New Grad Blues - May be lengthy

Rapheal · Oct 21, 2003

Stitchie,

Are you getting into trouble such as having her write disciplinary reports on you or is she just telling you how she wants you to do things? I suspect she is trying to train you to do things HER way. I am a total believer in telling somebody I don't know if I don't know something. Better than trying to fudge your way thru it.

My advice is learn to play the game. Pick and choose your conflicts with her wisely. If she scolds you for something insignificant-like seeking info or how being honest with a doctor you can respond with a neutral statement like "Oh okay" and let it drop. Some of her advice will be good and you can use it. For other things just use a neutral statement and then go about your business. She will probally get off your back when you are more experienced.

Until then just let the small stuff slide. You are wise to ask questions and obtain knowlege. Some nurses have a hard time accepting new graduates. It's a shame but it's the truth. Don't let her get to you. I think you should stay at your present job as long as it is just her that is making you unhappy. Best of luck.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Oct 21, 2003

I agree with her on not just saying "I don't know" If that was your patient and the doc needs to know how nursing is going to administer the med, you are the nurse and it's your job to find out. It's OK to say " I don't know but I'll ask for you." As a new grad you aren't going to know the answer to every question, but you need to work as part of the team. I would bring up with the NM the apparent conflict between not being allowed to ask questions, and the fact that you need to know though. That sounds silly to me.

wayover20 · Oct 21, 2003

Question: Are you assigned to a Preceptor? Usually that's a standard for any new nurses, especially in critical care areas. A preceptor or mentor is usually a nurse with several years experience who a new nurse is to "orient with", ask many, many, many questions of, perform procedures, give meds, deal with family members, etc. with. This preceptor is all importent in facilitating the new grads introduction to the ED in their new role. Is there such a person you're assigned to? If not, I would suggest you stick close to a nurse you have a rapport with that you can ask questions of, watch as she deals with co-workers/drs./pts. etc, and learn. Don't be too quick to leave a job just because of the nurse manager. You may find later that everyone else feels the same you do about her, and just do their work well in spite of her.

Stitchie · Oct 21, 2003

Well, I'm off orientation and have been for a few months now. I did have several preceptors and they were mostly great. There's great teamwork and support on the floor for the new grads, but at the same time these other more experienced nurses say that the NM is petty and likes to pick fights with people who aren't as "submissive" as she would like; I'm definitely not the submissive type. I've worked at this facility for two years and have an idea of how her floor works; it seems to me that she's different from the person I interviewed with.

And no, it's not disciplinary write-ups. It's "I want to talk to you in my office" but the point of the conversation isn't always clear to me. I'm referring to the conversation with the care coordinator -- i didn't get an answer as to whether it was advisable to get information from the CC's. But they are they to be a resource, so even HR is confused on this one.

Thanks for the replies.