Is it normal to feel inadequate?

Ambulatory surgery can actually be a lot tougher than a hospital OR because their turn-over tends to be REALLY rapid and the cases shorter duration (so you have little time to complete paperwork before the case is over and you have to start again).

I would say that if you have had no OR exposure before, I can understand why you are feeling inadequate - I think anyone would.

If you are new to the environment 6 cases of observation doesn't sound like a lot. Did they expect you to be able to go alone after the 6 cases? How long have they said they expect it to take before you are off orientation?

If they expect that you can watch 6 cases and they fly alone, I would be very concerned about continuing with this employer.

YES! It's normal!

Every time I start a new service, I get those feelings all over again.

I am really having a hard time w/feelings of inadequacy. I've been on the job for 7 months (I'm a new nurse). I feel almost comfortable on the floor (Telemetry/Surg/Medical), but during the next shift report, either the report isn't thorough enough, or I've missed something (not often), but nothing is every perfect for them. I'm not blaming them. I missed an order this morning that I should have questioned, but honestly, I thought it read the way I "took it", but an experienced nurse would definitely question it. I just am feeling like I don't have the "Brain Power" for this profession, and am reminded of that by 1 or 2 nurses on the next shift, often by their disrespect and "snobbiness". I'm beginning to "hate" my job. I feel overworked, over stressed, and under-experienced... and am becoming so affected by some nurses attitudes toward me. Ready to hang it up.

You are OK...It just takes time. I remember when I first started nursing I worked the 11-7 shift on a Med/Surg floor and I HATED when the 7-3 nurse would come in. They would always find something that I didn't do just right. It was horrible. It took me a while to get the hang of things. When I finally got it, I left and went to the OR. I hated the OR at first. I felt like I was on a different planet at first. Then it slowly started getting better. It will get better for you. Don't worry about the attitudes-we all have our issues. Good luck, and keep us updated!