New Grad...Is this typical?

AJJKRN · Jul 2, 2015

Whether it's typical or not doesn't really matter, please don't feel stupid asking for help, just ask for help. NOT asking for help is way scarier for you and potentially harmful (if not deadly) to your patients!

AJJKRN · Jul 2, 2015

I forgot to add that the best nurses I know, know their limitations! Good luck in your journey.

Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2015

With the transition away from hospital-based diploma programs a generation ago...It's now unusual for a newly minted nurse to be competent with all bedside tasks. It's fully expected you'll need lots of help with such things.

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2015

Unfortunately, it is typical. You shouldn't feel bad asking for help, but make sure you get yourself as prepared as possible beforehand. You should be able to verbalize the procedure and willing to jump right in and do it with proper supervision and guidance. After 4-5 years, there are still times when I ask someone more experienced to accompany me when I'm doing something relatively unfamiliar.

thenightnurse456 · Jul 2, 2015

I've had conversations with colleagues about when nursing was hospital training as opposed to a university degree.

After they graduated they were ready for work. They were competent in all tasks.

What a different world we live in now!

rnsheri · Jul 2, 2015

It's going to be OK... I just wrote an article on my experiences as a student/new grad nurse. I was ridiculous. You care enough to worry, and that's worth a lot.

Qteapi · Jul 2, 2015

Yes it is typical....believe me you....you will get orientation on all the things you named! The hospital won't allow you to touch the patients without knowing what you do and don't know....I am a new grad/ nurse in orientation right now. The closest I came to starting an IV was on SIM man....hehehehehe....and blood draws did not happen at all in nursing school...gave meds, only did IV pumps when I had a nurse who was willing to let a nursing student get some real life experience...which wasn't often....so don't fret....you will be trained!

TiredKitten · Jul 2, 2015

It's typical here. In fact, most of the hospitals in my metro area started requiring new grads to complete a new grad residency program last year. Most are 12-16 weeks and are a combination of class work and bedside.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2015

Sad, but typical. I'm surprised you had the opportunity to try a couple of IV's.You should have been given the opportunity to at least care for a patient with a chest tube, inserted an NG tube and foley catheters. That is the fault of your instructors.

These skills will be taught in your hospital orientation. Speak up and communicate your learning needs during the orientation. You should have at least one day with a specialized IV nurse .

It's a rough transition... but just by asking ..... I think you've got this:up:

Let us know how your orientation is going.

TiredKitten · Jul 2, 2015

It's typical here. In fact, most of the hospitals in my metro area started requiring new grads to complete a new grad residency program last year. Most are 12-16 weeks and are a combination of class work and bedside.

RNperdiem, RN · Jul 2, 2015

Nursing education has moved more toward the theoretical education. This means less time with the hands on skills you need to be a nurse. Hospitals have had to step in to do the training that nursing school once did.

If your preceptor knows you are a new grad and has worked with new grads before, you will get a chance to learn what you don't know. For the good of the patient, ask about what you don't know. When you do get that first job, find where your workplaces' policy and procedure manual. It will answer a lot of questions.