Orientation nightmares

[transducen, BSN, RN]

So, I have been a nurse for 4 years, mostly Tele experience. I am orienting now to a small ICU department. Because of the huge turnover in nursing staff, the main one orienting me, has not even been a nurse for 2 years, but has almost a year ICU experience. She is loud, talks over me, and treats me like I don't even know when my patient needs a Foley or Telemetry. I mentioned this in a recent staff meeting and she was angry, and stated, " we can talk about this when we work together again" I wanted to talk about it then, at the staff meeting. My manager just hushed me, and treated me like a little girl that just can't handle be under someone, with more "ICU experience". I'm thinking of transferring, what do you guys think?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

I have to ask what kind of response you thought you would get by putting one individual on the spot in a group staff meeting?

From your post, it appears the issue is between you and your preceptor -- what is gained by airing this for all to see in a group setting? I'm not surprised that your manager quickly moved back to the meeting's agenda.

I have had my own poor experience with precepting when I switched specialties so I'm not necessarily discounting what you're saying -- just questioning the timing, that's all.

[transducen, BSN, RN]

Good point, I might have been fueled by the fact that she announced to everyone that although I came in 2nd , in scanning meds, I did horribly scanning all pt. bracelets.

[RNCEN]

JMO, but it was unprofessional to bring it up at a staff meeting. It should have been handled intially with just you and your preceptor.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

As an experienced nurse ... you chose to make the switch to ICU for a reason, no? So why the rush to transfer because of an interpersonal conflict with one individual who will be your preceptor for, what, 8 weeks out of your life?

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

Good point, I might have been fueled by the fact that she announced to everyone that although I came in 2nd , in scanning meds, I did horribly scanning all pt. bracelets.

This kind of public tit-for-tat thing makes it look like both of you failed Professionalism 101. However, work out your personal differences now--privately--or you will be the one on the chopping block because you are the nurse new to the unit.

[transducen, BSN, RN]

I guess I should've done it in private. I am just so sick of being stepped on all of the time, having someone answer questions that I am capable of answering, and the like so they can be a "star", I just get sick of it.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I guess I should've done it in private. I am just so sick of being stepped on all of the time, having someone answer questions that I am capable of answering, and the like so they can be a "star", I just get sick of it.

What about speaking privately to management about this issue and request a different preceptor?

[SonorityGenius]

I applaud the manager for telling you to shut up during a staff meeting about your quable with the preceptor. If I were the preceptor I would have asked to drop you in a second. You dont have a problem with her, your problem is that you have 4 years exp and she has only 1. your ego is hurt.

[OCNRN63, RN]

So, I have been a nurse for 4 years, mostly Tele experience. I am orienting now to a small ICU department. Because of the huge turnover in nursing staff, the main one orienting me, has not even been a nurse for 2 years, but has almost a year ICU experience. She is loud, talks over me, and treats me like I don't even know when my patient needs a Foley or Telemetry. I mentioned this in a recent staff meeting and she was angry, and stated, " we can talk about this when we work together again" I wanted to talk about it then, at the staff meeting. My manager just hushed me, and treated me like a little girl that just can't handle be under someone, with more "ICU experience". I'm thinking of transferring, what do you guys think?

I think I would have never, ever brought up an issue like that at a staff meeting. Think of how you would feel if someone called you out like that at a staff meeting. That was something you should have addressed privately with your preceptor. If you didn't get satisfaction after talking to her, then you should have taken it up with your manager. Had I been sitting in that staff meeting and seen you do that, I would feel like you were someone who could not be trusted, and I would question your professionalism.

[kids]

Bringing it up in a (group) staff meeting is no different than 'chewing someone out' in the middle of the nurses station.

But I think you get that now.