I am an RN but am NOT getting training. HELP!!

[kwagner_51]

I have been working on the unit since July as a GN. I passed boards on Oct. 3. :balloons: :balloons

We were short a nurse Wednesday night and the NM said I could have a few patients but that the other RN would have to co-sign my work. The other RN flat refused to allow me to take the pts because she would have had to assess them and pass all their meds. I didn't blame her. It was her [and my] licenses that were on the line.

I called the NM to find out when I will be taking the hospital training for new nurses and she said she didn't know, but that I could just continue to do what I have been doing, which is practically NOTHING!!

Right now I am allowed to do assessments [with another RN in the room with me]

Change dressings

QC the accucheck machines, and do accuchecks

Answer call lights and take pts to the bathroom, set them up for their baths, help the Cna's and chart on my pts.

I am NOT allowed to give meds, hang/start IV's, hang blood. I don't know how to hook up a pump for the IV's, I haven't been taught how to use the computer to scan the meds.

I feel absolutely USELESS!! I am an RN in name ONLY!! The night shift needs me to be an RN not a glorified CNA!! Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE helping my patients and I love answering the call lights. I find it enjoyable. I don't even do vitals, the cnas do that.

So I guess my question is: After you passed boards when did you start your nurse training?

I have had no training. i went to hospital oreintation for 2 days and then I was on the unit!!

Please advise! Is my NM dragging her feet?

Thanks!!

[nunurs05]

Consistency is a good word to use. I have talked to the NM about continuous-weekly changing my preceptors, because the preceptor is the charge nurse for the day. I feel like I'm definately being put to the test, because it stopped once I went to night shift, now their doing it to me again. They (staff nurses) are pretty upset and rumors flying that I've asked for a different preceptor. Why can't they respect consistency with the same RN-is this something they would fire me for? I've been told I'm doing alright and my documentation is good, but worry because I don't feel they were prepared for me to start as my schedule has been crazy:uhoh3: The other GN has had the same preceptor for her whole orientation--I don't get it?? Thanks for listening to me vent & god bless

[APP]

By all means, keep after the NM for training, and start looking for another job if that seems appropriate, bit in the meantime, learn as much as you can: all those things you are not allowed to do yet: do you know how to do them? If not, watch, ask questions and take notes. Find the most helpful nurses and CNAs and, when things aren't too busy, ask them to show you the things you are not yet allowed to do. Get them to show you how to use the computer.

As for the 'misdeeds' and rumours, forget about finding out who is saying these things: do not say 'These are lies; to your NM. Treat these as 'Areas for improvement' and ask your NM what you need to do to demonstrate improvement in these areas. Keep a notebook handy and document the things you do so you can show her how many times you've cleaned up poop etc. Ask for a weekly review of your 'Areas for improvement' and your notes. If people are lying this will make it apparent without you looking like you are making excuses or calling co-workers liars.

This approach will make it clear you take any criticisms seriously and genuinely want to improve your performance.

[luvmy2angels]

I was in a similar situation, except I am a LPN graduate. I was being trained and checked off on procedures by a PCA, (a little demeaning in my opinion), anyways I had yet to do any "real" nurse stuff when they informed me that on the weekend I would get an assignment and work as an aide!!! I called my NM and quit right there, they were taking advantage of me and I had put up with enough. I have some interviews scheduled tomorrow so hopefully I will find a better position with a better employer!!