New CCU nurse needs encouragement

Published

Specializes in Nursing Informatics.

I'm a brand new CCU nurse. I've just about completed my 2 month orientation at a Long Island community hospital. It took me 2.5 years to finally get to critical care nursing. I worked both BMT and med-surg nursing prior to CCU. Lately, I've been feeling so discouraged, frustrated, and stressed on the job. After taking on many complex patient assignments with my preceptor, I realize how much I lack in knowledge with critical care nursing. I get so overwhelmed and physically exhausted, I have to ask myself, "When will I feel good about what I do?" My overall plan is to be a nurse anesthetist in 2-3 years. My question for all seasoned ICU/CCU nurses: what can I do to manage my stress better at work? I've been told it takes about a year to get fully comfortable as a CCU nurse. If this is the case, how do I push & encourage myself this year to feel more competent and confident in my job? :bugeyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have to realize that you will not learn everything in one day.

Consider working on CCRN certification. This will build your knowledge base which will in turn increase your confidence.

Never be afraid to ask questions.

Make yourself a task list at the beginning of your shift and check it off as you complete the tasks. Task lists help me stay on task which of course keep me from falling behind and stressing the little stuff like IV tubing changes, IandO, dressing changes.

Good luck and hang in there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Informatics.

the worst days include prepping patient for CT scan then having to go off floor w/ the pt. also when md's are throwing orders at me left and right for both my patients. it makes if difficult to get stat meds or blood when my unit doesn't have a tubing system...which means i have to run down myself to pharmacy or lab myself ;( c'est la vie...this is my most challenging job yet! thx bunglez for your quick reply & support!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CCU.

I agree that you should work on CCRN certification. Even if you don't plan on taking the exam in the near future, the review courses are wonderful. There are a lot of "a-ha!" moments during these reviews. I started in CCU straight out of nursing school, so I know how overwhelming it can be. Hang in there. It gets better! Are you a member of AACN? Perhaps that would be a help to you. There are educational resources on AACN's site, as well as continuing education articles. I would encourage you to read whatever you can find about critical patients, and NEVER be afraid to ask questions! The only "dumb" question is the one you didn't ask. We all learn daily-- that's why I still do what I do! :) :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Informatics.

thx for suggestions. thought about obtaining my CCRN since it can only help me in the long run. will look into joining aacn...thx for your support ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

No wonder you are stressed out and physically drained when you are running all over the hospital for labs and pharmacy!! You need to give yourself a huge break here and count yourself successful if your patients are still breathing when you leave....remember, that it is 24 hour nursing and you can only do what you can do and then the next nurse takes over, it is OK to turn things over to the next shift. Remember airway, breathing, circulation...are they breathing? are their organs well perfused??

OK...everything else is secondary!!

I definitely second the CCRN route! I pursued the CCRN to increase my own sense of confidence and competence. I am constantly needing to manage insecurities and the whole process really helped me a great deal. What I have come to realize is the ICU nursing is really a very narrow and specific set of nursing skills. Competence and mastery can be achieved! One of the best ways to become competent is to really learn to utilize all your support, like RT, even the Docs....

Hey, check out the sticky thread on the CCRN. There are some great tips on study materials etc.

Hang in there...it will get better!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Informatics.

thx so much for your vote of confidence. i've decided to not extend my orientation & just bite the bullet of flying on my own next week. nursing is not a solo job. i will force myself to ask others to help me when i am drowning. wish me luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion