Depressed about other staffers

[Justlearning]

I worked so hard to become a nurse. I am 52 years old. I said to my instructors when I left school I hope I know more than I think I do or I am in trouble when I get out there practicing. They told me that I would learn what I needed when I got the facility I was going to work at. Now I am on the med/surg floor of a hospital. I feel lost. I have listened to the staff complain about new personnel asking questions that they should have learned in nursing school. One such staffer stated "I am not here to teach nurses how to be nurses I am here to teach hospital policy". I am now afraid to ask the questions I have. I had a question on where can I find a hospital protocol on seizures precaution. I have asked 3 people, including the vice president of nursing. I have not received an answer yet. I have had 2 seizure precaution pt just recently. I don't seem to be doing well with my time management skills. In my defense the hospital was changing to primary nursing two days after I came on the floor. My preceptors were in tears and when I asked a question they said they did not have time. I had a different preceptor every day. Now I am on my own and don't feel I even know the basics of how to look up what I need to know in the computer. Last two nights I have had 7 pt and I am not able to complete tasks by shift end. Last night I missed an order to remove a foley at 0600 this am. They reported to me that the foley needed to be dc'd this am but no time. I did not have time to check the Kardex. previous shift one hour late giving report put me way behind. I was running all night to catchup. The experienced nursing on the floor were out at the desk on the internet and chatting. The had 6 pt. No nurse manager on our floor right now. I am debating going to VP of nursing. The last person that crossed staff they stated they would "make his life hell" and they did. He is no longer on our shift. I want to be a good nurse. I want to learn what I need to know to accomplish this. I am not learning anything and this is the hospital I wanted to be at. Location good for me. I am so depressed. There is much more but this is to long already. Advice?

[pRNss808]

I'm in a similar situation with majority of the staff. Asking them questions goes back on me feeling stupid. No matter how stupid, I rather ask then to do something life-threatening and potentionally injuring someone. A lot of times, they just answer, "You're supposed to know." Then I end up having to ask another nurse. I feel for you. And it's sad. Aren't we professionals? All we can do is be a good example for those newly coming in. And hopefully, there will be a little change>

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

I never could understand why some nurses were so horrible at welcoming and helping newbies.

After all, newbies are rarely the only caregivers for a patient on a unit. Therefore, if one person goofs up, it makes work for all. Not to mention the fact that if a case ever goes to court, everyone who ever touched that patient is named in a lawsuit.

It really behooves all of us experienced nurses to think of all the patients as our patients. Giving help to the newbie really translates into helping the patient.

[pRNss808]

The problem with the unit that I work on: everyone is out for themselves and themselves only. They're always pointing the finger at someone else. What ever happened to teamwork? Is this where nursing has come to? I didn't get into this profession for the money. I love taking care of my patients. My concern is with my colleagues. I notice that a lot of my co-workers come into work looking grumpy already. At the end of my shift, I had a resident comment how radiant I looked and asked if I were just starting my day. I told her, "No ways! I'm going home!" I never thought that I would be working under this kind of working environment. I've had non-nursing jobs in the past. And I never had a big problem with co-workers or working conditions. It hasn't been a year, but I already dread going to work because of colleagues. As soon as I'm done with receiving report, my passion for nursing and caring for patients returns.

[Footballnut]

Boy, that is a lot! It would certainly be ok to look for another job. This sounds like a stressed environment if the offcoming shift can't give you report until an hour after you are supposed to start working, staff are openly complaining about their up and coming replacements, policies are not readily available, you don't have a nurse manager and your preceptors are in tears. Believe me, there are better situations. Perhaps there are even better situations on other units in your hospital. Sometimes though, the culture permeates from the top down.

But if you want to find a way to work where you have chosen, think about what you would like from your "mentors" and yourself. How long of an orientation did you get? Is it there a possibility of expanding that time? What key points do you need help reviewing? Outside of more orientation do you know what you need to grow in this job? If you can answer that question you can, in time, progress to where you need to go. Go ahead and ask for what you need in a "I am a part of the team" way. Look for a friend somewhere there. You will find someone. It sounds like it will take a lot of effort on your part in this work environment.

Mostly, don't give up on yourself as a nurse. Do what you need to do to do whether it is at this place or another.