Problems already:(

GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN · Jul 28, 2008

I just posted on your other thread, it takes as long as it takes to do the work you need to do if you do it the right way and completely. maybe she was having her own issues, I wouldn't take it personally, you'll drive yourself nuts, some people are just hard to figure out. Don't take it personally, see how it goes, and see how she treats others as well. maybe you are seeing her real personality now or maybe she had other things on her mind.

NRSNFL · Jul 28, 2008

Ok, so I teched on the floor, (PRN), I'm supposed to be working on when I get my license,(already passed boards) and before I accepted a position there, the team leader talked about how much she liked me and how much I fit in there, and that there was nothing else to discuss if I wanted to work there. Of course I said yes. Well, when I worked the other night, she completely ignored me and pretended I wasn't there. I was a little slow getting BS and vitals b/c of having needy patients, and she was a little irritated that I wasn't done by 6:30 A.M. When I left at the end of the shift, I walked right by her and she didn't say goodbye, thanks for coming or anything. Do you think she doesn't want me to work there anymore? Am I being too sensitive? I hate playing mind games with people.

Okay, I have to say, sometimes people act a certain way because of something totally not relating to you. So for example when I patient yells that you didn't answer their call light fast enough, really they are angry that they need to use one in the first place. I'd say you're being too sensitive. Congrats on the boards and enjoy your nursing career!

weronika · Aug 2, 2008

nurses are only people- some people are cool, some are not, some are weird and hard to figure out, some care about you and some don't etc...all I am trying to say is don't worry about it too much and hang in there, you shouldn't give up just because of one person, good luck to you!

Melinurse · Aug 2, 2008

I can totally relate. I worked on my unit for 2 yrs as a CNA then for 5+ yrs as an LPN, so now I am a GN. My first day, they give me 6 pts. Saying because I've been there I should be able to "handle it". And I can , but that is not the problem. The problem is that other new grads ( includeing those who have been there like me ) start off with 1 day of shadowing, the n 2-4 days with 1 patient, then 2 weeks with 2-3 patients, then 2 weeks with 3-4 pateints, and the 3 weeks with 5 patients. They also get a preceptor who is 100% there for them for reference. I get a preceptor, but she can't be there for me because she has a pt assignment too. Which my preceptor is very upset about. No matter how many times we have gone to management and higher up with this, we get no response. :devil: I don't think it is unresonable to ask for only 4-5 patients and a preceptor all to myself for a couple of days. Point is I feel like I am being " cheated" out of a good orientation. :cry: So, yeah problems at the start of graduation at a new job/position par for the course to a point. But, I think the problem you described is that the person had something else on their mind. They don't get the term " nurses eat their young " from nowhere. ( even though it's wrong! ):heartbeat LOL and I hope things get better for you.:loveya:

NRSNFL · Aug 2, 2008

I can totally relate. I worked on my unit for 2 yrs as a CNA then for 5+ yrs as an LPN, so now I am a GN. My first day, they give me 6 pts. Saying because I've been there I should be able to "handle it". And I can , but that is not the problem. The problem is that other new grads ( includeing those who have been there like me ) start off with 1 day of shadowing, the n 2-4 days with 1 patient, then 2 weeks with 2-3 patients, then 2 weeks with 3-4 pateints, and the 3 weeks with 5 patients. They also get a preceptor who is 100% there for them for reference. I get a preceptor, but she can't be there for me because she has a pt assignment too. Which my preceptor is very upset about. No matter how many times we have gone to management and higher up with this, we get no response. I don't think it is unresonable to ask for only 4-5 patients and a preceptor all to myself for a couple of days. Point is I feel like I am being " cheated" out of a good orientation. So, yeah problems at the start of graduation at a new job/position par for the course to a point. But, I think the problem you described is that the person had something else on their mind. They don't get the term " nurses eat their young " from nowhere. ( even though it's wrong! ):heartbeat LOL and I hope things get better for you.:loveya:

Well the good news is, they think you are capable. The bad news is you ARE being cheated out of a solid orientation period. Transitioning to an RN however from an LPN (and this is totally based upon what state/facility you work in) shouldn't be too bad. Our LPNs do everything RNs do with the exception of say hanging blood products, signing off on restraints and discharges. So I'm not sure what has changed for you. Can you tell us what has changed?

Melinurse · Aug 2, 2008

LPNs at our facility are more of a " over paid CNA ". I did assessments of stable pts only who were close to discharge, wound treatments, basically just " task things ". I feel ok taking the patient load, but only upset that my orientation really stinks! I even got dumped on last time I worked. Got 4 pts who were unstable and 1 who was nice and such a cute woman, till her family arrived and then the fireworks began. ( some families should be banned from coming to the hospital ) Tons of doctor calls that day. OMG!

I feel like I've been baptised by fire. On the bright side, I now feel more empowered and like if I can handle that, I can handle anything.( I think ) And yes, I cried the whole way home. ( first time ever ) I felt it was a diservice to my pts.

P.S. I did tell the charge nurse and our unit leader I was being dumped on and how unfair my assignment was.

NRSNFL · Aug 2, 2008

LPNs at our facility are more of a " over paid CNA ". I did assessments of stable pts only who were close to discharge, wound treatments, basically just " task things ". I feel ok taking the patient load, but only upset that my orientation really stinks! I even got dumped on last time I worked. Got 4 pts who were unstable and 1 who was nice and such a cute woman, till her family arrived and then the fireworks began. ( some families should be banned from coming to the hospital ) Tons of doctor calls that day. OMG!
I feel like I've been baptised by fire. On the bright side, I now feel more empowered and like if I can handle that, I can handle anything.( I think ) And yes, I cried the whole way home. ( first time ever ) I felt it was a diservice to my pts.
P.S. I did tell the charge nurse and our unit leader I was being dumped on and how unfair my assignment was.

I'm sorry you feel that way. That is terrible. Like I said, our LPNs do everything our RNs do with the exception of a few things, I forgot to add pronouncing a patient. So I feel for them at times its hard work that isn't as financially rewarding, versus our RN's make "okay" money. Either way, I'll be an RN in a little under 4 mos and I'm ready for what I see. When you are by yourself, you get 4 patients, anything over that, you get a tech and up to 6 patients. I think you'll do great......I really do think so, just keep a positive attitude and know that they had faith in you as well. Take it as a half-a**ed compliment.

Melinurse · Aug 2, 2008

:chuckle Take it as a half-a**ed compliment.:chuckle

Ok, made me laugh, which is great. Yeah, it is a compliment on one level. My only real gripe is lack of fairness in orientation. Otherwise, this job is totally rewarding. We do get CNAs but they take 8 pts on day shift and more on pm and nights. But we do have great CNAs who are really outstanding.

NRSNFL · Aug 2, 2008

:chuckle Take it as a half-a**ed compliment.

:chuckle

Ok, made me laugh, which is great. Yeah, it is a compliment on one level. My only real gripe is lack of fairness in orientation. Otherwise, this job is totally rewarding. We do get CNAs but they take 8 pts on day shift and more on pm and nights. But we do have great CNAs who are really outstanding.

Well, as you already know.....be very kind and humble with those PCT's because frankly, they will make or break your day as a nurse. There in lies the secret of good nursing. Put the patient first ALWAYS and then be very good to your techs. Your days will be just fine......