Will I survive this?

What a fabulous attitude! I would want you on my team any day. Best wishes to you in your career as an RN. You will be great!

I'm currently a nursing student and honestly your story gave me alot to think about. I've worked on a unit that was way harsh on their newbies before and it's awful the way "old" nurses treat their "new" nurses. You're completely right, you can't learn experience in nursing school. If nobody is going to give you the chance to see and learn, then how would you have "known this by now."
I'm sorry that happened to you and I hope you gained confidence and will benefit from those experiences. You made the right decision, best of luck with your new unit.

I think you have a great attitude about everything and it sounds like you put in the effort but it was not appreciated. I think experienced nurses should help new grads rather than make them question themselves and their decisions. Not saying all experienced nurses are like that but I have walked onto a floor where eye contact was completely avoided with me and I became aware of the negative energy within seconds, but I have also met some great nurses who support the inexperienced become experienced. Thanks for posting your story and good luck with your career.

"This job rocks. It's hard as hell, my feet hurt, and it's terrifying. But if it's YOUR mom who is assigned to me, you would want ME as her nurse. My energy and focus is on HER and not what my co-workers happen to think of me that day."

Now THAT's the Nurse I want!

THAT's the nurse I want to be each day....starting as an NA @ 40 and finding alot of the same pitfalls...if you can do it, I can do it!

Thanks for sharing your courage! I emailed your quote above to myself @ work for the tough times, often times I just need to read something like that to refocus.

Be blessed and thanks for your insight!

I just read through the initial thread and the replies. Sounds like you lived the "nurses eat their own" deal. Sorry to hear it. I have to admit that going to a good medical surgical floor first prepares you for many things in the ICU...learning how to do things is the most important. It takes time to learn IVs, to put in tubes, what drugs are which and so on. While you are on the floor, take advantage of educational opportunities like ACLS and so forth. Most places offer a good bit of education. If neuro is what you want ot do join AANN and AACN. Lots of CE stuff out there with both associations and it all adds up. Most importantly, remember this experience so when you see another nurse getting eaten up like this you will be able to fend off the wolves...