I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Published Nov 19, 2007

2 Posts

Specializes in nephrology.

It's good to hear that I'm not the only new nurse out there who's struggling! I graduated in August, and began working on a nephrology unit at the county hospital. Most of the patients are extremely ill- ESRD, CHF, liver failure, etc. I'm working with a preceptor at this point. I had several weeks of classes, then began taking patients, starting with one and building up to a full patient load. The very thought of going into work makes me want to scream. I feel like I've just been thrown to the wolves. As I said, I do have a preceptor, but I don't feel that she is actively teaching me anything. She tells me to find her if I have any questions, but sometimes, I don't even know where to begin. When I do ask her a question, she gives me the, "What do you think you should do?" spiel. I know I have to use critical thinking skills, but what's the point of having a preceptor if she's not going to teach me anything? I can handle drinking coffee and browsing the gift shop by myself- I need help with nursing! I've been struggling along, trying to get everything done on time, but it seems there is too much for any one person to do in a twelve hour shift. I am so frustrated, and I feel helpless to do anything about it. All the other nurses on the floor like to give me a hard time because I don't have as many patients as they do- luckily, I have pretty thick skin. Still, I'm sick of listening to the constant flack from them. I wonder every single day what I have gotten myself into, and how I'm going to make it.