Bogged down

[gaonsi]

I started a job in an icu a week after I passed my boards. I'm now regretting my decision. I understand that the first year is supposed to be the hardest, but this is almost unbearable. My floor is in the midst of massive turnover and I walked in right in the middle of it. My orientation was cut short. Overall I wonder if I made the right decision. Some days I'm scared for my license and for my patients safety. After talking with my old peers, I realize that we are all struggling but it seems like I'm taking the hardest hit. I'm just very discouraged that I'm stepping into a profession that's full of frustration, safety concerns, and headaches. Add to that we are also responsible if being aware when our residents make mistakes with orders. There are things that I just don't know. Sometimes the job is very fulfilling. Most of the time, it's not.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

So sorry you're caught up in such a negative situation. Starting out as a new grad in a specialty unit is enough of a challenge - without all the drama you are having to cope with. I may be reading too much into your post, but it seems as though you aren't having any major issues with co-worker support... so don't hesitate to call upon your more tenured colleagues for advice and assistance when needed. Hopefully, the high turnover is just a 'blip' and things will even out eventually.

I also want to comment on your feelings that your license is in peril. It is a widespread "doom&gloom" scenario that makes everyone shake in their boots - new grads are especially vulnerable. This is just not the case. Make sure you are very familiar with your state's nurse practice act, including all the do's and don'ts. If your state has a 'safe harbor' process - make sure you understand how it works and how to use it. Basically, none of us will lose our licenses if we do not deliberately violate our nurse practice act rules & regulations.

For instance, if a physician resident commits a medication error by writing the wrong order - YOU are not responsible for his/her error. However, if you see the order and KNOW that it is an error, you do have an ethical & professional obligation to take action.... and you could be in violation (of your NPA) by failing to take action. But, you are not the only person with the same obligation.. it is also the responsibility of the pharmacist who receives the order, the residents chief, etc. The burden is not yours alone. We're all in this together.

[gaonsi]

Thank you for the advice. I will look into my states npa. In due time I think I'll get more confident and build a thicker skin.