New nurse needs advice

[dizzyray822]

So...I am a BRAND NEW nurse. I've been in my hospital for 2 months and with my preceptor for maybe a month of it. I have been taking two patients of course with the help of my preceptor when I need it. Now, my problem is that I am still learning to organize myself and delegate. Well, one day I had given some IV blood pressure meds to a patient and was going to lunch soon so I asked my PCA to "please do a blood pressure on so and so when you can." She was chatting at the nurses station to the monitor tech for awhile so I didn't think it was too much to ask. Her exact reply was "The blood pressure machine is in the room." I was so taken off guard. I just said "okay, thanks, ill just do it later." I went to deal with my other patient who needed the bedside commode and when i was done the PCA had done it anyway and gave me what the pressure was. But it just was so frustrating. I am so new and trying to understand my place and all. Was i out of line to ask for a blood pressure. I don't think its beyond me to do it either. This patient had blood pressures in the 200s so I had been taking them all day too. Not to mention earlier in the day I had asked this same PCA to HELP me take this patient (who was VERY obese) to the bathroom. She said "oh..she doesn't need help." I don't know how to deal with this as there is only one PCA that has responded to me this way. So my question is....how have you dealt with situations like this as a new nurse?

Thanks.

[jocelynlpn, LPN]

I know what you're going through. I was a new grad a year ago and as soon as I got my license, I was hired in long term care. On my unit, there is only an LPN and three health care aides (on day shift), and evening shift there is only two health care aides. I was so nervous at first because I would be the one in charge. I was only 20 years old when I started and about 95% of the health care aides working with me were a lot older. So it was difficult for me to delegate. But over the past year I have learned that communication with the health care aides is key. Help them whenever you can (toiletting, feeding residents, etc) and most of them will help you as well.

I agree with all the other nurses above. But take it as a learning opportunity. Besides, the more you work with all the health care aides on your unit and vice versa, the easier it will get. Yes, you have to delegate and "supervise" but it's all about teamwork!