I am a Scrub Nurse. I badly need your help.

rn/writer, RN · Oct 28, 2011

It might help us to help you if you explain a little more about what has you upset. Did you have a bad experience? Are you having difficulty remembering things or setting things up properly? Are you having a conflict with certain people?

Many nurses feel in over their heads when they start a new job in a new environment. Describe for us what you're feeling and when and maybe we can help you figure out whether to go or stay.

In the meantime, I wish you the very best. :up:

Monica08 · Oct 28, 2011

Thank you. Im anxious. i never had a bad experience. The people in the OR are friendly, nice and they take time to teach me. I dont know why I feel this way. Nerves perhaps? Or is it maybe I still havent adjusted to the environment?

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Oct 28, 2011

Aww, I don't think you're a scrub. You seem alright to me.

roser13, ASN, RN · Oct 28, 2011

As I recall, you had the same feelings for your previous position and also wanted to leave it prematurely. Do you have anyone in your life who can serve as a sounding board for you in person? If you feel this way every time you start a new job, perhaps you need some more in-depth help/counselling than we can offer.

How about your current preceptor? Can you discuss your feelings with him/her?

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nursing-really-me-592247.html#post5387293

JSBoston · Oct 28, 2011

I just started at a new job on a med/onc position, and I am still having anxiety after 5 years of med/surg/rehab. Before you give up, just give it some time. When you start learning more you'll feel better. Just make sure your preceptor makes you do things, instead of doing them while you're in another pt's room or something lol. For me right now isn't the nursing care that is hard for me it's the new computer system and using hospitalists and pcp's coving the pt while they are in acute care. There are so many of them compared to where I worked at before. It truly takes time and then things will start to click, and then you'll feel more confident and more happy.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2011

Hang in there! It takes a long time to get comfortable in the OR. Two weeks is barely enough time to get your feet wet.

After you have been in the OR for 6 months and you find yourself continuing to question whether the OR is the right fit for you, THEN you can write out a list of pros and cons and contemplate another field. You haven't had much exposure at this point, and have hardly had the time to get into your groove. It is much too pre-mature to consider leaving now.

Start having weekly meetings with your nurse educator and talk through some of your challenges. You need a solid sounding board in order to grow. Take advantage of the resources you have...that's WHY they are there. :)

merlee · Oct 28, 2011

You may need help with your anxiety. One week is rarely enough time to know about the physical environment of a new position, let alone adjust to it.

You haven't stated what is so upsetting. What is making you so seemingly fearful?

Hang in there,and take care of yourself.

Tait, MSN, RN · Oct 28, 2011

A week at any job isn't enough time to ascertain a good fit or not. Well unless on your first day of work your tech calmly walks up to you and says "by the way I noticed the patient in 211 wasn't breathing about fifteen minutes ago".

From the limited amount of information you are providing I can only assume you are anxious, nervous, and stressed. I think a little more time will give you a better sense of whether or not this job is for you.

Scrubby · Oct 28, 2011

Give it time. You're lucky that you're in a supportive environment so go with it and if you still don't like it after a few months then reassess. :)

kids · Oct 29, 2011

Thank you. Im anxious. i never had a bad experience. The people in the OR are friendly, nice and they take time to teach me. I dont know why I feel this way. Nerves perhaps? Or is it maybe I still havent adjusted to the environment?

I'm inclined to think you haven't adjusted. Something must have drawn you to the position or you wouldn't have applied. I'd give it more than a week to decide to give up, you've barely met your coworkers or learned the routines.

Monica08 · Oct 29, 2011

You may need help with your anxiety. One week is rarely enough time to know about the physical environment of a new position, let alone adjust to it.
You haven't stated what is so upsetting. What is making you so seemingly fearful?
Hang in there,and take care of yourself.

I think Im just anxious more than upset. What made me upset was looking at them so good at what their doing. I think I need to give this more time. Thank you!