you want to stay. You don’t want to be in a unit where you feel unappreciated and micromanaged. This will only contribute to your anxiety, and can lead to poor performance. Nursing is a very in-demand field, and there a lot of hospitals out there and other settings outside of acute care you can try to get into depending on the experience you want to gain. Don’t know if you’re a new grad, but when I was a new grad, I reviewed and studied things I was unfamiliar with so I walked in to work more mentally prepared.

It is reasonable to expect that you have not yet learned everything there is to learn about being a nurse in under a year. Transitioning from a novice to expert takes time and comes with growing pains. It is hard to assess how supportive the environment you are in is, however, I would recommend sticking it out, because what may seem like micromanagement could very well be structured leadership and protocol enforcement. Which is really the cornerstone of nursing in a highly reliable environment. Trust me when I say, this is what you what in the healthcare industry. Perhaps try to partner with your leadership team in some way to engage on another level and take that opportunity to reinforce your continued growth as a nurse!!

It is difficult to do a good job if you are stressed and unhappy, if I were you, I would look for a new position.

It sounds to me like you need support from upper leadership that you are not receiving. Before you make a rash decision talk to your leadership team or your previous preceptor tell them how you feel. Open communication is the best place to start. If then you still are not happy begin to look at other jobs before you resign.

Tell your manger how you’re feeling. See what your institution has to offer for support.

It's hard to give a good answer without knowing how long you have worked at this job and what type of unit it is, but let me try to provide some insight. When we start a new job, it is exciting, and we have expectations that may not be reality. Around three months, most will think, "Oh my gosh, what have I done?" If we stick with it for six months, things improve, and we can get a better picture of what reality is. It will be best to stick with it for one year, but you will have to decide whether you can do it for a year. I hope this bit of insight helps you make your decision.

I would

Unfortunately… it’s not much better anywhere else . Unless you’re looking for a physician’s office or maybe home care ,it’s a lot of micro managing everywhere . Hard to steer clear of that in this profession in present times .

Reassess your position and decide if it is meeting your needs and goals,if not then take some time to rest and reflect on what you want then go after what you want.

Yes, leave. You can definitely find another position in your dream unit, hopefully with your dream team! I worked in telemetry for 3 months over 5 years ago and people are still reaching out to offer me positions in that unit.

Yes go somewhere else! There are so many different fields and areas to work in nursing and it is completely ok to try something else. Sometimes our dreams change or we branch out to something else for a bit and come back to that “dream unit” later. Never stay somewhere that is causing your mental health to suffer— not worth it. You are the most important person-your patients need you to be happy.

I think if you’re comfortable with your boss you should share your concern with him/her. Working as a new nurse is very challenging especially given the clinical competence and the effects of Covid on our workforce. We are still recovering.. with that being said, you must take care of your mental health. Stress and anxiety will impact how you care for your patients and how you respond to everything that is happening around you. The safety of your patients, your health, and protecting your license is important. If that means to look elsewhere, you should.

The beauty of nursing is that it is so diverse. Having are so many different areas and it seems like you need to find your passion. I have been a nurse for many years and worked in many different areas and ended up finding my passion in peds and finished my career there. My daughters are also nurses one a PNP and the other a RNMSN one thought she would practice peds forever but now is a professor training new nurse's. The other a Sepsis Coordinator. Different passions. So don't be afraid to find yours! Best of luck to you on your journey

Honestly, from my personal experience, you should never prioritize your work over you emotional, mental and physical health. Move on now while you are at the beginning of your career. I spent 8 years in my dream unit and the last 5 were a nightmare. I was always miserable and ill and dreaded going into work every shift. I never thought I would be happy moving on to a different field of nursing. Fortunately, I landed in a position that I absolutely love. Good luck!

Depends on where you're working, what the burn out level there is for most people working there, how much stress you can handle, and other opportunities / jobs you're interested in or willing to work. Don't give up on nursing after only a year, it does get easier and your skin will get thicker as you go. Lot's of mobility in nursing, try different specialties until you find one that fits.

You will never know if you will be happy in a different place until you try it. The anxiety and stress associated with our work not only depends on the acuity of the patients you are taking care off but also directly related to the culture of the unit. Do you fit in that culture, or do you think that nurses should treat patients and each other differently? If your answer is the latter, then I think it is time to expand your horizon. The politics of healthcare becomes manageable and bearable when you have teammates that stick out for each other. If there's continues infighting, I suggest that you move on and watch the infighting from afar.

yes indeed, u can't be productive if ur stressed n having anxiety..dream jobs don't make you feel like that....think you first then work..like they think of you..point blank.good luck

I think for your sake you should try to stay for at least 1 year. It doesn't look good an a resume to change jobs more frequently. Something that will help with the stress is to start investigating where else you would like to work and in what kind of environment. There is so much to learn in the first year of nursing and it is very stressful, but with the additional experience your confidence will increase exponentially and there will be less stress. Finally if your preceptor is causing you loads of stress maybe their style of managing isn't the right style for you. Ask if you could be assigned to another preceptor..

The first year is a roller coaster! Give yourself some grace. The job is going to be what it is so I would try to manage what you can control. Stress relief and anxiety management. Therapy, mindfulness, taking a second to go pee and gather your thoughts. You can do this!!! Times are rough but they are a changin. Chin up. You are a NURSE and that’s something.🫶

I was lucky enough to get an ICU position, which was my #1 pick as a new grad. I had worked so hard to get there. However, it was a Neuro ICU…and Neuro was my least fav or knowledgeable area. I’m much more versed in cardio! The training and oversight was minimal and I was put in unsafe situations much too early. I requested a transfer after 6 weeks. Then Cardiac PCU…much better.. but day 1 off orientation, I entered the perfect shit storm! I was Not supported in my clinical judgements. Needless to say, I quit the hospital all together (Zero regrets)! As a new grad it’s very difficult to find a job..(2 months so far). Don’t leave until you have something else. Unless your mental health is in jeopardy! We all will find our right path!!

