PICU Intubation-New Nurse

[Caroline0322]

I recently just got out of orientation from the PICU. I was at work last night, and the nurse next to me had to intubate her kid. I helped draw up meds and then I started two record vitals on the intubation flow sheet. An experienced nurse looked over to make sure I was doing it right-which she said I was.

Then the charge nurse walked in and that other experienced nurse said, "can you take over recording?" & she took the paper out of my hands.

I tried to shake it off, but I am left feeling unsettled...like I did something wrong. She said I was doing it right, so I am confused why she had someone take over. I am not sure if the nurses are just territorial and they don't trust me yet. I don't know if this is "the nature of the ICU."

-Note: I don't feel comfortable asking her if I did something wrong

[CampyCamp, RN]

Maybe being territorial. I'm in the camp that prefers experienced nurses recording codes and emergencies and newer nurses free to get their hands dirty.

[brownbook]

I agree with CampyCamp. It's much better for you to "get your hands dirty" or even just observe without being assigned anything.

Assume that was their reasoning and let it go.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

It's a shame you had to miss out on a great learning experience. I've seen it happen a lot, where the new person is pushed out of the way when they're actually doing a great job and would have learned so much by being allowed to continue. If that's the culture on your unit, it's probably going to happen again. And again. And that's too bad.