New grad not ready for new grad program - where to go from here?

[RNenthusiast]

I graduated May 2011 with an associate RN degree from a school with a good reputation. I graduated with honors and did well in clinicals and had always been given positive feedback. I finally got my first bedside nursing opportunity with a hospital that has a new grad program. I have not even been there a month and I am getting feedback from a preceptor that maybe this isn't for me.

From the beginning, I have been upfront about my this being my first job. I am training on a floor where I won't even be working and it is a busy tele floor. I was not hired for a tele unit.

I have attempted to engage in conversations regarding the patients I am assigned to so that I keep moving forward. When doctors orders come in I have trouble: reading their writing, knowing how to proceed with patient tests that I have never been exposed to before, etc. There isn't enough time to look up everything on my own and reasearch it then and there. I attempt to initiate discussions and guidance on how to proceed but with no real success - they have said they don't have time to follow me to see where I am going awry and guide every move. It takes a while to go through chart checks and look up unfamiliar medication- afterall I am new!

I am unfamiliar with hospital lingo and flow of chart on floor and there has been inadvertent miscommunication about a variety of things. When I attempt to clarify, I can see the impatience in eyes. I never said I know how to deal with heart PVCs or that I could quickly get a patient ready for testing for a possible PE - I am new!

The person who hired me seemed happy with my attitude and stated that she could teach me anything, but I haven't seen her since orientation.

The atmosphere is that instead of rallying to support me, I feel that the preceptors have already considered me a lost cause. I am not progressing fast enough and I will be the first to admit that I have a ways to go - I am new! These preceptors have done this enough before so obviously they have some major input on my future and see some apparent gaps.

What is a new grad to do - especially an older single parent that put everything on the line and needs to work now. Most jobs here want at least a year experience.

All input welcome - especially ones that have positive alternatives for new grads in a non bedside working capacity - afterall they could be right about my abilities.

[mindlor]

Look for a new place....

Does not sound like such a good environment.....

[sauconyrunner]

It does not seem like a good fit for you. Firstly, I would contact whomever is in charge of the New Graduate Program at your facility. Set up an appointment with this person so you will have their undivided attention. Explain how you are feeling, and your frustration. Your preceptor should have time to follow your every move, and help you learn to handle different things. You may also have to take some responsibilities and look up common meds at home, and read some articles to help. Your preceptor should be able to provide you with a list of common meds, and some articles.

It is possible that they can move you to an entirely different unit, or switch up your teachers. But you need to let someone know beyond the person you are working with. Remember just because they are a preceptor does not mean they are all that good at it.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

I think internships are great (or new grad progams) but we have finally convinced them that it is hard to orient on one floor and be expected to work another! They still take ours out on adult floors (keep in mind we are in NICU) and they waste time on things that have no bearing on what they are going to be doing with us.

That being said....you need new preceptors...if they don't have the time for you, you need to speak up and get out. It is not fair to you. I would schedule a meeting with whomever is in charge of the new grad program and tell them exactly what you posted here. If they don't fix it I'd find a way to get out of there.

[caliotter3]

Start looking for a new job now, before the axe falls. But that does not mean you should throw up your hands and give up. Give each shift your best. Try to survive and try to learn something new each shift. Try to make it. Plan for each paycheck being your last, but don't just settle.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Just because someone is a preceptor doesn't mean they can teach. I am surprised that you are so independent when this is a new grad program. I suggest that you talk to whomever is running this program, educator, and your boss. Tell them of your frustration. if the person who hired you can teach you anything then where is this person. Don't come down so hard on yourself when you are swimming against the current. That first job after graduating is tough enough and then not working for almost a year even tougher. To be confronted with preceptor who refuse to teach......makes it almost impossible for you.

The first year out of school stinks. you are overwhelmed but it does get better. I remember the sinking feeling when patient was in trouble with chest pain I turned to go get the nurse and I realized that I was the nurse. I remember vividly crying in my car on the way home never thinking I'd ever "get it". Wanting to quit more times than I could count. :hug: it will get better.

There is a forum first year after graduation. First year after nursing licensure for nurses | nursing students we're here for you to vent and blow off steam or ask any questions. You can pm me if you wish. Organization can really help you get your ducks in a row.

[OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN]

Thanks so much Esme. I'm going to print those out, this will work for ICU.

[RNenthusiast]

Thanks all.... My brainsheet wasn't suitable for this job and I will try these various ones submitted. Thank you for the heads up for the 1st year student postings - think I will be accessing it!