"New Nurse"

[BB0221]

Hi everyone,

Looking for some insight. I graduated in 2017 with my LPN. I worked in a subacute rehab and graduated with my RN in February of this year. I was hired at a local hospital last month for night shift on a post surgical unit. I had in person orientation (classes, etc.) before starting a 10 days orientation on day shift. It seemed busy but manageable and there were lots or resources available. I then oriented for 6 nights which seemed pretty quiet and again, manageable. I was taken off orientation early due to short staffing and was now on my own. I know this is my fault for not advocating that I needed more time. The next two shifts were relentless. The patient acuity had changed, as we have a high turnover rate, and I am now feeling overwhelmed. I was told by the day manger after one of my shifts that "Everyone always needs more time" and if I did not ask to go back on orientation I would be "bullied into going back on". 

I understand hospital vs subacute is different. But when I was having difficulties on my shifts, I would ask other nurses and they too would seem to not have definite answers (acuity was high and everyone was super busy). I am feeling really defeated and honestly do not even want to go back.

I did talk to my manager and educator and was told "I'll see what I can do". I was given 4 more days on orientation.

Any advice? 

[JKL33]

So at this point you have had about 20 floor shifts total for orientation? That's almost 7 weeks of (3) 12s per week (equivalent). I'd say 8, 10 or 12 weeks is a more reasonable orientation for someone functioning as a new RN in acute care, with 8 being probably bare minimum.

It's hard to say whether being overwhelmed is truly due to workload, etc., or it's the kind of overwhelmed that almost every new RN experiences at some point. There is a lot to learn and it does generally feel overwhelming. It gets a tiny bit better each day until you have your feet under you and actually start to perceive that you are functioning at a more comfortable level.

Is there a discrepancy in what you were told the orientation would be vs. the amount you have been allowed so far? If so, I would discuss that in right up front terms. "I was told __________ and am requesting that I be allowed what was promised."

Other than that, just keep hanging in there. Put one foot in front of the other. Remember your resources, remember prioritization, remember not to fault yourself for not being able to do the impossible. Remember not to isolate yourself or shy away because you are new. If you have an issue and nobody seems to know the answer or have time to help, call the supervisor, your manager, whomever. Use an active/proactive approach.

I say give it a little more time.

[Roxi394]

Which is better a hospital or clinic like stress level wise and do you need to have hospital work experience to work in a clinic?