Never thought it would be this bad

Scottishtape · Feb 16, 2017

It's entirely possible the reason you're struggling so badly is the fact that you're pool. I've seen a lot of experienced nurses say that pool is a terrible place for a new grad. You aren't getting a decent orientation and you're floating all over the place and being expected to know what you need to know. That's almost impossible for a new grad to sustain.

Before thinking this isn't for you, I'd talk to your employer about finding a home unit and getting some real experience under your belt before branching out to pool again.

I wish you luck!

ajacks65 · Feb 16, 2017

Thank you so much. I appreciate the feedback and that's not a bad idea! Thanks

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 16, 2017

Agree with the idea of finding a home unit. Float pool, in my opinion, is not a place for new grads- how is it possible to get into a routine with assessments, medication administrations, working with other people, etc. when you are in different units every day? A home unit that works with a partner similar unit where staff may be pulled from one to the other is one thing; actual float pool is a whole other ballpark.

cleback · Feb 16, 2017

It's rough to start in pool. When I was in pool, I would feel like half the time I was just hunting supplies. I can't imagine wasting that precious time when you're just learning to be a nurse.

Get a home unit. Realize though it will take a year to feel comfortable. Hopefully, though, the home unit will ease your mind so that you can actually relax on your days off. Take care of yourself and best wishes.

amoLucia · Feb 17, 2017

It's entirely possible the reason you're struggling so badly is the fact that you're pool. I've seen a lot of experienced nurses say that pool is a terrible place for a new grad. You aren't getting a decent orientation and you're floating all over the place and being expected to know what you need to know. That's almost impossible for a new grad to sustain.
Before thinking this isn't for you, I'd talk to your employer about finding a home unit and getting some real experience under your belt before branching out to pool again.
I wish you luck!

This! (Bolding mine!)

Even before I got to reading this very first line response, this is exactly what I was thinking, and I bet, a gazillion others did too.

There's another current post here on AN from a newbie nurse who's having similar serious problems (like almost word-for-word) on her regular unit. She's contemplating going "pool'. I truly, truly hope she reads this post!

Add my same recommendations as PPs.

And just to say to OP, it would NOT be a good idea to consider HR/admin at this time without a good grasp of how the real world of healthcare, esp nsg, operates. You will be experiencing problems from ABOVE and BELOW you. And you will most likely struggle MEGA BIG TIME.

Good luck to you.

OldDude · Feb 17, 2017

I've worked exactly ONE day as a bedside nurse in my entire nursing career. If I had to do that all the time I'd quit and go to truck driving school or maybe be a semen extractor at a turkey farm.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 17, 2017

I do not recommend float pool for new nurses. You would do well to learn on ONE unit first, honing skills there first.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2017

I agree with the others-- float pool can be extremely difficult for a new grad.

I will also say don't even think about getting into management at this time. How will you manage a whole unit when you can't manage a patient assignment? How will you guide your staff if you're not competent yourself? You'd be expected to answer any and all questions about practice, write performance reviews, make improvement plans for the staff who are struggling.

You are nowhere near ready to lead. I don't mean that in a denigrating way; it's a fact of novice nursing life.

Again though I highly recommend getting a position on a unit. That is tough too, and it does take at least a year before you are independently competent. But how much more difficult is it to become competent at not one specialty of nursing, but in all specialties provided by the hospital?

Finally, please consider getting some professional help. This business of crying constantly, not being able to get out of bed, and losing your hair -- that is no way to live.

All my best!

ajacks65 · Feb 17, 2017

Do you happen to know the title of the newbie nurse's post you speak of that is similar to mine? I would love to read theirs as well

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Feb 17, 2017

As a float nurse, anything that I would say has already been said. A hospital that hires a new grad into its float pool is waving the brightest red flag anyone would ever want to see and it's saying 'go back, go back'. Read my comment on the thread "Will baby-boomers not receive good care". That is just a drop in the bucket of what float nurses endure. Years of experience is what makes me and my patients survive during my 12-hour tour of duty.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 17, 2017

Agree wholeheartedly with PP's re: problem with Pool nursing for newly licensed nurses. In my organization, some facilities do hire newbies into Pool positions (until something else comes available), but during their initial Phase I residency (at least 12 weeks), they are assigned a 'home unit' and a consistent preceptor.