dragonfire123

Thanks for the feedback and linked articles/discussions. Very helpful -- I feel I made a wise decision in getting malpractice insurance based on what I've read and what others have recommended (including a few notable colleagues and attorney friends), but I remain doubtful I will convince my spouse.

I have been working as an RN for a few years now, and in that time I have always held nursing insurance, discounted through my membership with my state nursing association. However, most of my coworkers are uninsured and question why I even have it. They say that I would be covered under my facility's nursing insurance and lawyer in the event of a malpractice suit involving me and that having insurance puts me at greater risk of getting sued, should be uncovered that I am insured. Funnily enough, my spouse (also a nurse) also feels the same way -- that I am spending money needlessly and putting us both at risk. I have kept the insurance because I was always under the impression that should I ever be involved in a case, my employer would protect me but its lawyers would always be primarily concerned with protecting the facility (not me) and that my license would be at risk (with the board of nursing), should my license be called into question. While I feel I am a safe and thoughtful nurse, I have held the insurance to afford me some peace of mind. I don't see $100 a year as a needless expense and I am inclined to think that the notion of me being 'more' at risk of getting sued for personal assets is more of a myth. Any thoughts and opinions (informed by experience) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks, Gooselady :)

Btw, my nurse educator has agreed (very kindly) to provide me whatever time and resources I will need (on my own time, of course) to become better acquainted with the floor. Of course, I gladly accepted.

To update you all, I decided to speak with the nurse educator, who had oriented me briefly to the EMR. She seemed amiable and encouraged the new RNs to approach her with any issues. I was careful to not criticize my preceptor; actually, I decided the best way to handle it would be to own the situation and take responsibility; I indicated that I was concerned about whether or not I was progressing well, and that I was concerned that my preceptor was thinking that I was not ready and would need more time to orient to the floor. I also expressed my lack of confidence and wanted some help to feel more ready; I emphasized that I liked the unit and appreciated what everyone -- esp. the preceptor -- was doing for me. The next day, I learned that my nurse educator had spoken with the preceptor (without my prompting) to get a sense of how I had been doing. Surprisingly (!), the preceptor said I was doing well. You could have blown me over with a feather. Of course, the preceptor 'did' say that I needed more work but I was learning well. Too, when I worked that day, my preceptor was far more encouraging and patient with me. Not that we have become good friends all of sudden, but certainly there was more empathy and patience with me. It made a huge difference, and now my confidence is slowly building. I appreciate all your advice here -- it all played a role in how I handled this. While I am not sure how my nursing experience at the new facility will proceed, I am at least confident that part of the answer will come from me and how I choose to own my experience and manner of nursing. I am new, too, and I suppose I will need to be more self-forgiving and keep my sensitivity and perfectionism in check while keeping my heart. Thanks again, everyone.

I only had a day of computer orientation, and only for an hour or so. Considering my previous charting experience (with no computers), I think I'm doing pretty well -- certain things, like charting admissions from beginning to end, will require further orientation and hand-holding, which I don't think is unfair to ask for (or expect). I realize I do need to dial my sensitivity down, but I just wish my preceptor were more patient and encouraging -- I'm not a child and hate being treated so. Alas, I have to own my orientation experience, as some of you have suggested. Thanks again, everyone.

Thanks, everyone -- I really appreciate all the feedback.

I will remain hopeful, Sslamster, and thanks for the kind, encouraging words.

Thanks, NurseQT. I appreciate all your advice, folks. I suppose my main concern is that this person will eventually be my charge nurse, so the relationship is only beginning. I am hoping she ease up a bit as I acquire more experience, become more efficient and effective, and feel more comfortable and confident in my role. As it is, I will heed your advice and suggestions, as well as building my skills and confidence and buttressing myself with the necessary emotional armor to endure.

Thanks, VANurse2010!

It will be hard cutting down on the talking -- explaining my interventions and why I'm doing what I'm doing in the patient's room was a habit I picked up (encouraged by my mentors) in nursing school to help me focus, as well as to make my patients feel more comfortable and informed. But I will continue to try cutting it down . . . sigh.

Thanks -- sound advice.

Thanks, Classicdame :)

I appreciate your honest and helpful reply, Libby1987. I have made a conscious effort to cut down the chattiness and focus on reviewing my skills. I'm not sure what else she expects me to do, given my situation. I am new but I am by no means 'slow' -- I never have to stay overtime to finish my charting and my interventions are never late, and I have not made any errors (I ask questions when I'm not sure about something), so I am a bit bewildered by the feedback I am getting. I'll hang in there but it's hard.

I should add that this person will be my charge nurse when I am officially off orientation, which is perhaps my greater concern. I won't be able to avoid this person when I start 'working.'