[RN2be_07]

So long story short, I'm 9 weeks into a 12 week orientation and I'm 5 weeks away from a possible termination because I've completely messed up my first job. I came in with the wrong attitude and high expectations for myself that have come crashing to a halt. I'm in culture shock at how different nursing school is from the real world. When we were told at school that we were being prepared to be great nurses I believed it. I have only made a bad impression and I feel like I've lost any chance to gain respect.

I came off as an arrogant know-it-all without meaning to. I went in there thinking they expected me to know a lot of things already so I did my best to be that way. I was talked to in April (5 weeks in) that I needed to change, but I tried to blame others and failed to realize any wrong in myself. Four weeks later I made a medication error, I fessed up to it and felt horrible for doing it. No harm was done to the patient, but I knew I had made a bad mistake that couldnt be undone. I was talked to again and given my final chance. I have 5 weeks to get my act together or I'm probably gone. After thinking this through and going to see my doctor and talking to the nurse retention lady at work, I realize my mistakes and I feel horrible.

I want to make this right. I want to do better. I need to talk to my manager and preceptor and tell them I was wrong and I'm sorry. That is very hard for me to do since I dont usually have the humility to such a thing. I realize it is what I need to do though.

I just wanted some advice from experienced nurses about what I should do and how I can work on fixing this. I want to be a part of the team and I dont want to make mistakes and hurt any of my patients - I love my patients and I would hate for anything to happen. What do I say and do to fix this? Please help!

[dansingrn]

I want to make this right. I want to do better. I need to talk to my manager and preceptor and tell them I was wrong and I'm sorry. That is very hard for me to do since I dont usually have the humility to such a thing. I realize it is what I need to do though.

You said it all right there. Honesty with humility is the only way to appeal to your manager and preceptor. An open heart and mind is the only way to succeed in your current position. It may take awhile for your other co-workers to believe your sincerity, so you must be consistent every day as you truly pursue your best. Continue being humble, respecting the experience of others and genuinely seeking to learn from them. Good luck to you, you have already jumped the highest hurdle - realizing your mistakes and admitting them, and realizing what you need to do.
Hang in there! Some day in the future you will doubtless be helping other new grads through similar situations, and you will be the one with the experience and advice.

[JunebugRN28]

I agree that having a heart-to-heart with your manager and preceptor is the best thing you can do. In most situations, people truly appreciate this and may even begin to respect and trust you more for it. This must be a very difficult situation, but know you will get through it. Also, think about how much this has taught you about yourself and what you have learned for new situations. I think that it is great that you have taken a look at the situation and realized what has gone wrong on your end. It takes a strong person to be able to do that. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[Marysjrfan]

I can't think of anything to add to what has already been said. Th two responses you got nailed it.

[lisab82]

as everyone said you realised the mistakes you made and have admitted them, and it will take time for your colleagues to show that but if your are committed to this and show in the 5 weeks left you can change hopefully that will be enough for your boss.

we all make mistakes we are only human after all, but in a few years you will look back on this and im sure it will make you in to a much better nurse for it.

i seen a lot of newly qualified nurse since my qualification three years ago, and the ones that come out of nursing school thinking they know everything or pretended to are the ones that make mistakes.

Your newly qualified and your colleagues dont expect you to know everything none of us do and the day with think we know everything there is to know then you should give up nursing.

the best thing you can do is try to be part of the team ask question if you don't know something ask , im still asking senior advice and ive been qualified three years id rather my seniors say tome that i was right than be wrong.