Help! New Job!

[Bandaid08]

I worked my first year as a nurse on a very busy telemetry unit. I thought I would enjoy acute care and wanted to specialized in the critical care setting. After my year's experience, I deceided it was not at the right fit for me. After much prayer, I transered to a nursing facility. It has a nursing home section, a skilled nursing area, and a new rehab wing. I began my two weeks orientation on the new rehab wing. I loved it so much and things were starting to improve for me. The DON decided to no longer offer 8 hour shifts on the new wing, so I was transferred to the skilled section. I had about 5 days of orientation until I was scheduled without my preceptor. Now my preceptor has a very hurt foot and is on medical leave. Because of this, I can't have more orientation with her.

I have been on my own for two days. I feel overwhelmed. I "only" have 7 patients. I feel that I cannot handle having 13 one day. Today I had a very challenging patient and patient's family memeber. One of the more seasoned nurses saw that I was beginning to drown and did not tell me what to do, she just did what needed to be done. I was very grateful.

I don't know if I should request more time with another preceptor. My past preceptor was very nice and compassionate, but very casual in getting things done. I want to combine compassion and efficiency. I tend to stay way past the time my shift ends. I really want to break this habit. Going into overtime is not appreciated and I have a personal life and am working on my Bachelors degree. As a new nurse, I find it so hard to find a rhythm in my day.

On the tele unit, I would arrive 30 mins early to get prepared for my day. I felt as if it still did not help and I would leave late anyways, so I have been arriving right on time at my new job. Tomorrow I am going to try arriving 15 mins ealrly before swiping in to prepare myself for my day. Any other suggestions on how to survive? I really want to learn how to become a very great and strong nurse! Thank you!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

give it time. Ask for help. It takes at least a year before you are comfortable in your own skin. Good luck!