Well, it usually takes a year to feel confident in the position if you are new. Stress can be positive be can also be detrimental. Education can help and and asking for help. If the job is not tolerable leave and find a new one, it may not be a good fit. It is better to leave than to be terminated. It all depends on what you can tolerate. Nursing is a though job and expectations can be enormous. A list of pros and cons can help, and finding solutions to dealing with them builds resilient adaptable nurses. Reach out, it will help you.

Yes, definitely change department. Sometimes what we imagined our dream unit doesn’t always turn out the way we wanted in reality. Keep an open mind and try out another unit or specialty. This is speaking from 20 years of nursing experience. I had imagined working in ED because I like the adrenaline rush in my naive nursing college days, but end of on a tele floor as an extern because my friend was also there. Discovered I like cardiac after all and spent 12 years of my life there. Then I changed to Nuero ICU because like you are going through right now, Management was too micromanaging and my stress level went through the roof. I didn’t feel valued or appreciated. I love it here now in the ICU. it took a while for me to adjust to new people and culture in the new unit, but no longer experienced the mental health issue. I hope this helps you to make the leaps and good luck!

Don't leave yet. First find what it is about this unit that makes it your dream unit and compare it to the causes of your stress and anxiety that makes your consider leaving. See which out weights the other and make your decision based on that. If your love for the unit is stronger then find ways to manage the stress and which may include taking your break outside the building. Look at the micromanaging as added help and learning opportunities.

It’s not worth your health if you are so stressed. If it’s your dream unit sounds as though you aren’t being supported. Can you get advice from your preceptor? Ultimately though you shouldn’t work for a unit where you have no confidence it could hurt the patients if you make a mistake.

I would say to stay at least a year. Is some of your stress due to the fact that you are a new nurse?? Focus on your ultimate goals… if this is your dream unit, stay for at least a year. Some places do micromanage new nurses….

You should never dread going to work. There are plenty of jobs out there. If you know it's not working, there is nothing wrong with moving on.

Leave. The stress and anxiety is not worth it. My first job out of nursing school was bad; I felt unsupported and manipulated. I stayed for over 3 years. I've been away from that job now for 2 1/2 years and I still have flashbacks to how awful I felt. I wish I had left long before I did. I'm now in a position working with people I like and we work as a team. It's not worth the toll it takes on yur mental and physical health.

Hiii, you have one year experience. Look outside of the box and apply that knowledge.
Good Luck!

Yes, keep on searching for a job that makes u happy....u being happy is most important...life is way too short for unnecessary drama...there are so may options that awaits u...look forward to a great career and future..God bless..

I didn’t feel like a nurse fully until a year had passed, so it may be helpful to give it a bit more time. However, I did make a decision after that first year of nursing on a medical surgical floor to train in critical care. It was the best decision for me. When I first graduated, I was certain what I would love, but I’ve learned that nursing has so many options. Since you have your first year under your belt, consider a different hospital as well. I have learned that there are no perfect jobs or perfect hospitals; however a very stressful hospital/unit needs to go.

The first year of being a nurse is often one of the most stressful. There is a big learning curve after graduating and passing boards. So part of your stress may be from this, however micromanaging is a different story. I would want more information on this to really weigh in if you should leave or have an discussion with your manager. If it is them being strict with a newer grad, a discussion on expectations and maybe even ask for a review to see what you are doing well at and what areas you have room to grow. If it is this is their management style maybe look for a new position elsewhere.

Yes, do something different. You should love what you do. Nursing can be stressful at times, but it shouldn’t consume you. There are so many things you can do as a nurse. Maybe office nursing, school nursing, home care, urgent care, home infusion, so much more to name. But more importantly, just leave if you’re not happy. Your patients will thank you for it😇. And you will feel the load off your shoulders 🙏🏽.

I’m a RN with 18 years experience. I remember that first year vividly. It was terrible. I feel like I went home everyday in tears. I felt like I made a huge mistake with my career choice even though I’d always wanted to be a nurse. My advice to you is transfer to a different area of nursing. The first year is a ton of learning and uncertainty, You need to find your area. It does get better. There are so many areas! Don’t give up!

I would try to last a year to maximize your future job prospects and then move on. My first job was very challenging for me and I have been told that the first 6 months are a painful growing process for most nurses.

You should never feel like going to work is work. At the end of the day if you don’t feel fulfilled and happy at your workplace, that is not where you are supposed to be. Your job should not keep you stressed and anxious all the time. We as nurses expect a bit of micromanaging but it can get out of hand. You should not feel like you are under someone’s thumb. Pray about it and maybe just see what else is out there that might catch your interest. You’re still a fresh nurse, you never know where you may land. Good luck.

Do not despair! The first year on a unit is very stressful and worse if you are a new nurse. To quote an old cliche, "The grass is not always greener..." especially as many organizations "train" their supervisors to manage in relatively the same manner, meaning that their expectations are to excel in their goals. Give yourself a good year or two to begin to feel comfortable and competent. If during that time you are feeling worse and not feeling competent, that would be the time to look for another position.

If you are unhappy, it may be time to consider leaving. However, it's important to recognize that the nursing profession has undergone significant changes on multiple levels. As a nursing student, you may have preconceived notions about what nursing entails, but the reality can be quite different. It's possible that your expectations were not met, leading to dissatisfaction. I have been a nurse for 30 years and have observed that the profession has become increasingly micromanaged. Hospitals are businesses that aim to maximize profits, and as such, they are regulated by various entities, including the state, insurance companies, and the community. This micromanagement can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that some workplaces may be worse than others. My advice for any nurse would be to explore different career directions. I have personally tried 75% of them. Don't be afraid to change departments or areas of specialization. However, it's essential to give a new workplace at least a year before making any decisions. From my experience, it takes some time to become comfortable and content in a new role.

