Critical care nursing tips?

[darren_callcareer18]

I recently started in ICU about 7 months now. Personally, I find it enjoyable working in this specialized area until my charge nurses are being brutally critical on my practice. Seems like within those months of working in ICU they kinda expect you will KNOW ALL and be perfect.

Don't get me wrong, I am very welcoming in criticism so I can improve, but in the whole 12 hour shift, all they can find  are things That I Have missed.
From small pity things like, why did I put an infusion pump in the pole in a certain way (Maybe she has Her own peculiar way of hanging it on the pole? IDK)
I used to mentor students before and I always make sure to highlight their strength along with things to improve so they can be motivated and to be encouraged to do better. WHOLE Long 12 hour shift  she always find something. My routine is ruined and even my prioritization. I can’t explain to them much because otherwise they would say I am Being arrogant and not listening and for sure that will be on my evaluation paper (I tried justifying my actions, and they were pissed). So most of the time, I had no choice but to say “OKAY” and do what she says.

It is just so demotivating, stressful, and started to doubt myself if I am really competent or all my nursing experiences are just joke. I am honestly more stressed and tired on my charge nurses than high to my high acuity patient. I cant wait for my day off.

Any tips how to survive and to be better?

 

Thank you.

[John2018]

When dealing with your charge nurses become more exhausting than the job itself, whew! The best thing to do is just to gray rock them to avoid an argument or scene which I think is what they really want from you. I saw in an article on how to handle a situation like this, "Part of what a rude nurse gets out of bullying behavior is the emotional payout of seeing you squirm. Remove that from the equation and they will likely cease to target you."

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

It's hard when people have been given the responsibility and "power" of being in charge without having a real skill for dealing with people. So early in your practice you should definitely be getting a balanced mix of feedback. Are there some things that probably could be improved? Sure, but that's expected seven months in. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do other than what you're already doing, letting the petty stuff roll off your back. You might ask at some point if you can take a few minutes and sit down and then have a couple questions to ask your charge nurse. If the charge nurse sees that you're using the resources you have, there may be less of a feel for butting into your whole day with constant criticisms. This type is behavior is actually more about them than you, so there's not much you can do about it yourself. Good luck!

[EOC, MSN, RN]

Wow, that is poor management. I suggest you find a more experinced nurse on the floor that you get along with, maybe your preceptor and use as a resource. You could reach out to your educator if you have a relationship and explain what is going on. How many "new" nurses are on your unit? There are alot of variables to take into consideration to figure this out.