anybody out there?

[hdigh]

I remember in nursing school they told us that nurses eat their young. I kind of laughed and said that yes, I'd heard that. Well, now I know what they meant; someone is trying to bite a little bit off each time I work now. All through nursing school clinicals and most of my orientation in the Burn ICU where I work, people were pretty patient with me, seeming to understand that I am a new grad. But then there is this one. Not even an 'old timer'. She's younger than I am, though has about 5 years of nursing experience. She seems to be a really good nurse, but is so openly rude and impatient to me- lots of eye rolling, snide remarks and not-quite-behind-the-back snarky comments. I think she is unreasonable to expect that I can flow like an experienced nurse and handle our sickest patients without getting behind or asking questions (she is usually charge when she works). Should I, after 3 months, not have anymore questions? It's true, I do ask the same questions over sometimes, but I'd rather ask repeatedly to double check and do the task correctly than not ask and cause damage. But it doesn't matter which I choose because she will tell me I am wrong, she will roll her eyes, she will speak rudely and sigh loudly - in front of coworkers and patients. I am not the type to run and tell; I would like, in fact, to "turn the other cheek"; but my barely-there confidence is waining and for the first time, I am truly wondering whether I can handle working in an ICU. Maybe it IS too much coming right out of school; especially out of an accelerated program. I hate to think of giving up, but I feel like a complete moron most of the time. Should I start looking for another unit?........ and yes, i know i sound hysterical.

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

I loved Burns nursing and I went there after 4 years as an ICU nurse. It took me about 6 months to feel comfortable with the "sickness" of these patients and I was butterfingers when it came to doing the dressings.

3 months as a new grad is no time at all in this speciality and no you shouldn't be confident yet, of course you are going to needs lots of support it is a complex speciality with very sick patients.

We had a 6 month induction and orientation where the expereinced nurses put on formal teaching sessions for us every week. Is there a senior nurse that you can talk to to express your concerns and get some concern, it would be such a shame to give up so early on.

[babybluefeather]

Yes we are out here! Your frustration has been felt before and many times by many nurses. Your issues with this particular nurse is what I refer to as "the one" . For whatever reason there is always one nurse who does these kinds of things to newer nurses. I don't know if it's a insecurity issue with this nurse or they are just burnt out and hate their job. Either way you can not let this one nurse discourage you. If there were several nurses giving you a hard time the problem might be you. (and that's how you would know) If it's just her then the problem is hers. If she is smart and a good nurse then maybe just boosting her ego would help the situation, sometimes we need strokes from eachother. If that doesn't work distance yourself and ask other nurses the questions. Whatever the case don't give up, don't stop asking questions, stay where you want to be until you are ask to leave! I have been working with Burns for some time now and absolutely would not leave and luckily no one has ask me to!

[houstoncprinstructor]

Hang in there. As you get more experience, your confidence will grow. It's a shame that one person can ruin a job. I think that it happens in all fields. When I've run accross people like that, I've realized that they needed to be "handled differently" than everybody else. Giving her the "stokes " she needs might help.

"Thanks for showing me how to..... it's great that you are around to teach me.... I couldn't have ever___ without you being there, etc"

Yes, it's annoying and unfair, but sometimes you have to give peple what they need in order to get what you need.

Every department can have it's difficulties. Don't transfer out. There may be another eye-roller waiting there too.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Hang in there. I do understand how shaky your confidence can be as a new grad.

I have floated to your unit many times (if it is the hospital I think it is). There are many supportive and helpful staff that hopefully outnumber Ms. Nibble Nurse.

As a floater, I do not function as independently as regular staff and do have lots of questions too.

I hear that a lot of new grads are being oriented, staffing is tight and the census is high.

Don't quit now. If you are still unhappy with a year's experience, you will be in a better position to transfer elsewhere.