Orientation

[carlagood1]

I have been a nurse for 2 years on a telemetry floor at a huge hospital. I just moved and am now in orientation in an ICU unit. So far my orientation has been a nightmare. I am very intimidated by my preceptor who is trying to help me and I feel like I just started nursing. I was supposed to be off orientation yesterday and I got behind on some important meds so my preceptor felt that my orientation should be extended and I'm fine with that but, I just feel that my preformance so far has been terrible. should i keep trying and not give up?

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

What does your preceptor say. Has the feedback been "your performance is terrible" or is that the story you are writing?

Two years is not a lot of time in to have the confidence to go into an ICU and get it right away in a short orientation. You probably should be given the same orientation as a new grad nurse.

Sit down one-on-one with your preceptor and talk about your concerns. Be honest and say you feel intimidated and how she can help you better with that. Ask for what you need. If you feel she isn't the preceptor for you, don't be afraid to speak up.

Then ask for some honest feedback on how you can get it together while your on orientation. It's not enough to hear "you're late with your meds", you need to learn the process of getting meds out on time, and find out what is tripping you up there.

It's going to be a long time before your comfortable. ICU is a whole new ballgame for you. Good luck. Don't give up just yet.