How can I avoid being the "dumb" nurse at my job?

[niccyfae]

I have been an LPN for about 3 years now, I've mainly worked in LTC and homecare. I recently started a new job and my first day on my own was a complete and utter disaster. I wasn't oriented with the facility so I had no clue where I was going and ended up leaving at 2am when my shift was done at 11pm. I contemplated quitting but friends and family convinced me to stick it out and give it another try. Ever since that first night EVERYONE has been treating me like I'm an idiot. They don't trust me with assignments and they basically second guess and question everything I do. honestly the treatment is starting to make me doubt myself and I feel less confident. With all that being said, what can I do to not be the "dumb" nurse at work? I hate that I feel that I have to prove myself but it might be necessary. Have any of you ever went through an experience like this?

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a horrible first day. What makes you think they are treating you that way? do they offer more help? Do the other nurses hover?

I would suggest trying to be organized. Now that you've been there for a while, are you familiar with where things are located?

I would walk around, look for things etc. Get familiar with your unit. Where are the supplies, where are the list of phone numbers, etc? Organize your med and treatment cart at the start of the shift, load it up!

Make a list and try to organize your shift....ask the other nurses what they do. What works for them?

Being the new nurse stinks and it takes a while to get a routine of your own. Its worse when the other nurses are not working as a team with you and offering help.

[niccyfae]

Hi! And thanks for your response;

I work in a correctional facility so it has been a big adjustment for me. (EMRs a variety of diagnoses and ages, detox, and psych patients) They do not hover over me and they never offer any help even when I'm obviously overwhelmed with something. I always ask for help when I need it, but I always feel like I'm a burden when I do. The nurses ignore me during report; some of them give report only to the supervisor instead of including me. Maybe they think I wouldn't understand the report, I really don't know.

I've taken your advice, I take extra time to organize before I start my job and it has been a lot easier for me.