New grad, peds cardiac, so lost

Specialties Pediatric

Published

I started on a pediatric cardiac med surg floor a few weeks ago and I'm feeling so lost and overwhelmed. I feel like 75% of the time, I don't even truly understand the kid's hx/admission reason because they have such weird/complex cardiac diseases and syndromes.

AND, sometimes I barely have time to even comprehend what is wrong with their heart physiologically, because I'm just trying to understand why we are doing the interventions for them that we are and how to do them!

I'm super freaked out that I won't notice signs of deterioration on these kids and that I'll miss something critical. I don't know what to do. I feel so frustrated with myself and so dumb all the time.

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Feeling freaked out and overwhelmed is a normal part of starting a new job, a new specialty or a new profession. Believe me, we'd much rather see that than overconfidence in a new colleague. Honestly.

Are you studying at home? Carry a small notebook and jot down things you need to look up, then when you get off work, look them up. I promise you that we old nurses all did that from the start, and we didn't have Google! Good luck.

Specializes in LTC.

I hope things get better for you!

Those are normal feelings. Ask a lot of questions and look up diagnosis at home. Write down things as you learn them because you won't remember everything since you are learning so much. And since some kids may have different symptoms and responses to treatments, ask the parents questions. It shows that you recognize that their child is unique and has their own individual needs. Over time, you will develop

More confidence. And trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong it probably is. Ask for help/advice.

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Good advice above. Your unit knows you are a new grad and, therefore, don't know anything about anything. Be attentive, engaging, interested, and ask a lot of questions. It won't be long until things start falling into place. Hang tough!!

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