New Nurse and crying!!

Published

I'm a new nurse, graduated in May, started my job in June, and passed my boards in July. When I started my job I thought it would be great! Now I have been with my preceptor for almost 3 months and it's been horrible the whole time. I cry after almost EVERY shift! I get there at 6:30 in the moring to prepare and we stay charting til almost 9:00 or 9:30 at least 2 out of 3 shifts. I feel like an absolute idiot every day I work and my preceptor doesn't do much to boost my confidence and hasn't from day one. When I ask questions she seems annoyed and shows extreme frustration if I don't remember something :sniff: I'm really trying to keep a stiff upper lip and tough it out, but I just don't know how long I can keep doing it! One of my friends got hired on a different floor in the same hospital and she's having a completely opposite experience. I hate to admit it, but I'm jealous!! I don't know what to do???? I guess I'm just looking for support and encouragment. I just want to be a good, safe nurse!:bluecry1:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

She may not be your "fit". Maybe her teaching style and your learning style do not go hand in hand.

My advice is to sit down and have a conversation with her about what works and what doesn't.

Working way past your shift and having to come back early the next day is exhausting and draining. That's also not conducive to learning.

If push comes to shove, talk to your director or unit nurse educator and possible pair up with a different preceptor. I would not wait much longer or you will find yourself at the end of your orientation unfulfilled.

I am so sorry you are not having a better orientation. Communication is the key and you need to speak up. Don't be afraid. Sit down and figure out what all led to this problem and seek a solution.

Also, try not to judge or label her as a bad precepter (not that you are), there are many possibilities why it's not working out between you two.

Much luck to you :icon_hug:

Oh, btw, CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a new nurse. Welcome aboard!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with Jessy. I had a similar experience and having a meeting with my preceptor, educator, mgr, and myself helped ten fold!!! Also, crying when you are new or feeling you don't fit is completely NORMAL most new nurses feel this way! Besides learning to deal with difficult situations will ultimately make you a better nurse! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

yes talk to your preceptor or to the person in charge of your orientation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.
I'm a new nurse, graduated in May, started my job in June, and passed my boards in July. When I started my job I thought it would be great! Now I have been with my preceptor for almost 3 months and it's been horrible the whole time. I cry after almost EVERY shift! I get there at 6:30 in the moring to prepare and we stay charting til almost 9:00 or 9:30 at least 2 out of 3 shifts. I feel like an absolute idiot every day I work and my preceptor doesn't do much to boost my confidence and hasn't from day one. When I ask questions she seems annoyed and shows extreme frustration if I don't remember something :sniff: I'm really trying to keep a stiff upper lip and tough it out, but I just don't know how long I can keep doing it! One of my friends got hired on a different floor in the same hospital and she's having a completely opposite experience. I hate to admit it, but I'm jealous!! I don't know what to do???? I guess I'm just looking for support and encouragment. I just want to be a good, safe nurse!:bluecry1:

Just hang in there it's almost over. I went through the same thing only 2 months. I almost quit my job it was so bad. Day shift is a overwhelmingly busy shift, I can't handle it until I get more experience and more confidence, so I went nights. I'm on my own now and it's so much better. Have you thought of going nights?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, I appreciate your advice and encouragement!! Early on I spoke with the person in charge of orientation on our floor, and I have had a few different conversations with my preceptor about my learning style. The person in charge of orientation wanted me to try and stick it out and when I spoke on a few different occasions with my preceptor she says she'll change her tone and try to be more patient, but it literally lasts for a few hours. I think a major part of the problem is that I am the first person she's precepted. I'm really trying to be patient, but I don't want my orientation to be an unhappy one.

Thanks again:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:nurse: YAY! They are FINALLY letting me switch to nights!! I'm thinking it will help a lot with my time managment and confindence. Thanks for everyones advice!

Pink8079:redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.
:nurse: YAY! They are FINALLY letting me switch to nights!! I'm thinking it will help a lot with my time managment and confindence. Thanks for everyones advice!

Pink8079:redpinkhe

I think you'll be much happier on nights until you get the groove of things. Nights is a hard transition and still a busy time, but not overwhelming, at least not for the most part. I'm tired a lot but it still beats those days I was on. That was a miserable time for me.

When you go on your own, it gets even better! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion