New nurse

Published

Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

Hi,

I recently graduated as an LPN in August, took my first job in a LTC facility where I float between there and rehab. Because I am new I lack confidence in myself, therefore, questioning everything I do. Other nurses say they do the same and its ok to feel that way as a new nurse. I have not done some skills as they never came up in my clinical eg: inserting a foley. Is it wrong to ask my supervisor or another nurse to assist me when I do a skill for the very first time to make sure I am doing it correctly and not hurting my patient? I had a week preceptorship with 30 patients where I was on the cart by myself just doing meds but not learning much of the paperwork so when it comes to all of the paperwork POS's etc. I am pretty slow at doing it. I hate to ask questions because I'm made to feel that I should know all of this. I have been at the job for 1 and 1/2 months but parttime. Is what I am feeling normal or should I just keep quiet and try to figure it out on my own? I feel that I have forgotten everything I learned in school. I am only 46!:banghead:

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Always ask for help. We are here to help each other do it right.

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Specializes in ICU, M/S,Nurse Supervisor, CNS.

Never risk figuring something out for yourself especially when it comes to patient care. Doing something wrong or out of your scope could lead you to big trouble, with the potential for losing your license or lawsuits. I'm not trying to scare you, but you've worked way to hard to get where you are and you need to protect your patients, yourself, and your license no matter what. Speak up and ask for help if you are unsure of something. If your coworkers and/or supervisor are not supportive in helping you, then this may not be the place for you to work.

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Specializes in Developmentally Disabled, LTC, Clinic, Hospital.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ask for help! Any nurse you are working with should understand that school does not teach you all the things you need to know. I went through a very similar situation, I graduated LPN in May, started at a LTCF with the promise of orientation, etc. Brand new nurse, straight out of school. I got about 4 hours of orientation on day shift, then they decided I was "Good to go". I was brought in on nites and dumped. I had 35 residents, one aide and NO clue!! I asked so many questions I thought that they would lynch me. Fortunately for me, there were about 3 nurses that were just above and beyond excellant and made it a point to help me out, would come get me when they were doing a tx or something interesting, just so I could see it, etc. Had it not been for them I would have left lickety-split! If you are having difficulty getting the help you need, you owe it your patients and to yourself to pursue other options.

Good luck to you!

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Always ask for help, I am new to nursing have been doing it for 6 and a half months, and I still ask other nurses for help.

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I understand how you feel....I am a new graduate LPN and I start my new job in Post-op surgery on January 5th. I will have a preceptor for 12 weeks but i am sooooo scared. I don't feel confident enough in myself. I am so afraid that other nurses will get annoyed with me b/c I do not know something. I know I am being paranoid but this is the first real job I ever had. More then anything I want to be a good nurse. Does anyone have any advice for me? My nurse manager said that the unit is going to be a very fast paced unit, it mostly consist of abdominal surgery, what do you yall think I should read up on.

Thank you so much for any advice !:loveya:

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg, IMCU/Tele, HH/CM.

Always ask for help. I find there are usually one or two senior staff who like to teach. I was very lucky at my first LPN job (where I was in charge of a team of CNAs, a TMA, and 30 residents in LTC) because the other nurse on was this really nice lady who was so very helpful.

When I have all the skill and knowledge I definitely want to pass it on to the next new nurse :) But for now, if I have any doubt I ask!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I agree with the others, ask for help! You may find that some of your coworkers are more receptive than others. Find out who your resources are, and use them! Some day, you will the the experienced nurse, and you will be asked a lot of questions. That will be your opportunity to pay back all of those who helped you, by passing it on.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

I really appreciate your replies and advice, so thank you! Comments that I would hear made me think that being on your own was the way it was supposed to be, I am glad to hear that it is not the norm.

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