This is my first post here, maybe someone can give me some advice. I started working as a new grad in the ICU this summer and was so happy! All of my efforts led up to being an ICU nurse. Not to use as a stepping stone for something else, but to actually BE an ICU nurse. Now, I realize that staff will have to deal with my mistakes for a while. And for the most part, everyone has been helpful and understanding when I seek their advice. But there are a few people that seem to make extra effort in making things difficult for me. One nurse simply flies through report, saying she has kids at home to get to. When I ask her questions, such as "looks like her abx has been running for more than 24 hours. Is there a reason for that? She simply blows me off... "I'm not sure. But you can figure it out newbie" while she grabs for her coat. Another nurse, who has been there for many years, insists on calling me "little girl". I absolutely HATE that. It's so condenscending!! Who in their right mind wants a little girl looking after them while sick in the icu?? And here she is, addressing me in this manner while yelling across the unit. As mad as it makes me, I smile and tell her "I know you really like that nick name, but please don't call me that. It's demeaning". She always responds along the lines of.... "Well, I call everybody that", "you're just so young", "well, I'll be 62 years old on fill in the space", or she continues on working as if I haven't even spoken. Plenty of little things like this happen regularly. And it seems the expectation is to just "suck it up and deal with it" because I'm new. Otherwise, I'll be one of those nurses who whine and complain. Everyone else around me can be as opinionated as they like, and they brush off their mistakes I find when picking up their assignment. Perhaps it's because I ask about it by looking for clarity, not looking for someone to "catch". But you best believe if I have a mistake, its a write up. Thankfully, I have a supportive manager who seems to be fair, and I am getting close with other coworkers. They realize that although I'm not loud, I do well with holding my own assignment and trust I'll come get help when needed.
My problem is the lack of respect from these few. And I don't know how to go from here without becoming a tattletail. Just because I am new to the RN role does not mean I am new to all things. At it's better for us all to realize that we are peers now... I'm no longer orienting, and the day will come when you need me to help you...
