Ugghhh, another new nurse...

Nurses Rock Toon

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We've all run into a "new nurse". What's the most memorable experience you ever had with a new nurse? Maybe it was something they said ??? Or, something they did? Good or bad share your story...

I think that many new nurses want to do a good job, want to be successful, but are afraid and beginning to realize the full weight of being a nurse, which of course can be overwhelming and very scary. I think it is the responsibility of those of us who have more nursing experience to try an help (when we can) these new nurses learn their way around this new world. Working in SNF, I oriented many, many new grads (mostly because I don't mind orients, I know lots of nurses hate to precept but usually I don't mind) and I saw lots of new grads grow into 'real' nurses. We need to remember, like LVNOnTheRise said, that we were ALL new once. Not a single one of us entered this field knowing everything, and if we were lucky (I was) we had experienced nurses on the floors willing to guide us and make things a little better that first year.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Vascular Access.

I think every new nurse I've ever precepted for or just observed has that very first "panic moment" at some point. That first time you either are faced with a critical situation that you don't know what to do with, a difficult patient hellbent on making you miserable, or you just have too many things going on at once and feel completely overwhelmed. Most of the cheery nurses I see described by the OP get their cheeriness stunted a little after that first time reality slaps you across the face. For some it will be in the first week or two they're on the floor, for others it will be after they're on their own with no preceptor to back them up.

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I appreciated everyone's feedback on my comments...

My quote..."Really,don't bribe me"...:)

This is really what it meant...The above comment was just in "my head,kept to myself ",and I really appreciated and thanked her for that.I was never mean to a preceptee.I did the very best to my ability to help them get through the whole orientation process,taught them what they need to learn about the job and the importance of doing things right the proper way it should be done.I want everyone to be successful under my preceptorship.I know how the whole process can be so intimidating,scary and stressful for a new nurse,a totally whole new environment,doctors,administration,patients,tons of paperworks,computer charting,manuals,policies and procedures,the list goes on and an impatient intimidating preceptor.I went through all that whole experience and it wasn't fun at all.Thanks for reading...Before I forget,one last thing,it's true,I can't be bribed...

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A few years ago I used to give a neighbor a lift to the subway on my way to work. One day he said he didn't want to come with me anymore as he couldn't abide being with someone who was so happy going to work. I was 20 years into my career at the time, can't get luckier than that.

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I thought this was cute. We've all seen this nurse or been there...

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.

Yep....this was me....The happy, giddy, "I can't believe I'm finally here!" nurse. It wore off after a while but I was ecstatic when I finally finished and started working. I went to school for a LONG time off and on while raising a family, etc. So yeah.....I was pretty jazzed.

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Yep....this was me....The happy, giddy, "I can't believe I'm finally here!" nurse. It wore off after a while but I was ecstatic when I finally finished and started working. I went to school for a LONG time off and on while raising a family, etc. So yeah.....I was pretty jazzed.

Yep that was me too. Most of the time my smile was a coping mechanism. But sometimes I really did smile when I realized my long dream to being a RN was done and I was actually hired and working. But then I realized that my real education was just beginning. Humbling experience. Still is humbling most days. And yes I'm still smiling, for one reason or another.

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Everyone is a new nurse at some point. Accepting the fact that we have all asked a stupid question or two as new nurses should allow us to give them some slack.

My favorite new nurse story is about a friend of mine who as a new ICU nurse was so proud she had weaned her patient off IV nitroprusside and the patients pressure was back up. :cheeky: We all had a good laugh at her expense and then reviewed the reason for use of nitroprusside-something she never forgot.

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Personally, I am so happy that I have a job and doing what I've always wanted to do. Think how horrible it would be for you (if it is getting on your nerves) to struggle through school, years of unemployment/underemployment, student loans, etc. No sorrys here... all you long time nurses don't know what you've got till it's gone!

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I have received comments that I smile a lot. I don't know what else to do. If I didn't smile, I would probably cry or want to beat the living s*** out of something or someone.

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I am a new nurse, Jan. 9th to be exact! I believe the seasoned nurse remembers, that's why they are patient!! I feel like a complete bonehead somedays but I'm guessing that's part of learning and becoming a good nurse. If you don't make mistakes, there is never room for improvement. Somebody said in the comments to get a sense of humor and you will last longer ... I'll take that advice! Here's to new nurses everywhere, CHEERS!

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Amen! I'm in my 30's and had to go through many jobs and many lay offs to decide I needed a CAREER and not just a job. I'm an LPN going for my RN and I feel like I'm finally doing something with my life.

If only I had this motivation when I was 18!

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