Help! Need to Chill Out and Focus!

[whatdoIdonow?]

Hi Everyone!

Frustrated. Embarrassed. Angry with myself. I am letting my nerves get the best of me during my first precepting experiences. Usually I'm a very responsible, organized, independent person but I keep making stupid and careless errors during my orientation when someone is watching me perform skills. For example, at first I kept leaving the med cart unlocked ( I'm in LTC) because I was so focused on getting the meds drawn up correctly and quickly when the preceptor was watching. I never left the cart unlocked when I was allowed to run things myself without an audience. I think I don't take ownership of my cart if I have a trainer present. I notice that once I am given some breathing room, I relax and remember my training and think for myself. Problem is I had to quit one job 7 days into orientation because they were unwilling to have a new grad on the floor and to allow me to train. I was expected to be perfect. (apparently no one read my app or resume or listened when I said I was a new grad, not until after I reported to work the first day.) Because the pressure as so great, I made stupid errors in the first few days. Even though I improved and mastered the cart by day 7, the feeling was mutual that I should go.

Now, I'm training again. Day one. Things were going really well...until I realized I made another careless error. Not a fatal one, but still one that shouldn't happen. If I don't stop this and get over these nerves, I'm not going to have a job...again.

I need help! So advice on things that have helped others get past the training and actually onto the real job! Any advice appreciated.

[BellasMommyOBRN]

This is exactly how I felt (as well as millions of other nurses) while being precepted. It gets easier with time. Once your preceptor starts gaining trust in your skills he/she should give you some breathing room. Just focus on performing a skill correctly at first, don't stress about getting them done quickly. You will feel more comfortable with time. As you said, you didn't work for very long at the last job, and are only on day 1 at this job. That's not enough time to get used to the routine of your unit.

Cut yourself some slack, relax when you get home, and do the best you can :)

Good luck!

[whatdoIdonow?]

Thank you for the reply!

The experience of orientation at this facility compared to the other is like night and day! The nurses actually greet you and are pleasant to work with. The unit manager has taken the time to review med administration procedures. I am safe to ask questions without being abused. They want to be sure I know the correct policy. They offer inservice teaching on a regular basis as well as a whole day of alzeheimer/dememtia training that is worth CEU hours (it's online and fabulous!)

Everyone works as a team. And, no one barks at the residents to "sit down" and "behave".

I'm just PRN right now. But, hopefully their will be hours coming my way