Hi!
The beauty of nursing is that there are so many options out there. If your stress is that high then maybe look at a different unit, or something off the floor like a medical office etc.
your health is important and you need to take care of you:).
Kim BSN,RN

explore other areas in nursing that u may like and it will not be like where u are now

For me I would give it a full year. If after a year things have not gotten better, I would look into other options. But you need that full first year of experience anyways to apply for other jobs.

I find that home care was a great fit for me.

Talk to your manager. That's what I did and it helped. Have you question and concerns ready and be specific if the manager is unhelpful you can go up the leadership ladder. If they aren't helpful get out! This may be your dream job but certainly not the dream place. Go somewhere where you are appreciated.

As a new nurse, the first few years will have its challenges. There is always a perception of what we believe a certain specialty of nursing should be versus what it really is. Before leaving the unit, ask yourself what is it that is causing the stress and increased anxiety. What can you learn from unit and who is benefiting in the scenario? Ask leadership what can you do as a new nurse to adjust or what areas can you work on to improve your skills. Management can be there to help but it’s up to you. Think about what’s important such as , what you expect to learn and or gain in the first year. Always remember nothing from nothing is nothing. Ask questions and don’t ever be easily offended. Nursing is a calling , and it has its challenges. Will going somewhere else be any easier in the first year or is this specialty of nursing for you?

Nursing jobs change due to management throughout your career. The people you work with and for is everything. Week ends and night shift does get you away from the extreme work and people but only if a good night crew. Check out the people before you make a change. Most places will let you shadow now days. Good Luck.

Exactly how I felt. I applied for the job I wanted and transferred with my manager’s blessing a week after my first year anniversary. She said it would be a disservice to me to try to keep me from pursuing a better-suited position. She was awesome and that was also 12 years ago. It’s different now, there is no loyalty.

If it’s that stressful and you’re that unhappy, then go somewhere else. Please be aware it’s like this in nursing no matter where you go, some places worse. It’s a tough stressful career and job. Take care of you physically emotionally and mentally first! Young and old nurses burn out staying in places they live to work but are stressed by the people they work for and work with. Hope that helps!!!

My personal advice would be to tough it out for a full year, and if you still feel that way, start looking for another job. At least you'll have at least a full year's experience to help you qualify for another position. Nursing is stressful no matter how many years you've been doing it, but you need to find a way to have fun and enjoy it through those tough moments, so having a good team of coworkers is important.

I

Being a nurse does carry a certain amount of stress. However, as a nurse, we
have a lot of autonomy. Even though we must follow the policies and procedures of the company we work for, we still get to decide how we do it. It is very difficult for anyone to be productive when being micromanaged. Unfortunately, what ends up happening is the patient pays the cost. If this is your dream job, you have to weigh the good and bad. If you're able to change your status to PRN, go for it and look for another job similar to the one you're working. Remember, being a good nurse includes knowing your limitations. I will remember you in my prayers.

Hello, yes, it is advisable to leave and go to another unit or another hospital. It will be very difficult to learn while being micromanaged and dealing with being overly stressed and anxious. If you have not started doing so, start looking for another job. You never know what else you may enjoy doing if you don’t put yourself out there and try.

I felt the same way with my first nursing job and things turned a corner for better after 8 months. Right now I’m imagining that your stress is coming from internal as well as external pressures. You might be constantly asking yourself “is this right? Is that right? And the folks micromanaging you might be thinking they need to hover because they’re picking up on some of your anxiety and uncertainty. Take a step back and sort out what you really need more training on because as nurses we really learn the bulk of what we do on the job. You know more than you think you do and further down the road you will see this and have so many “oh right this is X and Y” moments. Give yourself and the unit a chance and if things don’t feel right after a year, then move to another place. You’ll have many options after your first year.

I have two thoughts, but also acknowledge that more dialogue is needed for you to really get an answer. It was my experience that the disconnect between school and the actual nurse’s working world are two incredibly different things to the point where it is shocking. And these organizations will metaphorically work you to death if you let them.

With that said, I have more questions than answers. Do you feel empowered to make and ask for changes where you work to mitigate your anxiety and stress? If you do, what would need to change? If not, what other options can you see for yourself?

It’s like NCLEX. There are no wrong answers, but for you, you need to find your most correct answer for yourself.

Most places want a nurse to have a year, if not 2 years experience prior to hiring… but that shouldn’t stop you from looking. So many places are short staffed, I would think you would have a lot of opportunities. Internships offer additional training & mentoring but also lock you in to doing 2-4 years in that unit. I’d look around and see if you can find an opportunity that fits your needs and likes better. All nursing jobs are stressful… certainly some more than others (ICU/ER/and other types of acute care situations). Micromanaging is pretty common since there are many policies, guidelines, and strict timeframes to get things done. It’s really, in most cases, not so much managing due to lack of trust or faith in employees but instead, is managing to have the backs of the staff…to ensure something doesn’t get missed or fall through the cracks that could compromise the quality of care of patients and in turn, threaten the credentialing of the hospital or put them at risk of litigation. Even the most experienced nurse going to a new unit doesn’t know what he or she doesn’t know and it takes a good while to become that expert and move your way up to bring the one who leads and has the responsibility of making sure others less experienced have all they need to get everything done correctly and on time. Nursing is a stressful job… whether your new or in charge of others die to your experience. But if you think another unit would fit better, go for it. It may be how the manager goes about managing. Some certainly are better than others at leading in a way that is helpful and not being over the top stressful about it. It’s just like how some professors have a knack at teaching and others may be great at the topic but not gifted at teaching the material to others. Giving a different unit a try may help and if not, you may at least get enough experience to better determine what type of nursing you are best fitted for or if nursing is in fact what you want to do. The education you have can lead to many opportunities so it is never wasted for sure. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. I was a L&D and ER nurse for many years. I had some great leaders and some not great ones. Even leaders have to learn how to lead effectively. But some can really bring down morale which it seems that is where you are. I’m sorry you are feeling so stressed. Perhaps asking to speak to a trusted leader there and letting them know (tactfully) how stressed you are feeling and asking what tips they have to help you… maybe that would be helpful. Just try to hold back the blame on others and only speak of how you feel in certain situations. Use I feel …. When…. Occurs. Don’t use she makes me feel…. When she does…. Type statements. Wording can really make a difference in how the other person approaches the response. Good luck. It’s a rewarding profession and I’m sure you make a difference for your patients that they appreciate. In the end, they matter most and proving the best care is what has been proven…so guidelines are best to follow no matter where you go. Take care of yourself… if you need to move on for your own health/mental health… move on. It’s ok. It sometimes takes time to get to the right place for each of us.

