New grad in doctors office, making lots of mistakes

[Cynnie24]

Hi guys, I got hired part time at a large family practice office and I am an RN that does everything that our MA's do at this clinic but I also answer phones and have lab duties. I previously worked at a SNF for 6 months before getting hired here. have been interested in working in a family practice clinic for quite some time, always have enjoyed the clinic atmosphere.

I am part time and have had 3 days of orientation so far. I have not made any big mistakes but I keep making small dumb mistakes. My preceptor sits back and lets me do everything starting my third day all on my own and she is there to sometimes direct me/answer my questions.

The other nurses there were impressed by the fact that I was already doing everything "on my own" (even though I am still on orientation) as a new grad on day 3, I guess usually they wait a little longer to throw the new grads to the wolves like that, but I make mistakes such as forgetting to ask more details about certain issues when I am asking patients questions from the computer in the exam room, I didnt know how to use their scale correctly (yikes), had to look up the age recommendations for certain vaccinations because its been a long time since I learned those, and other minor, dumb errors that make me look incompetent.I think it may be nerves from being new... I also ask a million questions throughout the day...

Is this normal to make lots of little mistakes when you are new? When will I get comfortable and more competent? I really like this new job and want to keep it! Any tips?

[enuf_already]

I wouldn't count those as mistakes! You are still learning. Cut yourself some slack. I've worked at the same job for 9 years and I still forget questions sometimes. Depending on your electronic medical records system, you may be able to create smart phrases based on visits to help with appropriate questions.

As far as vaccine guidelines, they seem to change often enough that looking them up to stay current is always s good idea.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Congrats on landing your new job!

Yup, very normal. It's going to take time to get comfortable. How long did it take you to get comfortable at your previous job? Everyone is different, maybe it'll be in 3 months, 6 months, or a year. The more you're active with the patients, the apt you'll become with questions. Eventually, you'll start seeing the same type of patients and automatically know what questions you need to ask. Do you have a sheet with the vaccine age guidelines? Print one out from the CDC if you don't and review it. Continue to ask those questions if you are unsure about things. It's better to ask, then assume.

Good luck!

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Um, at 3 days in? Heck yeah! Cut yourself some slack and breathe =)

[Gooselady, BSN, RN]

Another hapless victim of nursing school with a minor in "I Should Be Perfect" :)

I still make mistakes like that. Nurses with more experience than I have come mumbling over red-faced that they forgot to ask X. At least you have good reason to miss stuff here and there, we don't

Don't even bother trying to be Supernurse. Be Learning and Getting Better All the Time Nurse. There is no ceiling nurses reach as far as never making these kinds of mistakes. Nurses do themselves and each other a disservice by pretending they either are 'perfect' or have to be. Don't buy the perfectionist's self admitted perfection either, put a check in the box for Deep Insecurity for them.

[laKrugRN]

My gosh of course you'll make mistakes. Experienced nurses make mistakes. Quit worrying and just learn and ENJOY!