Really getting nervous now! Did I make a big mistake?

Specialties CCU

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Specializes in Med-surg, Critical Care.

Ok, so I have accepted a transfer into the CCU, will start in about 5 weeks. I have been an RN a little over a year, worked open heart stepdown 3 years total, (2 as a tech). I have my ACLS as well. Well, just a bit ago I went down to put my days on the blank schedule to orient. One of the older nurses introduces herself and as we chat she asks how long I've been a nurse. When I tell her, she replies, "Oh, I thought we were getting someone with experience." Well, I DO have experience, just not years of it! Doesn't my year on stepdown count for something?

So afterward she was very nice, welcomed me to the unit. But it kinda made me nervous! Maybe I SHOULDN'T be here. I mean, I KNOW I am a fast learner, and I DO have experience with vents, complex IV drips, and central lines. But I do not want to go to this unit just to have nurses who try to make me feel inferior because I am confident in my ability to provide safe patient care. I know I have a lot to learn but come on, its not as if I am fresh out of school with no clue about how to do anything. I am the one a lot of my co-workers on the floor come to for IV starts and even some questions. I am in graduate school as well part-time. I wanted to work CCU to gain additional nursing experience and expand my knowledge base and skills. Plus, I have three nurse friends from school who work here.

Sorry this post is so long. Just a vent. I am rethinking maybe I don't belong with all these alpha personalities. Any thoughts? Anyone felt this way before going into critical care? How do you deal with these comments and having to prove yourself to these nurses? I just want to come in and take care of my patients, not have to worry with "proving" myself to my co-workers. I think I proved enough with passing boards and continue to "prove" my competence as a nurse each day I come in and care for my patients. Sorry, just a really long vent.....:angryfire

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I wouldn't lose any sleep over that comment. If you want to work CCU, don't let that stop you. If you are as good as you say you'll soon gain the respect of your peers.

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Specializes in ER, OR, Cardiac ICU.

Bluestar hit it right on the head- I think you are reading more into the comment then you need to be. A bit of apprehension & anxiety will make you a bit sensitive and hyper-alert. I would imagine you will be on orientation for at least a month or two, so come in ready to learn and be 'teachable'!

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Specializes in Med-surg, Critical Care.

Ok, thanks for the replies. I guess I am just nervous.:o I think I DID read a little TOO much into her comment; she was very nice afterward, I don't think she meant to be insulting. I am really looking forward to this transfer but I am nervous at the same time, but in a good way. I am excited about learning more and I really want to make a good impression on my co-workers and give good patient care. So we'll see...I still have another five weeks before my transfer is effective; have to finish up the schedule on my current unit first.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Sounds like you are prejudging the nurses in the unit and looking for an excuse not to take the transfer. If you are as confident as you claim and are willing to learn without labeling your co workers you will do fine. Sounds like you need to do some deep soul searching. Good luck with your decision.

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Specializes in M/S/Tele, Home Health, Gen ICU.

Just remember every ICU nurse started out with no ICU experience. It sounds like you're ready and willing to learn and eager to expand your knowledge. That coupled with a good orientation to ICU should get you off to a great start in ICU. Welcome to ICU:)

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Specializes in Med-surg, Critical Care.
Just remember every ICU nurse started out with no ICU experience. It sounds like you're ready and willing to learn and eager to expand your knowledge. That coupled with a good orientation to ICU should get you off to a great start in ICU. Welcome to ICU:)

Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes it helps ease the anxiety of a new transition by remembering that. I am very excited and looking forward to this new challenge! It will be an adjustment but I am up to the task and can't wait to expand on my nursing skills and knowledge.

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i started as a new grad in the cvicu. i did have people tell me that i might want to get experience on med-surg first....and all the icu nurses told me if i wanted icu to start icu.

my third week precepting i was put with an rn who was totally old school. she spent the entire morning telling me that i should not work in icu, and i should go at the end of the day and turn in my transfer to the manager. not becuase i was incompetent or unable to learn but because i was a new grad. i spent only one day with her, talked to my manager and requested not to ever have her again. only you know what u are capable of. to those who say u can't smile, nod and prove them wrong by asking tons of questions.:specs:

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Specializes in LTC/PCU.

Hey don't sweat it - I just signed on to work CCU and have absolutely NO experience. I have been working geriatrics for 15 years- If I can do this at 40+ years old you can do it!!!! It's all in the attitude- GO GET 'EM!!!!!!

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Specializes in Med-surg, Critical Care.
Hey don't sweat it - I just signed on to work CCU and have absolutely NO experience. I have been working geriatrics for 15 years- If I can do this at 40+ years old you can do it!!!! It's all in the attitude- GO GET 'EM!!!!!!

Thanks for your encouragement. I start in about three weeks. I am really looking forward to it; not quite as nervous now, just anticipation I guess. Good luck to you as well!

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Don't let the comment bother you, I started out in ICU 3 years ago as a new grad. I feel comfortable now, just takes a little while, just be patient. You will do fine.

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Specializes in ortho, critical care, cardiac.

Lovern,

You'll do fine...relax!! In my CCU, we have oriented several new grads over the past couple of years and they have ALL turned out to be very competent nurses. Just be sure that you get the orientation you need...and you'll always have your co-workers as resources. In my unit, we always work together for the good of our patients - the old 'no I in team' philosophy. Good luck!!

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