Let me encourage you, this is your dream unit and proficiency takes time, exude confidence and ask questions when you aren't sure . instead of feeling micromanaged, try feeling empowered with the wealth of knowledge and experiences that surrounds you and capitalize on that, ask questions, seek clarification and start grooming yourself to be a confident nurse.. I'm sorry you are feeling unhappy, don't give up on your dreams and don't be discouraged. I hope I was able to give you clarity..

There are so many different types of nursing. It is important to feel comfortable and supported by fellow nurses and management. If you do not feel that way, absolutely go somewhere else. Ask fellow nursing grads where they work and how they feel abou the place they work in. Do not settle for daily misery, you will only burn out faster. I have been a nurse for over 14 years and have held many positions, some I loved and some I could not get away from, fast enough.

If a unit is giving you anxiety, change department. Who you work with makes a big difference.

As a new nurse, facilities that offer a new grad programs are fundamentally beneficial. Also a trusted mentor at any stage of your career can make a big difference. Bedside nursing is challenging and very rewarding. However, keep in mind there are other fields within nursing ; case management, education, informatics, quality, and risk management are just a few.
Take a break and reassess what inspires you and create a well balanced life.

I would highly recommend finding something else. We spend 1/3 of our lives working. That’s too much of our lives to be miserable.

Try interviewing for another job. There is nothing but opportunities out here, and everyone wants nurses with some level of experience. If it's not your dream and it's not working out, then consider a new move. There is nothing like your peace being disrupted. Or you can ask God for guidance, which I would do in any case, and see what he has for you in his will. Sometimes, it's a demon fight to get you to move because he is there with you, and sometimes, it's a demon fight because you do not belong there despite your wanting to. The only way to know is to ask him and see the response.

The words “I’m so unhappy” say it all. Get out, life is too short! The first year of nursing is hard and you should be in an environment you can feel good about. Research places you’re interested in and read employee reviews if possible. Be confident! You can do this!

If it feels like micromanaging it probably is.

I think you should deal with the anxiety first. And your stress because you stressed out. You're not thinking clearly. Once you address the anxiety and the stress, I think you would be able to move forward. You have to know what area of nursing you would like to work in and don't lose heart. If it's your desire to be a nurse, hang in there

Stress and anxiety is part of the job. I’ve been a nurse for 10 years and I still feel anxious. I use to work days now I work night shift and feel less anxious. Direct patient care is a hard job and with management being present, putting unrealistic expectations on you it is even harder. I suggest working weekends and maybe try night shift. Any job where you are taking care of patients will be stressful. Case management would be less stress. Try going part time. Good luck 🍀

Hello, I think you should move to another unit, but if you don't feel up to it, then if you know Jesus pray and wait on Him, because He can answer your question even better than me. Yes, it may feel like micromanaging but sometimes you have to listen to what they are saying and if some information is wrong don't try to argue just say "Okay" and tell someone.

Nursing is a hard job but very rewarding new nurse struggle at the difference between school and real life no text book or clinical experience can fully prepare you for all the responsibilities you will have You stated this is your dream job if you think that stick it out I am also a experienced nurse as well as an instructor best advice get a mentor on the unit a seasoned nurse to show you the ropes those quirks that make that unit these nurse can relieve some of that stress and anxiety after a year if it still doesn’t feel good transfer to another area. Learning the art of nursing is a life time event you made the decision invested time money and effort to get this far hang in there you are going to be ok

If you’re not comfortable enough to approach HR or your Nurse Manager, you should possibly go somewhere that you’re more comfortable working. Everyone e should realize that being a nurse is rewarding, if you don’t feel that way in your current position, there, maybe it is just the environment that you’re in. Being stressed at work could lead to making mistakes. Making must as a nurse could lead to causing harm to someone.

Nowadays, nursing isn't what it used to be, at all. Get into a clinic or go to an endoscopy center, or surgery.

First of all I am sorry that you are having such difficulty. I would need to know what type of nursing you are doing? And secondly, what type of nursing program did you graduate from?

Nursing is a very challenging profession which can give you so many rewards. My quess and it is only a guess ,since you did not specify any information as I noted above, you are lacking clinical skills and management skills so that you start your shift with a good practice background and how to manage your shift time wise. You will never know everything but you will be able to obtain the information you need to provide your patient care. As far as feeling that you are being micromanaged you may be correct.

One other important aspect you should consider, there is no such dream unit, you are only out of school one year and I am very suspicious that your nursing program did not prepare their students for the real world of nursing.

I’m sorry to hear you feel that way. I’ve been a nurse for 11 years now and I can honestly say the first year on any new unit is really hard and stressful but should also be paired with good support and partnership. What type of unit are you on? Have you had the right conversations with the right people to talk about how you feel?

