ericuRN

Hi Doris, Wow, what a noc! I am an ER RN currently making a career change to the SICU. I hate to bash fellow sisterhood, but the trauma RN that gave you report.......What was she smoking? Was she a new grad? Our ED uses orogastric tubes (OG's) immediately on intubated CHI's if not already done PTA to protect the airway. If not PTA, then immediately upon the pt's arrival to the trauma bay. As for propofol, we don't use it on CHI's, so I can't help you on that one. You sound like you really know your stuff and was just a wee bit nervous about treading on unchartered territory. I am with you, though. I would definitely be concerned about the temp. Our Neuro ICU RN's have been known to be very condescending to ED/trauma staff, but on the other hand, when you get reports like you did, I can see why. Neuro ICU RN's are a breed of there own, but that isn't a bad thing. LOL. Anyway. As for me, I just gave two weeks notice, going to the ICU, so I can relate to how you feel. Good luck and hang in there.

That is so sad. Don't give up on nursing. I have to laugh about the charge RN "always being there to answer your questions." BWWWHAHAHAHAHHA!. That was told to us also and then the Chg. RN got overwhelmed with 4 new grads constantly coming up to her with questions. I work in a large teaching hospital and most ensure that you have at least 12 weeks orientation, 16 if you are in critical care. Nursing does tax one in the ways that you have mentioned, but if you sit back for awhile, evaluate your experience, you may find that you just need to find your niche. If you get into the wrong area, as you found out, you can be very unhappy. Sometimes you have to work in an area for awhile to realize what will make you happy and what is not working. Good luck to you. Don't give up. Nursing can be rewarding.

I agree with whoever posted about taking breaks. The thing is, you NEED to take breaks. A new grad can only process so much information. You need a break to sit down, get a change of scenery, and go to the bathroom. I have been in nursing for a long time and I can tell you first hand that it is not good on your bladder/kidneys/stress levels to not take a break. Obviously you don't want to take inappropriate breaks, but your preceptor should be the proactive one and step up to the plate to make sure you get a break within an appropriate time frame. That is part of your preceptors' responsibility. It obviously already bothers you that you haven't had the opportunity to get breaks or you wouldn'tve mentioned it. Take it from someone who has been there, done that. You should make it a priority to take a break. Otherwise, once you are done with orientation, you will continue in that pattern and eventually become resentful that you are working x amount of hours without a break and become burnt out. You are new and are putting forth a valliant effort to be a team player, but you need to realize that you can be considered a "team player" without running yourself ragged and not taking breaks.

I work in a critical care area and had 16 weeks minimum which included classroom. I can't imagine being thrown out to the wolves after 11 days. If she is working 12 hour days, that is a little over three weeks. The other thing that concerns me, is the fact that she isn't getting a break for three days in a row. I have worked in smaller hospitals and know how short staffed they can be, BUT her preceptor should make sure that she at least gets at least a little break each shift while in orientation.

Wow! Only 11 days? Most employers allow at least 4-6 weeks after completing classroom part of orientation. I don't know what kind of facillity you work for, but you shouldn't be going three shifts without a break when you are in orientation. I work for a large teaching facility and most floors take care of the orientees till they at least make it through orientation. After that, who cares if they get a break, lunch, bathroom break, etc. No nurse should ever feel comfortable going out of orientation, so talk to your preceptors. A good preceptor should be able to pick up on whether or not you are ready to go. Good luck!