frustrated that I am still on orientation...it feels like groundhog day

[belindalou]

I started my new job in late June on a tougher unit. Normal orientation is 6-9 weeks and I am almost on my 4th month. I do work on a tougher unit and for some reason some things just aren't clicking. I could have interviewed to switch to another unit, but really love the department I am working for. One of my road blocks is passing a basic arrthymia course. I switched from a more acute floor to a lower acute floor of the same department. This seemed to help but I will probably be on orientation for at least another month. I feel I can work on my own, but still want the security that someone is there. Is it normal to feel this way?

[Dinsey]

I have a few weeks left in orientation and I hear you.

I think it's completely normal to want your personal safety net. This is a scary thing, isn't it? But here's the deal, and this is what helps me sleep at night - even when someone isn't assigned to you, the nurses in your area are still able to answer your questions. You can still get support from your NM and CE.

I don't think we'll ever "feel" ready. We'd never choose to leave the nest, so they have to push us out. Worst scenario, you could end up back on orienation.

But you can't have a preceptor your entire career. If you have concerns, you can always talk to your NM or CE.

[Triage24]

I have been in nursing 15 years. Have background in CCU, and ER. Have been a Hospital Nursing Supervisor twice and Med/Surg manager. What you are going through is normal. If i had a dollar for everyone I have seen in your shoes, including myself, I could retire. The first step is to relax, learn what you can and remember that the experienced nurses were at one time where you are now. Learn the rythms one at a time. It starts with Sinus Rhythm and ends with Asytole. Then build from there. Add Sinus Brady, and Sinus Tach. Now try a few blocks. on and on from there. Don't make it any harder than it has to be. Sign up for any rhythm courses. Look them up on line, easy to find on google. If you like what you are doing you will do fine. Tie in with a nurse you trust and are comfortable with. You can learn a lot from them. Everything is not always learnt from a preceptor. Make sure you and the preceptor click well. If not ask for another one. Remember you staretd late June, some of them have done this for years, Don't compare yourself to them. Good luck to you. :)

[belindalou]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I guess I am used to picking things up so quickly that I thought I would have an easier time at it than I am. Its hard to take that perfectionist out of me sometimes I guess.