First week on Unit in orientation...and I am feeling stupid! Is that normal?

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Yesterday was my 3rd day on my unit, a busy Med-Surg with a LOT going on. I have been told if I can work here, I can work anywhere. I am just feeling stupid because even the simple skills are taking me time to remember, like priming an IV bag for a pump and loading it in. I can never remember which way the cartridge goes :( I even had a patient ask me if I knew what I was doing :uhoh3: My preceptors have said I am doing well but I just feel lost with everything that is going on. I do not have my computer or Pyxis logins yet so I just have to watch them chart after we do things.

How they keep track of all the meds and when to hold them, when to call pharmacy and so much more still sends shivers down my spine trying to remember it all. Having to call a doctor or knowing who to call if you need say a swallow study to find out if a patient is aspirating.....:eek:

remembering where to give Lovenox injections, what IV antibiotics can be given together and are compatible?! I am jusr feeling like I am in a whirlwind of information and it isnt really sticking.

Is this normal? I have 90 days of orientation.....just having an "i feel stupid" moment :rolleyes:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Don't let yourself get rattled because it is overwhelming at first which is why you are getting such a long orientation. Keep in mind that there are resources like lists of compatible antibiotics that are made to help you so don't beat yourself up if you don't have that memorized. I bet with each day you will feel more confident because there will be skills you did the day before that you now know how to do! Good luck and congratulations on your new job.

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Don't let yourself get rattled because it is overwhelming at first which is why you are getting such a long orientation. Keep in mind that there are resources like lists of compatible antibiotics that are made to help you so don't beat yourself up if you don't have that memorized. I bet with each day you will feel more confident because there will be skills you did the day before that you now know how to do! Good luck and congratulations on your new job.

Thank you so much :) I will not beat myself up and continue being a sponge.....picking up the new schools and being proud when I do know how to do them!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
yesterday was my 3rd day on my unit, a busy med-surg with a lot going on. i have been told if i can work here, i can work anywhere. i am just feeling stupid because even the simple skills are taking me time to remember, like priming an iv bag for a pump and loading it in. i can never remember which way the cartridge goes :( i even had a patient ask me if i knew what i was doing :uhoh3:

is this normal?

yep. these feelings will go away as you continue to gain work experience.

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yep. these feelings will go away as you continue to gain work experience.

good to know ;)

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Specializes in MS, ED.
yep. these feelings will go away as you continue to gain work experience.

cosign this. i've been working six months in med-surg and i felt that way too, especially in the beginning. trying to decipher the on-call schedules, figure out who to call when a patient has four services signed on and a change in condition, nervously doing skills on patients that i only did once in clinical.....yep, i sympathize, and yes, it gets better!

watch, learn and most importantly, ask questions and always, always, always ask for help or a demonstration if you're unsure. this is the time when you are supposed to ask questions and learn unit procedure! thank your coworkers for their help and patience, and be willing to farm out some skills you want to practice, (just ask around who has skills you can try.) you'll be fine! :hug:

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Cosign this. I've been working six months in med-surg and I felt that way too, especially in the beginning. Trying to decipher the on-call schedules, figure out who to call when a patient has four services signed on and a change in condition, nervously doing skills on patients that I only did once in clinical.....yep, I sympathize, and yes, it gets better!

Watch, learn and most importantly, ask questions and always, always, always ask for help or a demonstration if you're unsure. This is the time when you are supposed to ask questions and learn unit procedure! Thank your coworkers for their help and patience, and be willing to farm out some skills you want to practice, (just ask around who has skills you can try.) You'll be fine! :hug:

Thanks so much! In school clinical I was lucky if I did get to do a skill sometimes at least once. It makes me feel dumb but I know it comes with the territory. My preceptors have been very understanding and patient...and oh I have been thanking them for showing me so much already.

All of the charts, extension lists on who to call, forms for special needs, it goes on and on....but I am not going to let it get me down. I will keep pushing through, asking questions, and having other show me skills! ;)

:hug: to you too!

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Specializes in CVICU/ER.

Don't worry about this heather. It's normal to feel that way. In nursing school you learn how NOT to kill somebody, when you are functioning as a nurse, you are learning how to actually become a nurse. It's overwhelming and the responsibility is very real. It takes time to learn, just keep asking questions, try not to be too hard on yourself and take home something positive every day. I am a new nurse as well, and I still feel inadequate at times. I went straight to an MICU and let me tell you, I was barely treading water. It got better for me and it will get better for you. Good wishes to you.

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Yes, yes, yes. This is normal. There will be times a year from now when you will have that "stupid" feeling. Nursing is such a complex profession. You will learn something new every day. Make the most of the orientation period. Ask questions and don't let anyone make you feel you shouldn't. Seek help and gravitate toward the nurses who do a good job, they are a wealth of information. Most of all be patient with yourself. Everyone has walked in your shoes before and most remember the stress and will help you along. Good luck.

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Thank yall....today's shift went a little bit better. I was able to catch on to things more and felt more comfortable. I wasnt yelled at....thank goodness!

Being a new nurse is a challenge...but it is one I will overcome. :)

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