New RN IN ICU

[MsJheri112, BSN, RN]

Hello everyone, 

So I  recently started at as a new RN in an ICU In my hometown. I started preceptorship in Oct. and on my own Nov. 17. I’m feeling discouraged. Even the simplest of things are hard for me like changing a patient and bed rolls etc. I’m not too sure why. I was an LVN for 5 years prior and I did geriatric care which was totally different. I feel like my bedside manner is great but everything else is just completely new to me. I’m having trouble liking my job. Not to mention, there’s seasoned ICU nurses that are not very helpful and rude. I don’t know if it’s the hospital I’m at or what but I’m not feeling it. I dread going to work. I’m just wondering if this gets better or what !?! 

[gratefultobeanurse16, BSN, RN]

First I am sorry to hear that you are feeling discouraged. As a new RN in ICU, it is a huge learning curve, even for experienced nurses.  I can say that if you started your preceptorship in october and you are on you own Nov 17 that is barely a month and no where near enough time to be on your own.  A RN new to ICU, even if an experienced RN from another specialty area, generally stays on orientation for 3- 4 months. (at least from what I have experienced and witness. This may not be the standard for all hospitals but generally this is what I hear)  In rare cases a nurse may receive less time on orientation but that's few and far in between. 

Yes you may have switched specialties but you also switched to new co workers, new unit, new manager which also adds to the newness and learning curve. Keep in mind that while you may be the new kid on the block you were hired because of your talents and skills. You posses skills that were admirable and actually benefit the current unit you are on, otherwise they may not have hired you to begin with.

I can say it does get better but if the environment isn't welcoming it can make it tough. Some people are just rude and mean because they are just miserable human beings. Bullying, retaliation, violence, abuse (verbal /physical) is NEVER OK and I hope this is not your experience. Set your boundaries, remain professional and be open to asking questions and learning.  Usually after a year things start to get easier because  1)your coworkers trust you, 2)you start to become familiar with the flow of the unit, the acuity of the patients, and the doctor's preferences, and 3)you will have also developed your own routine. However, I say that mental health is important.  I will say as time goes on and you are starting to absolutely dread going in or hating life or having unhealthy thoughts you should definitely evaluate it is purely job related and if so then maybe explore a different area of nursing or switch to a different hospital or consider switching specialties again. ICU can be a tough yet rewarding specialty. Lots of hope, lots of prayers, lots of sadness and happiness. Your heart will pull in many directions but make sure you are taking time to put back into yourself. I hope this helps. I wish you much success. Good luck! 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Did anything change after your first post about this issue? Were you able to work with the other nurses and see how they do things like move their patients and navigate the room? Is it still just moving patients that's the problem, or is the whole feel of the unit as far as working with your coworkers? You didn't give many details.

If you're that unhappy then maybe you need to consider making a change. Going into the ICU as a new grad is hard enough, you need to have a unit that supports new grads and gives you what you need as far as education and assistance. You won't have a much need for moving patients on other units but maybe you might ask whether you could move to a step-down or telemetry floor for a while to get a different experience? Good luck. 

[MsJheri112, BSN, RN]

Babynurse111 said:

 

[MsJheri112, BSN, RN]

Babynurse111 said: