Not new RN, but orienting and feel DUMB

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Oct 23, 2015

Always that way at a new job. Just power through.

NocturneNrse · Oct 23, 2015

Thanks CrunchRN.. I'm re-inflating my balls now. ;-)

pasdequoi · Oct 24, 2015

Yeah, those first few weeks back after a gap in work can really stink - been there a few times myself. You'll get back up to speed and the smirking nurses will be eating your dust very soon :) One suggestion: if the computer system they have is bedeviling you, can you get hold of a user's manual to review at home? That way you can concentrate on what you need to learn and not have to ask help with it on the fly.

NanikRN · Oct 24, 2015

I can relate--i went back to hospital nursing after being out for more than 15 years!

Wait it out-- you'll learn the new stuff and the old stuff will come back

Look on internet/ youtube for tutorials on what you need to know- you'd be amazed at what's out there. What computer system is it?

Good luck. You can do this!

kaylee. · Oct 25, 2015

I am hypersensitive too, so i totally get the experience of leaving with an uneasy feeling, often triggered by subtle cues from others.

Alot of the time I realized it was just me filtering the influx of feelings...ones that often never reach other people's radar. Then the next day things would be normal....

The scenario seems normal for a new orienee...the analyzing...well that just has to be tamed...or at least refocused...

hang in there. If no overt feedback occurs: be weary of the urge to internalize...

Remind yourself of the timeline. And try to shake off annoyed reactions...bc new things can be challenging to teach. Im sure your preceptor is noting her own reactions too and knows that its not "you" , its just the nature of training...

Props for taking on new challenges! It takes courage to do so!!!!!

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Oct 25, 2015

I am currently on the other end of this problem. My newest orientee has been a nurse for 15 years but is completely new to the charting system Cerner. She doubts herself and almost quit before starting on the floor because she almost failed the computer testing.

I catch my self letting her see my frustration sometimes and I feel so bad about it because I am usually so patient.

My advice is to develop a charting routine and make a checklist of what you have to chart on everyday and how to get to different parts of he chart. Follow it religiously and things will get better! It has for my orientee tremendously, we actually got out on time with all the charting done last shift we did!

NocturneNrse · Oct 25, 2015

Thank you all for your support, advice, and perspective. I'm trying to learn not to be so sensitive, and to see the whole picture without assuming things. It's starting to stick. I really appreciate all of your words!!

THANK YOU!!!

m0lasses · Oct 26, 2015

You might consider letting your trainer(s) know how you feel. Knowing how much you are struggling may help them too.

buffalo2122, ADN, BSN, MSN · Oct 26, 2015

You're going to be fine, don't expect perfection and don't expect to get it all down in one week. It will take time after being out of the game for a while. But you will get it, trust me. I am a perfectionist and am sensitive as well. I write everything down and keep it in my clipboard. At the beginning I also had trouble with the charting, it was Cerner which can be so confusing at first. But i wrote down a list of what needed to be done and it helped me, soon after it became second nature. I actually incorporated everything i needed to chart and do into my brain sheet. As for the nay sayers and eye rollers, don't let them get to you, people will judge you no matter what you do. They act like they don't remember their first time on the floor. Good luck!

sallieneely · Oct 31, 2015

They say, "nurses eat their own" for a reason. There will always be someone that wants to undermine you. Stand up for yourself. Also, contact IT about the computer. They may have some helpful tips.

NocturneNrse · Nov 2, 2015

Well, I didn't expect this.. but I was "LET GO" aka "The position offered has been rescinded".

Here is my gripe -

I did not receive a structured orientation, especially on their computer system (which I'd never used).

I was placed with two other staff who are great at their job, but wanted things done in "two different ways" depending on what unit that patient would be admitting on. His or Hers. For the most part.. of course some things have to be consistent.

After only SEVEN days orienting and sporatically trying to navigate the computer system with intermittent guidance, I was told I was not learning it fast enough...and the job was rescinded, but I was offered per diem work there.

Despite all of this, I'm still feeling like a failure. I know I am proficient with computers.. heck, I study online, used to work for AOL, and my other job is all on the computer.

I do not feel comfortable there taking a per diem position, and I kind of feel it was offered to me as a "parting gesture".

I just can't seem to get it right in nursing. I oftentimes feel so inept, no confidence, ever since nursing school, but damn, I've invested and AM investing so much into it. Have I just not found my niche yet????

Just feeling so defeated..