Published Apr 14, 2014
Iwander
23 Posts
Hey everyone! If you read any of my previous posts, you know that I'm a new grad who lost my first job (ICU) after only making it through orientation. I have now been offered a med-surg job at a different hospital on an ortho floor. It will be very busy and I am terrified, however I feel that I need to take it. It's been 3 months since I've been unemployed so I feel extremely rusty.
I'm scared! I have anxiety issues so my prayer is that I will make it through this time. It is also day shift so it will be even busier as I learn to have multiple admissions and discharges. HELP!
So this is mainly a vent about how nervous and yet excited I am. I feel I must try. I need so much help and will start orientation next week assuming I accept the job. Any advice before then? Such as time management skills, priority, how to be in charge of a nursing assistant when I feel they have better skills than I do!!!! (Must be a leader even though will feel like hiding under a rock on the inside). Thank you allnurses for being so awesome!
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
Congratulations on bouncing back so quickly!
Rather than thinking of yourself as 'being in charge' of a nurse assistant, I would encourage you to frame the relationship in terms of a collaboration - with each of you accepting accountability for performing tasks within your own scope of practice as well as working together to accomplish things that require two people. You can learn a lot from an experienced nurse assistant, particularly when you take the time to acknowledge his/her expertise and develop an open and trusting relationship.
hope3456, ASN, RN
1,263 Posts
Not sure if it had anything to do with why you lost your first job but maybe get some help for your anxiety - medication, counseling ect. PRN Xanax made a world of difference for me.
Also get out your anatomy and med surf books and study up/review on the musculoskeletal system and post OP care of ortho patients.
Thank you! I took anxiety medicine in the past during nursing school and I didn't take it often enough. At the end of nursing school I abused the trust of my prescriber due to depression so now I feel I won't be able to actually be prescribed anything even though I probably need it . I went through the ICU experience with NOTHING. Lol. And thanks for reminding me that of course I'm collaborating with the nursing assistants and everyone on the team, maybe that will help