New nurse really struggling...

[KTLou06]

(Prepare for whining)....

Hi guys, I am a new NICU nurse with about a month left on orientation. I REALLY struggle at work. I don't know if it's just stress bc I'm new and still learning or what, but I feel like quitting every week, sometimes even when days don't go that badly. My co-workers are nice, but I don't really have friends there yet. I hate not knowing what I'll be walking into each day when I come to work since the babies can go bad so quickly. I don't like adults, so I thought NICU would be the place for me- and now I just can't seem to be happy there either. Is any of this remotely normal, or am I just not cut out to be a nurse? Will it get better if I stick with it, or should I switch to something like office nursing where there is less stress? I am just really depressed and confused and tired of feeling this way about work. I know I shouldn't base my decision on this, but I also can't help but feel like if I do need to switch, I'll be labeled as one of those "nurses who just couldn't hack it". If anyone has any pearls of wisdom, I could definitely use it right now. Thanks.

[JennicaRN]

Wow, reading this thread really brought back memories for me. It also reminded me how much I loved working NICU. The first time I had to touch a tiny one on a vent, I thought he would melt.

I thought I was the only one who had those nightmares about forgetting to feed one of the babies the whole shift, etc. It makes me feel a lot better to know other people have them too!

[luvmyboys]

I am just curious what types of things the original poster (or others who care to share) struggle with as a new NICU nurse. I am precepting in NICU this semester and have to come up with three objectives that I would like to accomplish. I thought it might be a good idea to start now working on the things that most new NICU nurses have trouble with since I hope to work in NICU when I am licensed.

I was thinking of time management and communication with the families but then I would also like to add a procedure - like something about vents maybe. Any advice would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks!

[marcopolo59]

don't give up. It will get better. Just give it sometime.read read and read. as long as you have the basic neonatal facts and knowledge the rest will come with time. good luck.

[babybums]

I think it takes more than 1 year to feel comfortable in the NICU. I have been in the NICU for 19 years now and I remember my preceptor telling me that it would take about 1 year to feel comfortable. For me it took about 3 years. I love what I do and would never think about any other type of nursing.

[crazyaaa]

This is really a good post.

I started in NICU this Jan.,it was totally like a disaster in the 1st 1 or 2 months.I felt like an idiot most of the time,and was terrified about going to working each morning.I had more than 5 years' experience in nursing and did quite well before that,so what can i say.....

But these days i do really well with work,still there are many things i don;t know,but it's not so scaring,i got more confidence day by day.And i love babies!

So just hang in there.I guess we really need to give at least a good 6 months or 1 year(in my case,i came from a non-English background) before we feel nice and steady.