New Nurse--They Said I Couldn't Handle It

[swirlo]

I worked a nursing home for 2 weeks as a brand new LPN grad. They put me on two halls of 64 very ill patients. They never finished training me or telling me about the rest of the paperwork when they were about to turn me loose alone. The preceptors I had were very rude and hateful. I could tell they weren't gonna give me a good review to the boss no matter what I did to impress them. When I asked for more training (they said in orientation feel free to ask for more training), the DON got mad and said, "Everyone else gets it at this point, why do you need more training?" After that, she told me I wasn't working out and let me go. I was shocked, but even during the interview she said I lacked confidence and she wondered if she should hire me or not. This has got me questioning my abilities as a new nurse, because I am about to start another nursing home this week (less patients at this place). I feel it wasn't me-- it was them for giving me 64 patients as a brand new grad. I need some advice or feedback. How can I portray the confidence I need at this new job, when I was kicked to the curb with the old job? Thanks.

[Missy71940]

I hope that you asked for and will be getting a longer preceptorship with this new job. You sound very unsure of yourself and I hate that the DON gave you that seed of doubt when she questioned hiring you in the first place. Just remember you went to school, you received training, you know what to do.

Try to keep a positive relationship going with your new preceptor. Praise and thank her for helping you. I felt like nursing school prepared me but the real learning started on the job. If you get another bad preceptor nicely ask if there is someone with a different teaching approach that you can work with. I think alot of times what I see happening is that new nurses that are unsure of themselves make some nurses feel like they are not making an effort or trying. Go out there and work as hard as you can. Let them see that you want it.

I would not go into detail about the old job either. If someone mentions knowing you lost that job... I would just say that I realized after taking the position that I did not fit in. I really like my new job, and the staff is wonderful and that I hope to learn alot from them. The less said the better.

[FLmomof5]

64 patients by yourself?!?!?! If so, that is LUDICROUS! I worked LTC and had 28 - 30 per shift and that was tough enough to make med passes by 11 PM.....I would never work with that many patients.