maxonshm

I too just started a new job. It's for a private practice gynecology clinic. Not my first choice, but my first job offer and the opportunity was too good to pass up. Now however, I wonder if I made a mistake. I am the only RN. The nurse before me stayed long enough to train me for 6 days (which the physician said was all wrong) and then she was gone. It's just the physician, the office coordinator, and myself. The front desk girl quit and the doctor has decided to take a medical leave for at least 4 weeks. So really it's just myself and the office coordinator. I've been working for 3 weeks now and I really don't know what I'm doing. Every time a patient calls asking a question, I have to tell them I'll call them back after I talk to the doctor to get the right answer, and that's if I can get ahold of her. There are no protocols for me to fall back on. I never did a clinical rotation specifically in women's health during nursing school. I feel like I am really out of my element and I just wish there was some organized system that I could utilize. That's what this place is lacking, organization. So I guess my question is, do I stay, hoping to gain nursing experience working in a chaotic GYN office? Or do I go back to my old job, which I've kept as an on-call basis, but it isn't working as a nurse. I would appreciate any advice from nurses who have been in a similar situation.

Does anyone know where or who I would contact to take a STABLE course in Portland, OR?

Thank you for writing your post! I'm in the same predicament as you and have had the same questions. I graduated in Dec 2010, got licensed (Oregon) in Jan 2011 and have been searching and applying to jobs ever since. So far I've only had one interview and that did not pan out. I registered for fall classes to get my BSN, I have my ACLS and PALS certifications, and even got licensed in Washington and Alaska. I would like to volunteer at a hospital, but haven't even been able to do that. I have an interview coming up to help out with a flu clinic; while not a full time gig, at least I will finally get some real RN experience and a little extra cash:). The longer it takes to find a job, are my chances of getting hired decreasing? Is a "fresh new grad" more desirable than an "old new grad"? I don't know what more I can do. If any nurse out there has any suggestions I'm open to them.