New ER nurse - having a difficult time....looking for some advice

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Hello:

I've recently started a new job in ER and am about to complete my orientation in two days. I had a horrible shift yesterday. Went home early because of it. The person I was working with was difficult to put it nicely. The snapping, eye rolling, sighing from the preceptor was ridiculous. I'm dreading going back tonight. I'm still not liking it and it's been two months all ready. It almost seems like it's getting worse instead of better. I'm constantly messing up. Nothing I seem to do is correct. I don't mind constructive criticism but the individual I was with yesterday was just mean. I don't want to quit but I really feel like giving up. I'm suppose to go back tonight but I'm getting anxious and my head is throbbing. I really don't know what to do. I'm hoping someone on here can provide me with some advice/suggestions of what they did when they started in Emerg. I haven't met anyone either that I'm comfortable to ask questions to or confide in. It's really been a battle so far and it's one I feel I'm slowly losing.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

ER is a totally different beast then the floors.

Are you new to nursing or just new to the ED?

I just got off orientation in January from making the transition from the floor to the ED.

My second day off orientation I made a pretty big error during a code.

Do you have the same preceptor through your whole orientation?

Can you talk with your manager?

Write out your thoughts

Write out the mistakes and look at the feedback your being given dose it apply to the mistakes?

Nobody should treat you rudely, but it can and dose happen in times of high stress and the ED is fast pace high stress environment. So those sighs and eye rolls may not be addressed for you and if they were say something.

Ask to speak with your preceptor and clear the air

Advocate for yourself

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The climate in different EDs can vary. Some places have a good sense of camaraderie and teamwork, and new people are welcomed in and helped along. Others have a more tough, everyone for themselves kind of vibe, and they keep you at arms length until you prove yourself. And of course there are other flavors in-between. What you can personally hack will depend on your individual personal makeup.

I'm sorry you're not receiving a more supportive experience. I think if I were in your shoes, I would approach my manager and ask for a few more shifts with a different preceptor. Don't complain or be victim-y about it, just state objectively that you don't think this preceptor is a good fit. If they ask for examples, give examples but keep emotions out of it. If the entire environment feels toxic like this (which could be the case, because often in units with poor morale, there is a management problem), then I'd be considering actively seeking a position elsewhere.

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Specializes in Management, Med/Surg, Clinical Trainer.

Let's face it just because a person has RN behind their name does not mean they can teach or should teach....even though often times that is a big part of our jobs. It sounds like to me this RN does not want to teach a person in her area, as incredible as that sounds...because after all don't we all appreciate more helping hands.

That said, I would go to work, and the next time you are able approach your nurse manager and ask for additional support. State that you feel that you could benefit from more practice or exposure to X and Y....my point is DO HAVE a PLAN for what you want to learn. This will help her determine the right person to put you with or have access to.

I would not throw the RUDE eye roller under the bus.....her eye rolling is her problem not yours. We have all worked with a few of those types, they learn after they are stuck out there on a limb and no one comes to help to behave better.

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To answer a few questions....I'm not new to nursing. New to ER. My background is ICU & Medicine. I agree the ER is a complete different world. I have spoken to our educator about the incident and she has given me an additional two more shifts with different preceptors. I've been told the person I'm with tonight is much more helpful and receptive to new staff. I'll go back tonight and see how it goes. I appreciate the suggestions and advice.

Anna - I agree 100% with you on new people joining the unit. I always loved having extra hands. There have been so many instances where if it wasn't for the extra help I wouldn't have gotten through a shift.

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I started my new job as a new grad newly... RN new grad period! 2 weeks of gen orientation, 6 most of med surg to get my time management with a preceptor, 6 weeks of ER preceptor after.... crazy huh?

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Specializes in Management, Med/Surg, Clinical Trainer.

Well actually I think that is a long preceptor period. When I hit the floor, I had 2 weeks of general orientation and 1 week of mentor on the floor for Med/Surg. I later transferred to the unit and got an additional 2 weeks with a mentor....and that was only after I asked. That was years ago....I am glad to hear the hospitals are giving lengthier orientations, albeit still short.

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