JesiD

Wow...what a couple of years make. Lol UPDATE: I'm still in ICU but I have changed hospitals. I'm in a ICU with higher acuity, which is great for learning but my stress level is higher. Different drips, nerve-blocking agents, CRRT, Swans, etc. all learned since April this year. I've had moments where I think, is this where I'm supposed to be and days that I proclaim..YES, THIS IS FOR ME!!!!!! I've had some wonderful patients that have touched my heart and re-energized my passion for nursing. Thank you for your support everyone. Xoxo

I came across your post on FB. Even though I am an adult ICU RN, I can completely relate to this post. I just finished my first year in ICU and I still struggle some days. I love what I do. I find it challenging, overwhelming at times, but I love the caring aspect of it. Im glad to hear that other people experience that same "what did I get myself into" moments. I work with experienced nurses and don't always get that insight. Thank you.

. Thanks!

I am upset about this show and it's portrayal of nurses and traveling nursing. It makes us look like we are unprofessional nit-wits that get drunk all the time and just party. I agree that nurses are entitled to their personal lives and to live it up outside of work. I love hanging with my friend, drinking adult bevies, etc HOWEVER, I would never do something that would tarnish my reputation as a RN or the reputation of fellow nurses. If you think this show doesn't influence the view of nursing, look at Twitter. Young adults, nursing student, and teenagers are proclaiming they can wait to become a nurse and live this false lie of what MTV is giving them. They believe what they see. They think is glamours and fun. It is bringing the wrong type of people to the field of nursing. Our only saving grace is, nursing school will weed out the individuals that are entering this profession for the wrong reasons. But then again, these people on Scrubbing in apparently have license.

I noticed that too. I recall seeing one a month before the show aired.

I thank all of you for your support and advice. I have switched to nights, the shift I was hired for, and I love it now. I have won over the nurses that ate me alive. One if them oriented me to night shift and i was able to gain her confidence. The other, showed me we all make mistakes whenI was helping her with a pt. With this experience I have learned to never judge another nurse or criticize them because no matter how much experience I have, I could make the same mistakes they have. ICU is where I want to be. It takes a bit to get used to the fast pace but the things I have learned are... Always check on your pt the moment you start shift. Don't wait till after report. (Someone has coded turn of shift) Always check what is hanging is correct. (Some one came in with someone else's I've fluids and I caught it) Always check your orders Document everything. If it isn't charted, it didn't happen. Read the chart and history. If a pt has been there a while, report handoff turns into a game of telephone and the info changes No matter what, turn your pt q 2hrs. The last thing you want to do is cause breakdown. Always try to do your best. It's not to make yourself look good, it's for the benefit of the pt. There is more but I can't spend all night here. ? Thanks again xoxo ?

I have been on AN since nursing school and now I am in a new grad program in ICU/CCU. I am brand-sinking-new. This is my first nursing job and I find myself in the front lines. ICU/CCU was my ultimate goal. I thought after a couple of years of experience I will do ICU. Well, I was thrusted to the goal. I feel overwhelmed. I have been working since March and even today I question when will it ALL sink in. Don't get me wrong, I know it's only been approximately 3 months and I cut myself slack but no one else does. My hospital is a bit backwards. We are just getting computerized charting. They still use heparin flush protocols, even though EBP shows saline is just the same if not better and cheaper. The orders are all written in and I don't know how to decipher the cryptic Dr writing. I end up missing things. I hate it! Then giving report to the night and I feel utterly incompetent. It doesn't help that this particular night nurse is the "I eat my young" variety. I know I'm griping. I am trying to get the most out of this opportunity but there are days when I think, "Seriously, this is my calling? Playing catch up?" That's all for now. Ms. Bitter Mcbitterson.

Let me suggest something. I was having test anxiety and one of my friend who was in a MSW program had me try something to help my confidence. I had to write down 3 examples of how I accomplished or overcame in nursing school or college. It worked to build my confidence. It worked so well, I started my own confidence journal where I only write my accomplishments. I also take notice more when people compliment my performance and I try to write it down. I even suggested it to a classmate when she started working as well. We are capable, we are accomplished but sometimes we need to remind ourselves. When I doubt myself I refer to that. I have a BA in psych, I am a RN now, I was a supervisor for 5 years and there are days I still doubt myself and get anxious but I over come it. Self talk, self support and I also go running. (running helps me sleep and decreases my stress big time!) I hope this helps you