InfoNurse81

I just started a new RN position on a IMC unit in a new hospital, however, I have a few years experience already in the same specialty...I have only been there for 2 days but I must say my preceptor is like oblivious to the fact that she needs to explain things to me and show me things. She basically goes about her normal day of work and I run around following her like a lost puppy. She never explains what she is doing, and I find myself CONSTANTLY stopping her and saying "ok, so you are filing those papers there...ok....ok so when you give narcotics you need to fill out this paperwork...ok...so whats that code to the med room?" There is SO MUCH equipment to learn, and she just quickly programs things and never says "hey I'll show you how to do this" etc. This nurse is as sweet and friendly as can be, and I'd HATE to start off on a bad note with this unit....but I'm struggling and do not know how to explain this to her. The morning of the second day she asked "so did everything go OK for you yesterday?" and I basically said (to remain on the positive side) "remember how you explained so-and-so process to me....keep doing that, it really helped a lot" However, she totally didn't catch on and continued with the same behavior as the day before. This unit has a lot of new grad RN's this month, so I realize they are short on preceptors and this nurse who may not be the best choice for me...is probably all they can give me right now. I am just so worried that if i talk to her about this that she will be offended, and that is the LAST thing I want to do....ugh....suggestions anyone?

I really would appreciate some advice. I recently left a job on the east coast in a very large university hospital where I worked on a busy neurology/neurosurgery floor (non-ICU). I am now starting a job on the west coast in a Neuro ICU in a somewhat smaller community hospital. The thing I can't wrap my head around is, not having residents on-call. At the University hospital I was used to passing a lot on to the residents on call, all throughout the night (critical lab values, subtle neuro changes, etc). Now it is my understanding that at these community hospitals you only have the attendings to call, so....am I really calling them at home at night for these things? While I realize some things can wait until the AM, I think it might be hard for me to determine what can and cannot wait, especially with neuro when even a subtle change may mean a major problem. Also, i am finding out things like the rapid response team for the hospital is made up of the ICU nurses....that amazes me. At the University Hospital i came from, the ICU fellows and residents were involved in the rapid response, as well as the ICU nurses. I find it...scary, to think I have so much responsibility. i mean, I'm sure its do-able...community hospitals have been functioning for years and years without having docs around 24-7. Just the concept of having only a ER doc in house at night makes me a little nervous. It may be that ICU's in community hospitals are not as acute as in University hospitals? I'm not sure....I would love some advice, especially from those who work in non-University settings. I feel I have been a little babied, and I'm now in for a real shocker...am I overreacting? Thank you so much!!!

Hi,... I quit my job on the east coast....I am now driving across country to move to Las Vegas where my mother lives (I am now in Utah!). I was going to go the travel nursing route, but so far there are no promising jobs. One that was offered was only $22/hr...WHAT??!!! If travel nursing is THAT low, then what are the staff nurses making...$18-20??? Scares me.... Anywho, I am a neuro nurse (non-ICU) with 4 years experience....I would qualify for med surg. What would a hospital typically pay??? I hope my fears aren't true! I want to get my foot in the door at St. Rose, but so far no responses to my application.....anyone have some connections? Any recruiters out there? I thought there was a nursing shortage....