New peds CVICU nurse... so overwhelmed

[stacylethani, BSN]

I’ve been a peds cardiac nurse for two years and started a new job in the cvicu in August. I’m off orientation in 4 weeks and feel so overwhelmed and not ready at all. I’ve had two evaluations so far and I’ve been told I’m doing really well and they’re very happy with my current performance. However I feel like i still don’t know anything! I had a new preceptor this last weekend and I felt like she disagreed with everything I did. It feels like nothing I do is ever the right way according to her and she really made me feel incompetent. I feel like I’m 12 steps behind where I was before. I’m so terrified of ICU honestly and I don’t know if I made the right decision by doing icu this soon.

[conway13, BSN]

Hey! I went into CVICU (adults) as a new grad. I completely felt like this. I think it is normal! All my coworkers said it is reassuring to hear that new people on the floor feel like this. People who come in and automatically think they know what they are doing are scary to the seasoned nurses!

However, it sounds like this preceptor maybe Isn’t the best match? But perhaps talking with her directly (telling her how you feel in a professional manner) or speaking with your management team in discussing trying a new pairing could be of benefit. It is your time to learn! ICU is scary, but so rewarding! You can do it!

Hang in there. It takes time to get more comfortable. Just know that you’re coworkers are always there when things go wrong. You are NEVER alone in the ICU! Don’t be afraid to ask for help, ask tons of questions, be open to criticism! It’s so hard at first, but you won’t regret it! Lastly, remember there is a patient lying in that bed, try not to be overwhelmed by all the machines and drips. Zone in on your patient, see what they need! As time goes you will feel better. I wanted to cry going into work!! Sometimes wanted to throw up!! Just know you can do it. You are there for a reason ?

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

Hang in there...ask for a talk with your manager and preceptor. It’s perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed at this point as there is so much to learn.

However, having the right match in a preceptor is extremely important. I’ve been there and regret not speaking up sooner. This was many years ago for me but in hindsight, I had to live with the “holes” in my knowledge and uncertainty in my ability until I finally either figured out the issue myself or got the information from a colleague who could help me. We never stop learning...truly! But I’m hoping you can be more solid before you finish your preceptorship. In my opinion, you should NEVER be left feeling you can’t do anything right. You should not be made to feel defeated. The main purpose of a preceptor beyond relating facts is to be supportive and find ways to help you transition into your new role.

I could say so much more on the topic of preceptorship....but for now, you need help to gain your confidence back.

Look over the objectives you are expected to accomplish. Think about which subjects you are not clear about and ask those specifics in your meeting with your manager and/or preceptor. Having said that, it can be difficult to get the perfect assignments for every objective, but at least you can ask for those that have some of those care needs and possibly get paired with someone with better “teacher” qualities in the mean time.

As Conway13 mentioned, it takes time to get “comfortable”and to some degree, Critical Care nurses are never “comfortable”. In time, you will feel more capable, and have the basics down. Once you get to the point where you can assess well and prioritize, your critical thinking will guide you to know when to ask for help, and how to manage your time.

Long winded, but hope this helps!