I just can't do anything right.....

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Hey guys.

Life has been throwing some hard balls my way and smacking right in the face. That is just the personal and at home life.

Recently I just got hired full time at a position I have been working at for almost a year per diem. With the position came more responsibilities and expectation, which I was and am more than ready to take on. I work as an LPN in a neurosurgery center where we do surgeries, and injections. I was originally hired to help out with the injections, but now I am training to help out with surgeries as well.

When a surgery patient comes out of surgery, they are assigned to a nurse. Ever since I started full time, one of the nurses it seems has gone out of his way to make sure I know I can't do anything correct. For example, one of the nurses went on break, and when she left she gave me specific instructions on how she would like her patients pain handled. As I was following her isntructions the other nurse comes in and tells me he is doing it his way, and completely makes me look and feel dumb in front of that patient.

The past few days have been miserable, and I have just gone home feeling like a horrible nurse, and for the first time ever, I have doubted my calling. This facility is such a great opportunity to work at, and my problems are with this one nurse, but I dont really want to be the tattletale. The other nurse who works PACU with us has already warned me about him and told me that "since I am new, he is going to nitpick everything you do, and it is going to be frustrating. Just hang in there". The nurse who is giving me the problem is a great nurse, in fact one of the best that I have seen or been around.

I know I am a good nurse, I just hate the feeling of being so freaking new, and not having confidence in what I do!!!

Thanks for listening, and if you guys have any advice, please share.

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Specializes in OB, Med/Surg, Ortho, ICU.

Your coworker is right-hang in there. There are people like that everywhere, this will not likely change with a change of scenery. Only you can allow yourself to feel like, "you can't do anything right.". That is a confidence problem for you, not the other nurse. The other nurse is likely posturing showing her superiority due to her own lack of confidence. Stick to your guns and scope of practice, and only worry about what you can fix. Good luck.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Just keep doing the best you can. I''m blessed that everyone I work w/ is like family. Sending you big cyber hugs.

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Specializes in ER.

There are a lot of people who need to show everyone (especially a new audience such as yourself) how fantastic they are. I agree that you should stick it out. In my experience, these types usually move on after they've beaten their chest a few times. :rolleyes:

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Specializes in ED, OR, SAF, Corrections.

Yes, hang in there. I know it doesn't feel like it - but this nurses attitude (and actions) really are not about you, they are about her. The reality is that every one of us acts and reacts to others around us from inside our own little bubble, our own little universe - and we are chock full of foibles, idiosyncrasies, and hang-ups.

Unless you are a dangerous practiioner (which I doubt - otherwise there would be others on her side), her actions and words are coming from something inside her, so I can pretty much guarantee you that in a few months when you are no longer the newbie, she'll be treating the next newbie exactly like she treated you - because the problem is with her - not you.

Try to remember that the next time she's talking to you like you're the village idiot. You're not. Wait her out and then be there for the next newbie she lasers in on. Don't let someone rattle your self-confidence, it's a hard won thing to attain confidence, don't let anybody rob you of it or your peace of mind.

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Specializes in rehab, geriatrics.

Hi. I always think that people who have to make themselves feel better or look good at the expense of others have deep emotional problems. As an older nurse I have had many opportunities to assist new grads and nurses who are new to a job. I always try to make them feel valued and respected. I know that they will learn all they need to learn in time and my job is to help teach and encourage them. I am sorry you caught a dud. Please keep a positive outlook and hang in there, as your co-worker told you. She sounds like someone you could turn to when you need reassurance. Everyone has to have time and room to learn. You are no different. Keep your chin up!

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Specializes in Ortho/neuro,medical-surgical.

Aww I posted something just like that last week. It really sucks when you meet someone hell-bent on making you doubt everything you know. I promise, you know more than you feel like you do, and that nurse didn't start out knowing all she knows.

She sounds like she'd definitely make things worse on you if you showed weakness, so don't.

When she gets a free minute, sit and talk with her. Tell her that you recognize how skilled she is and then ask her how she became that good and would she offer you any tips to be just as good?

Lastly, if she is really a preceptor (not just someone the higher-ups stuck you with) then she mostly likely is receiving extra money for her "hard work". (Before I get some bad feedback here, I'm strictly speaking about how it's done at my facility).

She doesn't deserve to receive it if she's treating you this bad and she needs to be restricted from precepting at least to keep her away from other new nurses.So speak to your/her nurse manager.

This is the one time they saying is true: It's not you, it's her.

Good luck!!!

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thank you guys for all your support. you have no idea how much it means to me!

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Sometimes people like to "blow out your candle so that theirs burns brighter". Low self-esteem on his part? Maybe he feels threatened by your skill. I just finished my second clinical at a LTC facility and it was great. All of the staff was excellent except for one LPN. She had a stick up her ass about something and there was nothing you could do to try and work things out with her. I think you will always run into people like that no matter what job you work in. Hang in there .... your strength inspires others too...don't forget that!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

Start being more assertively aggressive. If someone gives u specific instructions, tell the other person making a fuss why you are doing something a certain way - cos someone told u to. You have to stand up for yourself a bit more. You will make waves, but it's better than being walked all over. And the others are picking on u a bit cos ur new I reckon.

I had specific instructions from our flow coordinator (FC) the other night @ work (I'm an agency nurse) & another nurse wanted me to do something else. I replied I can't as the FC has already given my my instructions - she said hers were from the FC. I said too bad, I follow the FC only, you can do what u like! She wasn't happy but that's life - I told her to take it up with the FC if she wasn't happy.

Can u talk to a NM there at all, or another sympathetic nurse?

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

You won't always be the new nurse.

Just an observation: What you wrote about the nurse giving you trouble as being one of the best you've ever worked around.

It speaks volumes about who you are as a person.

I think the "mean" nurse could learn alot from you.

I think you'll be ok.

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Specializes in ..

BTW, If this is how the guy acts he is not "a great nurse."

Don't let him ruin it for you.

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