If you are unhappy with where you work, it's causing you high levels of stress and anxiety, your best option is to change jobs. Your health comes first. If you love what you do, I think there are many other places that will hire you. You are beginning your career, so you have to look to find your fit. Nurses have options. You have an options. Find a job where you will be less micromanaged, stressed and anxious. It is not uncommon for nurse to change jobs just trying to find a fit that works for their-family, schedule and health etc. It's all part of nursing. Good luck!

If your job comprises your physical or mental wellbeing, you should look for another position. I am a 5 month, new grad nurse struggling with the same issue. I feel guilt for not “sticking it out”, but when my physical and mental safety were challenged, I knew I had to leave. Find a place you feel safe and you will flourish.

Good morning. Unfortunately she do go to nursing school and have ideas of what exactly we want to do having never actually worked in this field and that can lead to some dissolution as we enter the ‘real job’.
I myself was in EMS for 20+ years and absolutely knew that critical care was my world. I did just that and had a great run but I too ended up feeling stressed on the way to work. I had not even entered the building and was feelin pressure. Let me tell you something, we spend too many of our days, too many of our hours at a job to be stressed at that level all the time. So it needed up not being your dream unit then try the same unit in a different facility and it could be completely a different experience. Maybe you could try another unit/specialty. I changed from critical care to OR circulator and that started an entire new feeling and lower stress level. Think of all the jobs available to nurses even out of a hospital. Go explore other fields. If you have been in your field a while and are strong in it go travel. My wife and I have traveled now for 7 years…. Amazing!
Do t let yourself feel your ‘stuck’ and take the stress level. That stress is part of the job some times but can also be a sign that a change is needed. Take care of yourself!!!!

Here are a few questions for you. Have you shared your feelings with your colleagues, educator, mentor or manager? Usually speaking to one of these resources will help guide you through your options .

I think the current information is what I would have done myself. If this is your dream understand that your coworkers must be sure that you are their solid support as well and thatvthey can depend on your word. A year doesn't cut it. Be determined and trust your skills. You can do this. Anyehere you go as a newbie will likely be the same, if its worth being there. Go for it! You got this!

I think you should hang in there. I always say you should stay at a job at least a year until you get comfortable.
All new jobs are very stressful, changing jobs is one of the five most stressful things in life.
It will take time to settle into your role as a nurse.
Do you think you feel micromanaged because you are displaying anxiety and they are seeing it as insecurity? It may not be a bad thing to be micromanaged when you are so young and just learning.
If you quit now, you will always wonder “ what if”
Should I have stayed?
It will get better. I promise you.
And then you will have the satisfaction of knowing you survived!
Beth RN MS NP-C

Do you have a mentor or a previous preceptor you can talk to? You mentioned that you’re a new nurse … maybe you feel like you’re being micromanaged because you still have things to learn - like time management or organization. Or maybe that unit is not the best fit for you at this time in your career. If your anxiety is getting the best of you, then my advice is to find a different job. It’s not worth the stress. Nursing is a career that should be rewarding and fulfilling. There are so many areas to choose from. Look around and find something that will suit you better. You have to take care of yourself first before taking care of others.

Try group homes, they are a laid back version of nursing. You still provide care like a nurse but in more homelike laid back approach.

I would look for a similar unit type in a different facility. The stress of our jobs is enough without feeling like management or other staff adding stress to it. Coworkers can definitely help your overall experience.

It is hard as a new nurse to align what your vision of nursing is with the reality. I would tell you to take a look at what you consider micromanaging and see whether it might be something that is related to growing you as a new nurse, to helping you learn the nuances of your job, and have you be safe. Are you getting feedback that indicates you have some learning and growing to do? Are often forgetting key elements of your job and have to be spoken to about this by your charge nurse? If, after this, you truly feel it is micromanaging, I would encourage you to speak to your nurse manager about your concerns. But, word of caution, be prepared to hear that you may not be as on top of things as you perceive yourself to be. Many hospitals have mentorship programs to help new nurses navigate the field. Maybe that would be something that be beneficial to you? It is also important to take time for yourself, find activities you enjoy that help you unwind after work. Nursing is a very stressful job and we tend to always take it home with us. If you can, leave it at the door, use your days off to reset, don't sign up for too much overtime, and be open to constructive criticism and offers of help. I would not leave your unit right now as you still have a lot to learn. Give it another year, if you are still not happy but getting positive feedback on your performance, then it might be time for a job change.

Look for another place to work. Nursing is stressful, but finding the right fit will help you and keep you happy! Places that have many open positions or a lot of turnovers, are not positive environments. Interview the place and ask employee's if they are happy there, do they work as a team? What is their turnover like. You are interviewing them, and they are interviewing you.

Im sorry but not surprised that you feel this way, the basic understanding is that you are dealing with human lives, and they are not precisely in good health otherwise they would not be in a unit … the level of stress is very high as well as the anxiety, and it’s not going to change. The nursing profession has many venues, maybe in a nursing home, or as a nurse case manager you might feel more comfortable, try other options, that is my advice. Good luck.

If you are a union shop I would get co workers to meet with union reps over the issues. Most managers get moved if they are causing problems and workers are leaving. I have left jobs to find better places to work. So fight of flight is your answer

Hi. I've been in nursing over 50 yrs from night staff, military, icus, education, correctional , advance practice. Things have certainly changed. I see no staff educators around at all, less nurses everywhere, more computer stuff, requirements and micro management.
Anxiety is always present. What are the causes? Do you have a routine in place that you do always, ie see your patients after report , make sure you have and know where supplies are, met with your PCA to discuss patients needs? Can you all work as a team if needed? Things rarely go smoothly always. Take a deep breath, think, use your resources. At the end of shift make list what was good, not.
Then have a talk with yourself about things being better next shift. I've done that, it helps. Maybe you can get a better evaluation of the situation.

We have all felt like you. Nursing allows multiple choices . There will always be some type of anxiety.

Finish out at least the year where you are, keep eyes open for other positions, and re evaluate .

