[ArmyWife,RN]

Hello!

I don't have a lot of time because I need to leave for work, so I'll make this short.

I'm a new grad RN in a small ICU. I was hired along with 2 other new grads. I don't consider myself dumb, but I know I'm not the quickest to pick up things either. My question is, do some people just "get it" faster or better than others? One of the new grads I work with is already taking new CABG pts while I am still being given two (or three) IMC or Tele status pts. I can't say that I feel ready to take new CABG pts, but I can say that it is a blow to my pride. (before anyone says it, I know nursing isn't about pride, but it hurts)

I am begining to think I'm in the wrong place, but then I think that "God doesn't give us what we can't handle"

Thanks in advance for reading and responding.

A.W.

[jnette]

(((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))) Army Wife.


I can understand your frustration. Don't make the mistake of comparing yourself to your colleagues.. this will only serve to frustrate you further, and cause you to doubt yourself, your abilities, and lose your confidence.

Instead, take joy and pride in those accomplishments you have MADE so far. and accept only those responsibilities with which YOU are comfortable !

Yes... as individuals we all learn and grow at a different pace, and that is OKAY !!! The important thing is the safety of our patients... not how fast we move ahead.

If you fear that you are "falling behind" or not keeping up, you might ask a fellow colleague or instructor for a bit of input and/or tutoring time on some issues that might be holding you back.

But hang in there. Those who take a bit longer to "get it" as you say, do QUITE WELL once they "get it" !

I'm one of those, and once I get it, "by George, I've GOT it" !!! and there's no stopping me !

[RoxanRN2003]

Originally Posted by ArmyWife,RN

Hello!

I don't have a lot of time because I need to leave for work, so I'll make this short.

I'm a new grad RN in a small ICU. I was hired along with 2 other new grads. I don't consider myself dumb, but I know I'm not the quickest to pick up things either. My question is, do some people just "get it" faster or better than others? One of the new grads I work with is already taking new CABG pts while I am still being given two (or three) IMC or Tele status pts. I can't say that I feel ready to take new CABG pts, but I can say that it is a blow to my pride. (before anyone says it, I know nursing isn't about pride, but it hurts)

I am begining to think I'm in the wrong place, but then I think that "God doesn't give us what we can't handle"

Thanks in advance for reading and responding.

A.W.

Truthfully, yes, some 'get it' faster than others. That by no means means you are dumb. Maybe the other grad has other experience they are drawing on. Are you still on 'orientation?' Even if you aren't, talk to your director to see if you can do some 'precepted' patient care with the higher acuity patients. Above all, have confidence in yourself!!! If it still doesn't seem to work, it's okay to go to another unit/floor.

[nurseboudin]

My pharmacology teacher once said that new nurses can be dangerous, because we "don't know what we don't know." I think you should feel good about recognizing what your current knowledge base is, and the fact that you can identify your weaknesses makes you a better nurse. The learning process isn't over just because you've graduated, and I think you will look back and realize that being cautious will get you much further along than biting off more than you can chew. We will all make mistakes at one (or many) points in our careers. If there is something that you want to take on, spend the time learning how to assess the special needs of these patients and when you feel ready, you will know.

My advice is to take your time with the patients you have - learn everything you can with every new situation. Don't push yourself too fast... being hasty can hurt someone... or worse.

It's very fortunate that you can honestly say that you are unprepared for a certain patient population. Because you know you CAN prepare for them. And when they are finally in your care, they will get appropriate interventions from a well-informed, competent nurse. We aren't taught everything there is to know in nursing school. The one thing new grads lack the most is experience. We can only gain experience over time.

Best of luck and I hope things go well with you!

[NurseyBaby'05]

I have to concur with the other posters and boy do I feel your pain. I just finished my first week off of orientation and got my a** kicked. I had crazy assignments that would make an experienced nurse get a little behind. Combine that with the fact the I'm a new nurse and I was very behind. I was 7A-7:30P and did not get out of there until 10:15. My assignment wound up being broken up between 4 people and all of them needed report. Got done with report at 8:15 pm and only then started to chart. I try not to leave it until the last minute, but it as just that kind of day. There's another new nurse on my floor that started at the same time as I did and she sometimes questions me in report with that condescending edge in her tone that just makes me want to scream. "Aren't you done yet?" "Are you still doing that?" I've had to sort out a few clusterf**ks she left because she was too busy rushing and did not pay attention to what she was doing. There's nothing wrong with being careful and knowing your limitations. It can be dangerous if you don't.

[ArmyWife,RN]

Thank you all for your replies! It helps just to be able to come here and talk to others who understand.

A.W.