In need of some uplifting

[NurseMast_RN]

I have been a RN for a little over a year. First, I worked in Neuro ICU for 8 months, got a job with home health because I thought it would be better, then missed the schedule of having 4 days off a week. I recently got a job at a LTACH in their ICU, I had my first shift on the floor Monday and it was the worse day. I worked in home health for 5 months, and didn't realize how rusty my skills would be in the hospital setting again. I'm pretty sure my preceptor thinks I'm an idiot, but I just felt so discombobulated. To be honest, my preceptor intimidates me. She is nice, but I feel it is conditional based upon how good of nurse she thinks you are. I went home after that shift feeling so lost and discouraged. I know it was the first day on the floor, but I just expected so much more out of myself because I have a year of experience. I felt like I was a brand new nurse again, and that my new coworkers think I'm an idiot. Sry, this is so long, but I just needed to vent and get some words of encouragement from someone who has ever had a similar experience.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Sorry that you are feeling lousy.

Nursing can be humbling sometimes even for the most experienced(ask me how I know).

In a sense you are a brand-new nurse, give yourself a break.

Best of luck for your next shift.

[NurseMast_RN]

Thank you so much!! I really needed to hear that. I guess because in my first job and in home health co workers and pts kept saying how good of a nurse I am. I put a certain standard on myself which I shouldn't have done. I know I need to work on building my thick skin, it's just hard.

[NickiJules]

I still feel that way at times, and I've been doing the same thing for well over a year!

It's so easy to forget what you've learned, especially in a 5 month time period while working a totally different job. But it will all come back very quickly. I agree you should give yourself time. If people have told you in the past that you were doing well, you're a great nurse, etc, you were doing something right! If you survived neuro ICU for 8 months, I'd say you will be just fine.

[Good Morning, Gil]

With a year of experience, you are still a newer nurse. There are days that are discouraging for any of us when we start in a new area. You're more likely to feel this way since you know you are new in an area, trying to make a good impression, on probationary period, etc. We have all been there. I remember my first few weeks starting in ICU as a newer nurse (with only 1 year of experience in a non-acute setting), I felt like an idiot most of the time.

But, it's really to be expected; as long as you're learning, making progress, taking initiative, asking questions, that's what matters. Now, if at the end of your orientation, you're not able to take a full patient load, you can be concerned. But....you just started. So, no worries. I remember that I wasn't fully comfortable until being there for about 6 months. Once I took care of the sickest patients on the unit on my own, and did well, I felt confident.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Beginnings are always scary - no matter what the circumstance.

But heck, if you did well in Neuro ICU, you can conquer anything!! You'll get back in the swing in no time at all.