Need advice-new job

[amzyRN]

So I just started working in small rural hospital. It's a critical access hospital with a swing bed unit and an ER attached. I've just started and though I've seen one thing I've never seen before, I'm a little concerned with the slow pace of it and the lack of variety. I expected a little more variety and action. The swing bed part of the hospital is the more prevalent unit and the hospital has been pared down to it and the ER. Back in the day, it used to have an ob unit and they did surgeries and stuff, but no more. The staff is super nice and supportive. I couldn't have asked for a better bunch to work with. Also, the staffing is very good, so it's not hectic.

I'm just really worried that the pace is too slow and that there's not enough variety. I'm pretty new and I need a challenging environment to help me improve time management and prioritization skills. Most importantly to be able to get a better job in the future and survive the next orientation at a larger crazier facility. Is it too early to be concerned? It's my first week. Any advice or thoughts on the matter?

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

In my opinion, yes, it's way too early to be concerned!!! You are so fortunate to have a job in a place that is well staffed and not hectic! While I agree that it's important to develop your prioritization and time management abilities, I often feel that we place patient safety in jeopardy by throwing newer nurses into chaotic environments to sink or swim. I think you should take advantage of this time to solidify your assessment skills, gain a greater understanding of applied pathophysiology and pharmacology, and, last but definitely not least, work on developing your interpersonal communication skills with your patients and their family members while you are in the kind of environment where you don't have to throw that out the window just to survive your shift. Take advantage of the kind of environment you're in now to challenge yourself in ways you won't have time to in the future when you take a position in a more high volume/lower staffed environment.

[amzyRN]

In my opinion, yes, it's way too early to be concerned!!! You are so fortunate to have a job in a place that is well staffed and not hectic! While I agree that it's important to develop your prioritization and time management abilities, I often feel that we place patient safety in jeopardy by throwing newer nurses into chaotic environments to sink or swim. I think you should take advantage of this time to solidify your assessment skills, gain a greater understanding of applied pathophysiology and pharmacology, and, last but definitely not least, work on developing your interpersonal communication skills with your patients and their family members while you are in the kind of environment where you don't have to throw that out the window just to survive your shift. Take advantage of the kind of environment you're in now to challenge yourself in ways you won't have time to in the future when you take a position in a more high volume/lower staffed environment.

I will try your advice, which is very good. When do you think I should start to worry? I don't want to lose skills by working here (I'm so new that they haven't been ingrained in me yet) and be overwhelmed and fail at my next job. Thanks for your insight and wisdom!