Orientation with the Devil

[cherryontop16]

I started my orientation this week and worked with a really great nurse. The problem is she only works weekends. So today (Monday) I started with a different preceptor. I graduated 6 months ago and yes this is my first job, but she asked me if I felt comfortable getting blood pressures and finger sticks??!! THEN tonight a patient needed and ICP and straight cath and my nurse was going to let me do it she but took forever getting into the pt.'s room, needless to say the patient was anxious to have her bladder expressed when my Nurse strolled in. (I had been waiting there with the pt. because it was my first day with this new nurse and she would not let me do ANYTHING without her). So after she strolled in, my patient was upset for having to wait. She put the ICP on hold and asked me to step out into the hallway where she asked what I did to uspet the pt. and then came to the conclussion the patient was upset because I was a new grad and wouldn't let me do it! The patient had been very nice to me and knew I was a new grad and encouraged me to do the ICP with her. I don't know if I chose the right profession...I have driven home crying. I want to work in a clinic..Oh the place I work is a SNF and pretty much every employee has been there less than two years and the rest are registry nurses...HELP =(

[love-d-OR]

Woah, calm down... Are you sure you are not experiencing other stressors outside work? From what I read in your post, I can't really think of a reason why your post is titled "orientation with the devil." Did she yell at you?

I know it's though to have to change preceptors during orientation, because you have to 'prove' yourself all over again and show them your strenghts and weaknessess. A preceptor will usually do an assessment of their orientee during their first shift together, to figure out what needs work. Don't take it personally, your preceptor means no harm. Take it easy, and best of luck

[cherryontop16]

Thank you for your reply. You were right, I was completely worked up when I posted that. I was yelled at, laughed at and embarassed infront of other coworkers on both my shifts with her. It is hard because I am trying to make a good first impression with everyone I will be working with but it is hard when she belittles me infront of them. I am not going to say anything because most of the other nurses get along with her. I am just going to get the most from this orientation and hope for the best.

[Guest296136]

Talk to your educators and your floor manager. Being put down won't help you learn what is needed to be on your own. Ask to be put with a different preceptor, it's your right and your orientation this is what will mold you and help you with time management and being comfortable as a nurse.

Some do eat their young, it's like dating sometimes you have to shop around until you find a good match.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

You started orientation this week and are already questioning is you chose the right profession, RELAX!!! Different people orient differently. Yes ,I agree asking you if you were comfortable with BP's and fingersticks sounds demeaning, but since I don't know her, I can surmise two things : she is either treating you like you don't know anything OR she may want to make sure you are comfortable -not with your skills, perhaps the equipment? Maybe she is just making sure you aren't just thrown out without any support? I'm not sure- just playing "Devil's advocate" Most new nurses complain they are thrown out without any help or orientation. On the other hand,maybe she is over

the top- just keep your cool, thankyou ,I'm fine with____. It's only orientation, and just the first week, don't second guess your career on this limited experience.

[Jamaica3]

I completely understand how you feel, and it's good to hear that you are feeling better.