-How do you become better at multi-tasking and prioritization while starting in ICU? I would really like to tap in to the wisdom of seasoned nurses...how is this measured most effectively in the novice nurse (is this an innate ability or how is this best measured?)
-Another question (if you are willing to read on) is how would you suggest someone who is naturally more introverted/ slow to warm type personality blend in to a staff that is clicky and may favor extroverts? Can one make it in icu if more introverted? This is something I have always struggled with...even growing up.... befriending the "in crowd". I was and still am the nerdy/quirky type, even growing up I often dealt with gossiping/verbal slurs ...small rural communities can be that way). But I can sit down and read a medical text book cover to cover and I often find sanctuary with those that tend to be "misfits"...I am fine with talking with patients though....I enjoy caring for them but when I feel an atmosphere is judgmental/ gossipy especially when I need to depend on others to learn... I become very anxious and struggle to reach my full potential (something that is slowing my progress down as a new nurse). I am also not shy to ask questions...but I've been told that by asking questions it makes me look like I don't know what I'm doing/unconfident (to be honest as a new grad in ICU I do not know what I am doing at times...another relatively new nurse does not ask as many questions, meshes well with the staff, and is super confident however, I would be absolutely terrified to have her as my nurse since she is not conscientious with care...but she is very fast). After this experience though I agree med surg may have been better to start however, this is not an option for me unless I pick up my family and relocate and ignore the fact that my husband is doing awesome right now (in terms of gaining valuable experience and meshing with his coworkers).
-Basically how can one that has a hard time with the "in crowd" survive when progress for this particular facility (same rural town) is based off of what others say about you? Is that typically how ppl are evaluated in terms of judging prioritization/multi-tasking in nursing? And also how can someone become better with these skills? Eg. Pt 1 paging you for pain medication, pt 2 on nitro drip and notified that Bp 200/100, pt 3 you're currently in this persons room whose a high fall risk, helping them to the bathroom while the nurses aide is tied up.... And you're to manage this as a new grad independently...any suggestions from seasoned RN's/LPN's?
