New nurse

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I acknowledge that I am a new nurse.

I started in home health and have now been licensed and working for nearly 3.

I have been a case manager in ambulatory care for the past 21/2 years.

Definitely not my first choice for work as a newer grad, but I have to thank my lucky stars that I was even able to find employment. My dream would have been to start somewhere inpatient, but that's for another blog...

I really just want and need to vent: I am SOOO tired of being reminded I am a newer nurse.

It seems like no matter what situation comes up, there's this awful bias towards newer RN's. Granted, I am in a position where nurses tend to do their last stint before retiring, but I find my clinical skills and accomplishments are brushed aside since I am simply labeled as a "newer nurse"

I recently transferred to a new site while remaining with the same organization/position.

I was recently told by my new manager that I will experience a "learning curve" when it comes to pathophysiology and disease management. This was said to me before I was even given the opportunity to show what I can do/know. Derogatory comments intended to be supportive abound.

In my new position I was just informed that one of the MD's complained about my performance, and called out my triage skills. Apparently this particular physician is known to be difficult. No other providers have voiced issue with my patient care.

Although there is no evidence to support the allegations (I know because I asked) I was once again reminded that I am a newer nurse with a lot to learn.

I acknowledge that I have a lot to learn. Life is learning, I have never been afraid to ask questions. I am not a know it all. Even if one has been a nurse for 20 yrs healthcare is CONSTANTLY evolving and learning is a basic requirement.

I am tired of automatically being deemed incompetent until proven otherwise. This perception makes me vulnerable and an easy target for the bullies of the medical world.

I want to know how long I have to be in the industry for this stigma to lift. Apparently 3 years isn't enough. Who knew that the medical field could be so harsh?

Anyone else have similar experiences?

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

Unfortunately some seem to think that unless you are in ICU or ER you're not really getting the full nursing experience! Some look down on clinic nurses, home health, case managers, etc. thinking it's not "real" nursing. I worked cardiac step down as a new grad and moved into home health while I finished my MSN/FNP. I think both experiences were VERY valuable to make me the nurse I am today!

Don't let them get you down. You do you and take every opportunity you can to ask educated questions to show your knowledge and willingness to learn the new area (we all learn in new areas regardless of how many years we've been around).

Also remember: some people (doctors and nurses included) are just downright unpleasant to work with. Maybe you can take the opportunity to show your professionalism? Ask your manager to have a short meeting with you every week or two these first few months to make sure you're adjusting to the new role and that you address any concerns your coworkers may bring up.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

3 years?? You're not "new" anymore. I'd consider you "early career" - shift you to "mid career" at about 10 years.... and slide you right into "tenured nurse" at 20 years of experience and on to "mature' at 30 years. Heck, I'm tottering along at 'ancient relic' (AKA what-in-the-world-is-she-still-doing-here) career stage. But I don't take offense - it is what it is.

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I would really just try to use this period as an opportunity to work on your patience and tolerance skills. I'm not saying accept abuse. But most people do not mean to be rude or condescending and truly feel as though they are being helpful in "helping you remember you have lots of time yet to grow professionally".

Trust me...soon enough you'll go from feeling like people don't think you have enough experience to feeling like they're discarding you because you're too old and have antiquated skills.

Better to look within at how you can be the best you can be at any one moment in time....just for your own approval. :)

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