New to hospital environment

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone, I've been struggling with what to think about my current situation and wanted to know if anyone had any advice or recommendations.

I've been an RN for almost four years in homehealth and psych. I have started working PRN at an LTAC as my first hospital job since nursing school because I'm wanting to continue learning for future hospital jobs and hopefully go back to school for a masters. I have no hospital experience prior and have had 4 precepted shifts (2 floating with my preceptor on another floor and 2 on my floor). After I finished those I was on my own, but I needed a nurse to come help me half way through my shifts on my own because I was "drowning." I feel like I'm always asking basic skills questions because I want to make sure I'm understanding the procedure and steps correctly, but in a hectic environment it takes a while to get someone in to help me. On my days off I read up on unfamiliar procedures and meds, to feel more comfortable when I go in. I feel like I'm missing education and skills, but have been told that I was lucky to have received 4 precepted shifts.

So my question is, should I look for a refresher nursing program to help fill that education void, stay where I'm at because it'll hopefully get better with time, or should I apply to a larger hospital with an internship program for new nurses? I don't really know what's out there or have connections with other nurses due to working alone in homehealth, so would appreciate any advice. Thanks so much!

Lucky to get four prevented shifts? My hospital allows for three months under a preceptor with the ability to get off orientation if preceptor and nurse manager feel you're ready to be on your own. I'd say you got the shaft, especially since you're essentially a new nurse where hospital environment is concerned.

I'd request more orientation time, or if that's deemed "impossible" due to staffing needs, request to come shadow a seasoned nurse on your day off.

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