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Discussion

Help! First shift questions?

Am a first time NICU traveler and am in a unit with a much higher acuity level than I have experience with. I've been upfront about my skill level and acuity experience but even with that my first shifts assignment was way out of my comfort level...I had a baby with multiple issues/assist devices that I have absolutely no experience with.

I was on orientation, so I had someone there with me but I am on my own from here on out and am not comfortable caring for that acuity level independently. What should I do? There are many other assignments I would be perfectly comfortable with but they gave me one of the few that I am not prepared for...I literally had a minor panic spell at the beginning of the shift and thought about canceling my contract for a brief second.

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    I wouldn't rush to cancel your contract just yet. Take a deep breath.

    Do you feel any more confident after completing the shift that was out of your comfort zone? Do you feel it was unsafe for you to care for that patient?

    In general, I have not heard of many travelers being given the sickest kids on the unit. On my first travel assignment, in a CTICU, I was given some patients with equipment, therapies and diagnoses that I did not have much experience with as I am a PICU nurse. However, I did not feel it was unsafe. I asked questions as needed, made sure in report I asked pointed questions about that which I was unfamiliar. I made sure I knew who and where my resources were, just as if I were on my home unit taking care of a child who I felt was a little above my head.

    It should get better. Perhaps staffing was a challenge on your first day and they didn't have a less critical patient for your preceptor to have while she helped show you the ropes. That's my two cents, perhaps others may feel differently.

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    Thanks....second shift tonight so we will see how it goes.

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