I'm having a tough time in Orientation. I tend to doubt myself because of a difficult clinical instructor, I'm older and my first job is in the ICU. My first Adult clinical with critical patients I had an instructor that singled certain students out to "ride like ponies" I was one of them...I'm older and have some doubts about myself when I'm demeaned, put down and made to feel stupid. I'm very self aware but it was hard to overcome this treatment and when two of us complained to the Dean...she basically said what do you want me to do about it? So I graduated with a BSN, passed the NCLEX and have been working on the Medical ICU for a month. My first preceptor was very lax and said things like "this isn't the way you were taught in school", and "if you were a spy I'd be screwed because this isn't how you're supposed to do this." Also the assignments... we got involved patients who were so critical that the preceptor just did everything and when I would ask she would say, "you'll figure it out as you go along" I went to our educator and said I felt uncomfortable with the comments. Then the opposite extreme, I was put with someone who was so anal about charting everything and there was never anytime to go over tasks...I would ask the same thing just to double check because I didn't want to make a mistake. Again, out of 4 days I was with the second preceptor, she was only available to teach me on two of those days. So then I go into work and they've switched me again...the manager and educator have a "talk" with me...."if you don't get up to speed we'll have to decide if this is going to work out. You're going to have to take care of two patients and you have to have an action plan to get yourself together." And they said you've got to stop asking so many questions because it's frustrating the preceptors. I mentioned the fact that the preceptors may not remember what it was like to be a new nurse and the manager said, "Are you blaming the preceptors? You've had two preceptors...maybe it's you who is the problem." So now I'm a month into my orientation and I'm scared to ask a question, I feel like I never should have gone to the educator with my concerns. Also, the next preceptor they put me with, they have already said that she has a difficult personality. It doesn't help that there were 5 orientees that came onto the unit at the same time, the other new RN's have stuck with their preceptors and are having a fine time. I don't feel like I have anywhere to go with this. I will spend the entire day with the educator on my next shift. Another issue, going straight from school to the ICU is a challenge...they used to have us go to the general floor for 3 months to get our foundation and then go to the ICU...that would have helped. I feel like if I ask about checking my Meds they look at me like I have 3 heads. I'm willing to learn and eager to stay on this floor but don't know how to handle this. I feel like my worst qualities are coming out and I feel stupid all the time...now I feel scared for my job and stupid.
I know how you feel. I graduated over a year ago and I am in the middle of a 2 week rotation in ICU before I go to the ER, which is where I was hired for. I never had critical care in nursing school and I am glad for the opportunity to for the experience. But I have to say after 4 straight 12 hour shifts in ICU. ICU or floor nursing is not for me and I very much look forward to the emergency room.
My 1st position as an LPN was horrible. I was on my on the 1st 2 nites and on the 3rd i barely saw the nurse. How do these employers intend on training us the right way when no one cares that you r a new graduate. Yes we long a ginormous amount of information in school but it doesn't cover ur on the job training.
I am currently a nurse assistant student. After reading all the above comments I would like to know what IS the best place for new nurse assistants to work- a place that is slow paced enough to practice new basic skills?
I'm glad things are looking up for you now. Preceptors can make all the difference. I had a pretty good preceptor but I was a little too slow for her, I didnt catch on to things as fast as she wanted me to. I am also a new grad in the ICU and my unit only orients for 12 weeks. I asked for additional time and was not taken seriously. So now I'm off orientation and my first night was a disaster, nurses on the floor knew that I was new but none offered to help me. I dont think ICU is for me because the learning curve is just too steep and I really needed to work on my basic skills, so I am wondering how to get out of this unit without leaving a bad mark on my record.
It is refreshing to read that you aren't blaming your preceptor, former nursing instructors or whoever for what just doesn't sound like a good fit for you. I agree that being honest with your nurse manager, HR or whoever is in charge of reassigning staff at your hospital is important. You will find your niche and hopefully be respected for your mature attitude. Take care.
I think it varies from state to state and person to person. I was a nursing assistant since '99 before I became an LPN. I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for nothing in the world. I live in Louisiana and I chose a nursing home to get started I just love having a bond with my residents and some love the hospital for the fast pace. Whatever you choose good luck........
think it varies from state to state and person to person. I was a nursing assistan since '99 before I became an LPN. I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for nothing in the world. I live in Louisiana and I chose a nursing home to get started just love having a bond with my residents and some love the hospital for the fast pace...
Thanks rserie, I was thinking about working in nursing home my 1st year thinking it may be more slow paced, but my instructor insists that I work in hospital. Do you have any idea what its like working night (3rd) shift? I wanted to make sure I would have time for lpn school during day.
Whatever you do, DON'T STOP ASKING QUESTIONS! You *must* ask questions, as a new grad and beyond. For someone to tell you you ask too many questions and irritate the preceptor is just wrong. I'm glad you're having a better experience now. I am orienting, too (not in ICU, though) and I can see that having a good preceptor makes all the difference in the world. I'm sure I drive my preceptor crazy with questions, too, but my patients' safety depends on my asking what I think needs to be asked.
PACNWNURSING
365 Posts
I know how you feel. I graduated over a year ago and I am in the middle of a 2 week rotation in ICU before I go to the ER, which is where I was hired for. I never had critical care in nursing school and I am glad for the opportunity to for the experience. But I have to say after 4 straight 12 hour shifts in ICU. ICU or floor nursing is not for me and I very much look forward to the emergency room.