Nurses eating me alive

[Mnstn, BSN, RN]

I doing an internship my senior year in high school right now at one of my towns NICU's. I love medicine, neonatology and nursing. I was so excited to get this opportunity but unfortunately it is only going somewhat well. I arrived today which is my first day out of five. When I arrived I immediantly got this feeling from the nurses I wasn't liked very well. I could see them look at me and whisper or turn around in their chairs periodically and look at me. I felt like I was invading this space or they thought I was bugging them. I was sitting in a chair by myself not saying anything. It is so frustrating to have these nurses whom I respected so highly up until now make me feel like I am doing something wrong for just wanting to know what its like to be a nurse in the NICU. Luckily I had an awesome NNP who I got to follow around today and answered all of my questions and even took me to a delivery. I can't say the same about the rest of the week yet because it will be a different NNP tomorrow. I am so nervous and annoyed about this internship which I did just to learn more about the profession. I can't understand why these nurses are bothered by me when I am doing absolutely nothing to hinder their day or interfer with their work.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

If you were sitting there saying nothing by yourself, they may have just been wondering who you were. There are privacy concerns etc when discussing things with strangers around. Maybe it would be worth giving them the benefit of the doubt, pasting a smile on and introducing yourself? Few people can resist being charmed by someone who obviously admires what they do and wants to emulate them - let them see that.

[ssnva1]

Poor thing...stick it out. And remember how Not to treat people when your sitting in those chairs.

[ladonnaw]

You have to be strong. Don't let them break you. If they have a problem with you oh well. Kill your enemies with kindness they probably act like that towards everyone that is new. Stick it out it will only make you a stronger person and in the medical field you have to be strong

[Lovelymo79]

It was just your first day..so don't stress too much yet. Also, in order for people to be friendly towards you..you must show yourself friendly..which in essence means to be open to someone speaking and approaching you. If you're sitting in a corner by yourself..then no one is going to approach you.

Since you're the new kid on the block, unfortunately, it's usually left up to you to get out there and make yourself known. Perhaps..asking a question about a procedure they are doing...saying hello first...

Once you warm yourself up to them..I'm sure they will warm up to you. Good luck!

[meatballexperience]

I remember doing clinical rotations through a class I had in high school. I was scared to death and totally clammed up at first. I felt really out of place at first because I was "still in high school." Don't worry though, I don't know how long you will be doing this for--- in my case it was a whole semester with different rotations every two weeks-- but in the end it will be a good experience and if you show enough interest and ask enough questions you may even score a job offer out of it, I know many of my classmates did!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

i second the sentiments that, as the new person, you need to introduce yourself to the nurses and explain why you're there. but i'm curious as to why your header said "nurses eating me alive" when it doesn't sound like any one is actually being nasty to you. they just aren't being friendly, and you admit that you weren't friendly to them, either. perhaps if you made the effort to introduce yourself and tell them what you're hoping to accomplish they'd be far more helpful!

[notthereyet0]

Remembering back to being high school age in the late Jurrasic period, the nurses might have been talking about anything but you when they were whispering. There is so much more that goes on in the world and you are a small part, sorry, no diss intended, but high schoolers seem to think that they are the center of most things. Put a smile on, try to look like you belong there, take a deep breath and look people in the eye. I am impressed that you are doing what you are at your age!!!

[MaryAnn_RN]

Sorry to hear that you didn't feel very comfortable. Apologies for my ignorance but we don't have interns in this country (UK). Is it like work experience? How long are you there for? What do you hope to get out of your experience?

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Some people (not just nurses!) do not like any interruptions, and may see you as an inconvenience. Butter then up, take in some doughnuts or bagels and introduce yourself.

[lpnflorida]

I agree it is important for you to smile and introduce yourself if possible explain what you perceive your role to be while interning.

I understand how uncomfortable you may be feeling. Realize however the staff may very well not know why you are there. A friendly smile most often begets a smile in return.