Best wishes

The good thing about nursing is you can always try something new. What you thought would be your dream might turn out to be totally different than what you thought, but I believe there is a special place for each nurse, you just have to keeping trying new places until you find it. Don’t give up!

Take time to really think about what makes you happy..The first year out of nursing school is stressful maybe give it more time to see what makes you happy.If you are feeling very overwhelmed and stressed talk with counselor about what’s bothering you or a trusted nurse.A good year in med-surg before you venture out.There a lot of opportunities for you.Don’t give up you worked to hard to do that.Be patient and meditating I found to be helpful.

It all depends, but pray about it before you do anything.What area of nursing are you in? There are multiple areas to work as a nurse. But if you are certain that where you are at is not for you, seek other areas of nursing and settle in. Do your research to find what interest you. Also if you have at least one year in nursing you could apply for a nursing job with the State as a Health Facility Surveilance Nurse. With this position it could take at least 1-2 years to hear from them. So set yourself up for a wonderful job with the state if you do decide to go that route. When and if you do apply just know there are so many areas to choose from.

My suggestion is to not move around in to many different facilities per say like working in a nursing home. If this type of nursing is not for you then try the hospitals as well. Google different nursing positions to see if something sticks out that you would be interested in. Work part time until you feel you are ready for a change. Be blessed my friend and remember God is in control.

I would attempt to have a discussion with the party who I felt was micromanaging in private. If their was no resolution at this point I would go the next step up. Some people feel that no one can do the job as well as they can this is why the micromanage.

I'm a cna do you have opening for CNA nurse

Perhaps it not your dream unit- look for different location with in your hospital- maybe a new manager is the key ?

If you are an RN or BSN and would rather work independently, there are jobs out there that may fit your needs. Scout around! Factory nurse, school nurse, community nursing and many other jobs do not require close supervision if you are confident in your skills. I recently had a coworker leave our (micromanaged) Urgent Care unit for a Home Dialysis job & he downright loves it!!!
As for your year long “sabbatical”, you need only say you took time off after the pandemic for family & self! Good luck in your hunting!
Lisa, RN in Michigan

I am so sorry you are feeling so stressed at such a early time in your career. Can you give an example in a typical day what is causing the stress? It would help me a little bit more rather than making assumptions. Also since you are just in this position for less than a year do you have an on-going mentor?

No job is worth your mental or physical health.
Trust your gut. Start looking for a new job or give your notice. Is there a possibility of reducing your hours, while you start searching?

Absolutely! Nursing is hard enough and at times a thankless job. You cannot work under these conditions because it will affect your health in the long run. I know all about that as a nurse for 44 years and I too, had a job just like that once I left I felt like I was alive again and could do what I love most, which is working independently with a fabulous company as a home health nurse. Good luck.

You cannot work efficiently when you feel like that. I am not sure of your circumstance but perhaps moving to a different shift would help you, if that in fact is your "dream unit". Maybe it is the people you work with.
Perhaps you can explain your feelings to your supervisor and they can have you have more orientation or work as an extra nurse alongside a seasoned nurse.
Would going to another place to work alleviate what you are feeling? Or do you feel that you aren't knowledgeable enough yet? (Remember that comes with experience and we have all felt that) If it is the latter, working and feeling safe to ask questions to your colleagues is important. I, myself, always respected the nurses that asked questions, it shows they care about doing things correctly. Let's be real, some nurses have lost their patience and aren't nice. It is sad that they forgot what it was like to be just starting out. You will find your niche where you will feel happy about going to work. Pay attention to your gut.

The great thing about nursing is you can switch jobs and specialties without a lot of hassle to find where you are happy! If you can make it 6mo-1yr, I would say that’s plenty of time especially as a new nurse to be able to transfer somewhere else. However, you have to do what makes you happy and don’t ever let a job take priority over your mental and overall health. There are plenty of jobs out there that will gladly take you in with a better work environment. Good luck to you! You can do this.

We always picture things slightly skewed..Things are always different from our imaginations.. Truth is there will be change over. Staff and Patients will come and go. Take it as constructive criticism. You are still pretty green with a year of experience. Don't quit. Bring your A game and level up ( get promoted) Work hard. Play hard. Develope your assessment skills and critical thinking and stop focusing on the negatives..

Never make a decision without first going to your manager/supervisor and inform if you are not happy or agree with responds given, then take the next step and go to next level manager, let current know. Be open and honest. Let the person know how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Explore options that are given. Identify advantages and disadvantages. I am sure your place of employment does not want to lose a good employee (nurse). Sad to hear that so early in your career you are feeling this way. Good, strong dedicated nurses are hard to find.
Thanks

Take my advice and go somewhere else. It is never worth your mental health to stay somewhere that makes you feel stressed and anxious. If you decide to leave, do so professionally and give notice. Nursing can be a small world, so you do not want to burn any bridges. As a new RN, I stuck it out for one year because I was convinced it was just me being "new". But the environment was unhealthy for me. I almost left nursing altogether afterward! So be kind to yourself and, above all, listen to your body.

New nurses always feel stressed (if not, that’s scary) because working in the real world is not “text book”. School gives us the foundation, hands on gives us what we make of it. It may take a little while to find what you are truly comfortable with. I agree with some of the other posts, read the policies and procedures and soak up all the knowledge you can, take notes and ASK questions. There’s usually one “mother” one each unit that loves to help new grads. After you’ve done all you can, if you still feel like the unit is not for you, then it’s time to transfer. Good luck on your journey and most of all remember your WHY for becoming a nurse 💕

See if there’s something you can adjust. If you’re days maybe try going to nights. However, if this is an every shift feeling I would say it’s definitely time to go.

Ask for help or try delegating help from others on unit

Don’t waste another minute there! You should absolutely go somewhere else. No job is worth putting your mental well being in jeopardy. Let go of that stress and anxiety. Find your happiness elsewhere.

