Advice for new nurse

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 5, 2007

I am a new nurse on the surgical floor at my hospital. We generally take care of 3-5 pts. a day. I work really hard to do things right but feel like I'm not doing things right. I've worked at this hospital 3months.When I get home I sit there and think, "Did I fill out that assessment paper correctly, did I give the last nurse everything in report." Im completely frazzled. I can't even go to bed at night without thinking about work. Sometimes after 3days off Im dreading going back to work on Mon. I just feel like some of the other nurses are picking on me. I know there not, just being helpful. I do ask questions when I don't know things and I look things up if I dont know. There are some nurses that I feel like are constantly asking me if I have done something for my patients that I feel like I have done, and then will say "oh im sorry Im not trying to be bossy." I always say "no your being helpful thank you but it makes me feel more incompetent. Can any of you seasoned nurses give me some advice.

I have been a new nurse working in a clinic for a year and I still feel like I am ineffective at times. But to answer your question, I would try and think on how my co-workers are speaking to me. If they seem to be nice and are honestly trying to give suggestions, then consider it as a blessing, because they can just as easily contact the supervisor and make life difficult. On the other hand, if some of them are actually picking on you, I would probably have a chat with some of them in a group and state that I am still relatively new, there are some steps I tend to forget and I am asking for input so that I can improve my practice. Also have this conversation with the nursing supervisor so that they will at least see your interest and can tell that you don't mind constructive criticism.

caliotter3 · Jul 5, 2007

You can pick up the true intentions of the other nurses by their behavior. For the ones that you think are really trying to be helpful, be thankful that they are being helpful and willing to offer their assistance. For those that you believe have ulterior motives, then take the advice that pagandeva2000 offers and at an appropriate time (don't wait too long) have that talk with the nursing supervisor present. You want to cut these people off at the pass, because you don't know whether or not any of them are making comments or complaints about you behind your back. Lots of times, supervisors will ask an employee how is it going with so and so and you don't know what the other person will answer. Take some time to objectively evaluate your performance and take any steps you feel you need to take to improve your work. Be ready for any meeting with the supervisor or for your evaluation. Have some concrete areas and steps taken to remedy in mind so that you can present yourself positively. Good luck.