nicus with high hiring rates/preceptor burnout?

[nicu4me]

Hi, just wanted to ask any of you that have BUSY NICUs that hire groups of 5-8 nurses (RN's with previous or new grad mixes) about 3-4 times a year, about as many as when one group gets off at 16 weeks that another group starts how this makes them feel. This NICU has low turnover but with such a big unit, there are medical leaves, maternity leaves, part time workers, etc. that they say that they are just trying to staff adequately. It is hard to get into because it is a Level 3 with a large region that it is responsible for covering. So what I want to know is what could a new nicu nurse do that is off orientation to help one of you that has more experience. It seems like there is not enough experiences to go from day one to week 16 that one feels comfortable handling everything that comes at you in your assignment. I feel like it is hard to give back and the experience level is much more apparent in an intensive care unit (adult and PI/NI) than when working on the floors (my experience, JMO). Does offerings to stock, gather supplies, just general "I'm going this way do you want/need anything in the supply room, etc." kind of offerings help? Say if you were never interested in precepting yet you may need to help another RN from time to time with different skills or situations that were not covered in orientation .... does it make you mad, or irritated? Sometimes I have to ask questions and I write things down and always try to do my best by myself first but there is always a shift here or there that I have no idea what to do. Because the unit is so large, we don't always work with the same people and some of the most approachable ones are the ones that just got off orientation. I know that I would rather work with my new friends but the "oldies" are the ones that I trust the most. I find this job harder to give back, compared to a floor when giving back meant passing meds or answering lights, etc. and we mostly worked with our PCT's rather than RN to RN only. And with ICU/NICU/PICU assignments it is usually just 2 patients per nurse. Having read through the other posts it has been said that for many it takes a year or more before one gets comfortable. I just wanted to know what I could do to "give back" in the meantime before I become the person that is asked for advice from. Thanks !!

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

I always (okay, most always unless I'm in a huge pinch) ask my podmate(s) if they need something on my trips to the supply room and most people do the same. Not everyone, though. (Most) everyone doesn't seem bothered with questions and I'm a sorta newbie (previous experience but new off orientation here) and people ask me questions all the time. I don't care and I LOVE to help when I'm not swamped! Sometimes I feel like I'm annoying people asking if they need help so I'll just say..okay, I'm here whenever you need anything...I'm bored so just let me know!

For all of us, there are things that we don't do often (ie, start up the cooling blanket) and need a refresher and there is always someone that has the answer.

[tinyfootprints]

I remember how difficult it is trying to fit in. I came to my unit with 3 years experience and I cried everyday for 6 months. I hated it. Some senior RN's eat their young. Try your best to be nice and helpful but some people you can't make happy so stop trying and eventually they will see what a great person / nurse you are.

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is don't be afraid to ask if you aren't sure about something. There are still times when I ask my coworkers for their opinion.

Hang in there!

[karnicurnc, MSN, APRN, CNS]

Kudos to you for wanting to give back instead of sitting in the corner reading People magazine or texting your boyfriend! I have been in a 60-bed level III unit for 8 years and always welcome help from others: feed a screaming preemie, restock, help with a procedure, whatever. Wish there were more like you instead of the newbies that already think they know it all. Keep up the good work and don't sell yourself short!

[babyNP., APRN]

Just keep on persisting and be friendly. It can be very rough. I've cried a few times myself, on and off orientation. This job isn't for everybody...but it's worth it. Do you love you job? That's what makes the difference.