You should go somewhere else

Hello :)

I’m not sure what unit you’re working in, but I remember my first year in medical surgical being a really stressful time. Luckily, I used to be a volunteer at an ambulatory surgery unit and I had always wanted to work in that type of unit. So after my one year, I got a job in ambulatory surgery nursing and it was the best decision I ever made. No weekends, no holidays. I had a great work life balance.

Frankly with no more information it is hard to give you a definitive answer. However, with the information available, you are stressed and your anxiety is through the roof because you are still a new nurse. As an ICU nurse I know it takes about two years before a good nurse is comfortable and confident in their ability to manage competent patient care. As far as the micromanaging yes you probably are because it isn’t just your license on the line. When you take on the responsibility of managing you don’t get to sit back and boss people around, you are responsible for everything that goes on in that unit. So if Billy Bob does something stupid and kills somebody the hospital and lawyers are going to be looking at not only Billy Bob but also at that charge nurse because ultimately it was their responsibility to know what was going on with that patient. Now with that being said there are bad managers out there and there is no excuse for their behavior. You need to take care of yourself first and if it is unbearable to walk into work everyday then yes you need to find somewhere else to go and see if you are happier.

You can always change units or specialties I would wait changing hospitals or organizations until you have more experience so you can bid for a higher salary.

Look into Home Infusion! You will never go back to a hospital unit ever again.

Try PDN in home care setting. You only have 1 patient and you can call the nursing agency that you work for with any questions you have since it's just you in the patient's home

Part of the problem with units today is a lack of adequate staffing. I’ve been a nurse for many years. When I graduated I was given a long orientation and time to adjust to the demands our job requires. What you feel is micromanaging could very well be staff that is trying to fast forward your skills in a way you would be comfortable functioning at a higher level. I suggest you look within yourself and ask if you have grown in the job adequately. If you feel you have, seek out someone you trust talking about this with and form a plan that will help you limit the stress. If you, on the other hand, consider the demands are not allowing you to function at a level that your coworkers are comfortable with and therefore feel they need to continually supervise, perhaps a change is in order. That could mean a change in specialty or simply a different unit. Just a word of advice. The demands of our profession have multiplied significantly. Nurses across the country are working to better the workplace as well as support new nurses entering the field. Trust yourself and make sure you ask before you are asked to help or learn something new. The quickest way to develop trust and decrease what you feel is micromanaging is to always be a team player. Good luck in whatever you decide!

When you said peds it all made sense. When you're working with vulnerable populations, it's really good to have someone over your shoulder and in your chart. It's a sign of security and support.

- Get a mentor and meet with them regularly.
- Utilize EAP to get some mental health support.
- Schedule some time off.
- When you're not at work, fully unplug from work.
- Don't give notice without giving them the opportunity to change. Mention how you feel to a manager or charge nurse to gain insight as to why they do what they do.

Hello. This is very common when you're in your first 1-2 years of nursing. Bedside nursing can very challenging! I've been a RN for 4 years and still have my moments of heightened anxiety and stress. There are two very important things I want you to remember. Your mental, physical, and emotional health is a priority! If this requires you having a sit down with your manager please do it. Tell them your situation and ask for advice to assist with alleviating the stress. Another thing to consider is a lot of jobs want you to have at least a year of nursing experience before transferring. Its up to you if you feel you can tolerate being in that working environment. Sometimes the things we thought we wanted changes based on experience or total lack of interest after a while. It's ok to want to try something different than planned, especiallyif your health is at risk. I've been through it myself. Hope you find this helpful. I wish you the best!

You have to look out for your own health a sick Healthcare provider is not good for anyone. There are probably other units much like where you are that would treat you better.

Leave! Those types of managers are out there but there are good ones too! 1 year is enough experience to seek options elsewhere

Well I think for your sake and the sake of your patients it is advisable to change your unit even if it’s your dream unit because you need to be happy, loved and respected and you can only give what you have. I know they always say as a new nurse it is good to move around units in the hospital to gather experience but burnout is also a thing to watch out for while doing that else you won’t be a nurse for long. I started my career in a LTC/Acute setting to be able to know my limit before stretching further because my dream units are oncology/ICU and I hear burn out for new nurses a thing so I’m taking it slow for now.

Find somewhere else, if you're unhappy now I doubt it'll get better. There's pitfalls everywhere but plenty of openings, just try not to burn bridges.

Maybe you should change to another area in nursing. Outpatient, dialysis etc.

Nursing is a tough field. It can have bullies . If your gut is telling you this isn't a good place, then I would listen. A nurse has a vast amount of fields to work until the fit is right. It is a rewarding field when you have a good fit.

,, if you are not happy and feel anxious there is so many jobs out there do not feel like you're locked in. Also it took me a while but I am in my dream job and I'm happy to go to work. Go find your dream job.

If it's not a good fit, you can't give and do your best. I would go try another unit or option. Sometimes what we think is our dream just isn't a good fit at the time.

Run. Fast. If it feels like micromanaging it is micromanaging. Nurses need autonomy not micromanagement. Protect your energy and find an employer who will appreciate what you bring to the team and respect your time.

I have been a nurse for 22 years and have found there is definitely stress and a down side to every job but you should not feel like that every shift everyday definitely try something else ! I've done it all psych er med surg and actually found I love geriatrics!! It was a complete shock to me but I love it!

It is not unusual to feel stressed as a new nurse . As you know your role affects life and function of others and liabilities for your company so until you have earned trust of your peers / managers they will micro manage you Use this as the time to prove yourself and show them you will thrive and not crumble. Practice as if you are always being watched and you will be safer and more confident in your role. Use this to elevate your skills and confidence.

I know it sucks but if you can finish out your year, you can start traveling based off your experience. If you’re miserable and in a residency program, ask if you can switch specialties.

