Adjusting

[courthousenette]

I am a new grad that just started working in the NICU about 3 months ago. I feel as though I'm being put back in my orientation program based on evaluation from the first preceptor. I'm really feeling frustrated and wondering if this is for me. I didn't have a good experience with my first preceptor who was just a new grad her self a couple months before. I would have preferred to have a "seasoned" nurse orient me throughout my first couple months. Has anyone had this experience before? What suggestions or recommendations. Feel free to PM me as well.

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

I would recommend bringing these issues up to your clinical unit educator, or whoever in management is in charge of your orientation process. There may be some options for buddying with an experienced nurse or something like that, rather than extending your orientation dates...

[courthousenette]

I plan on doing that tomorrow. I have overheard in the unit that there were a few new grads that they laid off because "they didn't make the cut". I really don't feel as though I fit into that category, but without the proper feedback, I honestly have no idea where I stand. After my conversation with the unit educator I will keep my options open and leave room for any dissapointments. Will update.

[NICU_babyRN, BSN, RN]

An RN who was just a new grad a few months ago is NOT ready to precept another new grad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should have a very seasoned RN to precept you!!

Just talk to them and ask if you can be given a resource! But I would also suggest you always ask your questions and perhaps find a resource person each time you work whom you can count on!

[iyqyqr]

I'm saddened to hear that your unit is mentoring new orientees with young new nurses. My unit has done the same the past two years and we are seeing lower customer service scores and gaps in knowledge and frustrated and unhappy new grads who don't feel prepared to be on their own off orientation. When a youngster orients a youngster it is too easy to fall into a 'friend' mentality; rather than make the most of the teacher/student time. An older nurse will push critical thinking more, rather than just acquiring skills. When a unit hires someone, they need her hands, her brain, and her heart. Too often we are seeing only the hands get trained. We're not sure why this is happening on our unit, but we think it is because management and docs want nurses with less brain and autonomy. How sad is that! Here are some suggestions: Ask your unit educator to pair you with a seasoned nurse to fill in the holes in your training. Also, by now you should be able to identify other nurses that you work with who are respected and kind, and direct your questions to them, too. I traveled for a year to 3 top units and with getting only two shifts of mentoring I had to 'get up to speed' quickly! I kept a small notebook where I would write down specifics in words that I could refer back to when I wasn't sure of how to do something. Also, many unit have archived

Neonatal journals around, so read those in your down time. I'm always impressed by a new grad who is using work time to increase her knowledge base. Best of luck and hang in there!

[courthousenette]

Thanks for all the replies. I have since decided to resign from the NICU as I was very unhappy. I will see what the future holds.