advice please!

[Juliearn]

Hi! I am a fairly new RN and I feel so completely overwhelmed! I have made at least one mistake every week and I feel like a complete moron every single shift I work. It doesn't help when other nurses talk down to me and make me feel even more dumb than I already do. I was always told that its better to ask questions than not, but when I do I am made to feel as though I am completely incompetent. It's not what is said to me it is how it is said. I have floated to other units that are way easier than the one I work on. I enjoy my unit and 99% of my team, but I do not enjoy leaving every day feeling like an idiot. Is this just me or do others go through this? How can I make a change? Any and all advice will be appreciated!

Thank you

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Confidence and competency will come with time. Focus on the positivity you get from 99% of the team and ignore the bad apples. Ask your questions to the nurses who don't talk down to you. If this is a preceptor problem speak with your manager about your concerns. Most importantly slow down, pull up policies, and focus on the task at hand to avoid making errors. Ask questions.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

There are very few newer nurses who would say that they are 100% confident in their practice 100% of the time. Goodness, seasoned nurses aren't confident 100% of the time.

You are not a moron or stupid, so negative self talk will just make you feel less than stellar about your practice. If you do not know, you need to ask. We are talking about patients who are dependent on your care. Another thought process is to know where to find the information to answer questions--ie: clinical skills references that may be available to you on your unit, drug book, that type of thing.

It will all come together for you. Make use of paper "brains" (use the search function on AN and there's a number to choose from) if you need to look things up, do. Otherwise, don't sweat this stuff. It will come.

Best wishes!

[JenWork]

I a new nurse as well in a SNF and the reality is keep asking questions. I have those days where I feel completely stupid too. it 's better to be cautious and aware of what you are doing then not asking. It will get better in time.