Yes, if you are unhappy and no longer enjoy your dream job, it’s time to go. Life is too short and as nurse we tend to neglect the effect a stressful work situation and what it does to our health. Put yourself first for once. Money is not always everything and a new will open for you.

Hi there! Nurse of 7 years here. Unfortunately this is likely to be anywhere you go. Some places will be worse than others and it really does cause a huge amount of anxiety. One thing that I noticed is that when I took a weekend option position at my job and starts working weekends there was significantly less micromanaging and more autonomy because other staff members that were there during the week were gone.

If you weren’t a brand new nurse, I’d say leave now, but it could really bite you in the butt for future opportunities…Have you tried to see if you could cut back on hours (until you’ve reached a year)? Regardless, I TOTALLY get it-(just left a job after only 7 mos.), but my advice is to try your best to stick it out for a year and look for a new job in the interim (so you have a new job before you quit that one).

I had the same experience with my second career step. Meet with your manager and discuss your concerns and feelings. Take time to organize your assignment, have confidence in your self, and ask questions. No question is dumb! Stick it out for at least a year, a reputation as a bouncer isn't good. There are very few dream jobs in Nursing, but they are all rewarding. If your hospital has a mentor program look into it, if not maybe you can be the one to start one.

Yes.

Our job ‘s so sensitive and stress ‘s a part of that with knowledge and calm you can manage it !

Do not feel it is healthy to stay n a job that stresses you and makes you unhappy.

A year is not a long time. It will come back to you. I would try somewhere different if you are unhappy. I worked in a few different units before I found my niche. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Good luck.

Anywhere you go you will be a new start ! Give it a little more time !expect for the worst but hope for the best !try to blend into crowd .have a or make a best friend at work

I would first speak to a trusted leader even if they are not on your unit to get so strategies to negotiate what you need. If you are fortunate enough to have that leader on your unit, speak to them. Sometimes the biggest barrier to satisfaction is communication, so that may help resolve your issues.

Hang in there it gets better

There is micromanaging everywhere. Mental Health should be your biggest concern. There are plenty of job opportunities out there.

I wanted to add a potential solution to your question, but not being given enough information makes me have a few questions of my own. Have you been given any orientation as a new nurse? Assigned a mentor?
It’s difficult when you feel so stressed and anxious, it could appear to seasoned staff as a result of insecurity with competencies; thus, the micromanaging which is further causing you to feel stressed and anxious.
You may want to talk with a manager about extending your orientation or since you sound like a new grad getting a mentor. If those options are not available, maybe taking a step back and going to a med-surgical floor, internally transfer, get your training, skills, confidence and then return to your current floor and see if things change.
If things are just as stressful and feeling micromanaged, you’ll know despite the confidence in your skills and knowledge that it’s not a right fit and move on.
Good luck !

If the floor isn’t right for you, it isn’t right. Just because you leave a unit doesn’t mean you can’t go back. Leave on good terms and most likely you can always go back (give them your two weeks, talk to your manager- they will understand and if they don’t, you don’t want to be working there).

You may need to build up to your dream job (if it’s an IMCU or ICU or some sort), start on a med surg and work your way up.

Or maybe you thought that was your dream job and you find something else that it. Shadow other positions and try to get a feel for it. Nursing is a tough job, but it does get easier. Also remember there are so many things you can do with a nursing degree other than bedside- management, chart reviews, legal reviews (work for an attorney). It is endless, I wish you the best of luck.

So a couple of things. First the first year as a nurse can be very daunting. It’s nursing school on steroids with the added pressures of dealing with other nurses who may or may not care about how you’re dealing. In my opinion you can do two things, since this is suppose to be your dream unit, you can tough it out and see if gets better. But I can tell you if you’re unhappy, it’s going to be difficult to really enjoy what you’re doing and grow the way you should . Dreading going into work and watching the clock to run out coupled with massive anxiety while working is not conducive to learning. My other opinion. My genuine opinion is transfer off the unit. Go to another unit where you can possibly have the ability to learn, grow and thrive. Develop your skills more, increase your knowledge in care and then go back to the unit. Every unit have their blunders but I find being confident in your knowledge and skills tends to offset the things happening around you. And if all else fails, you can work for a few years on another unit, get your masters and then become the assistant nurse manage or nurse manager. Then you can make it the unit you know it can be. I wish you good luck. But please always choose yourself and maintain your mental peace at all costs.

Try talking to them , if nothing changes leave , you health and mental state is more important.
Apply to other hospitals for the same unit . Don’t give up not all units are like what you are experiencing.

That will happen everywhere you go. You gotta learn to adjust and overcome it.. You can try remote nursing.

What area of nursing are you in? Maybe a transfer to a different area… I had 42 yeas of nursing,, great career for me but I get the micromanagement aspect…

The fact that you are asking yourself this question is proof you need to at least be “looking”.

I suggest if you are early in your career that you do some serious sole searching to an alternative career. I’ve practiced for decades at different hospitals and what you describe is not likely to be different somewhere else. I’m also a health and wellness coach and what I’ve learned from this is stress is part of life for everyone but spending significant hours in a state of increased anxiety will lead to serious negative health outcomes. Life is too short to choose to stay somewhere that impedes your health.

If you are unhappy with where you are maybe try switching departments if possible. Communicate with your supervisor or HR. You have to find your nitch.

If you have at least 6 months of experience, another hospital will gladly hire you. What state are you in?
Sometimes it helps to transfer to a different unit.

No you should stay where you are and accept the challenge. Lack of experience is the real problem, running away will not help and does not look good when you move to another place. Concentrate on what is important and seek out staff who enjoy their job and don’t mind sharing their knowledge with you. Before you know it the time will go by so fast and you will look back on this time and govern yourself to not be like the people who made your start miserable. I’m speaking from experience 35 years in the field before hanging up my cap.