RNnurse13

As a new nurse you're not expected to "know" everything. My first few months of nursing I felt like a complete failure and questioned what I got into...why didn't I recognize s/s of this when I was taught it in school. Truth is real life nursing is way different then school was. You are very new and in time you will find who your mentors (even if it doesn't happen to be your preceptor) are. Always always ask questions if you're not sure of something. Make a "to do" list at the start of shift so you have an idea of how your day is going to flow (even if at the end of the day it's not exactly as planned). Then try to get into a routine. Depending on what your nurse:pt ratio is you may need to "cluster" some of your nursing care. Just keep your head up. Before you know it you'll be saying you've been doing this for 5 years.

I have recently taken an assignment in DC. I am finding that the nurses at the hospital are very unhelpful and unfriendly. There are tech's available for help but they also are very unhelpful and will do the min required. And of course since I am the traveler I get the hardest assignment. I feel like I am running around all over the unit while the other nurses are sitting on their computers reading ESPN or shopping (I have actually seen this on their computers) or they are busy talking. I ask for help but will get no response or attitude. I am not asking them to do my job but just help in what will save my back. I have had great and successful assignments in the past. I am feeling very overwhelmed and even to the point I am ready to quit this assignment. I have spoken to the charge nurse, the clinical manager, and now I have even called my company. I even asked them to find me a different assignment. If anyone can offer me any advice on what to do (besides actually quiting, I don't want this to affect future assignments) to make it through this assignment and get fellow nurses to pitch in help I would apperciate it!