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Hi all -- I posted to this a few times during my first 6months as a new grad on a tele unit. I ended up leaving my position as staff nurse after 9 months. I just got to the point where the anxiety was overwhelming. Looking back, I feel that I made a very hasty decision. I wish I would have given it more time to feel comfortable. I have been working in a clinic setting since, and every day wonder what it would have been like if I had stayed. I feel like I am also missing out on lots of career possibilities for the future since I only have about 9 months of direct patient care experience. So...my question....Through a friend, I know that the unit will hire me back for another chance. They thought I was a good nurse, but just needed more time to be comfortable. Should I go for it? Maybe try the night shift where things aren't so crazy? I am just going round and round in my head, and thought I would throw this question out there to all of you... Thanks.

I have about 9 months experience on a cardiac unit. I have always been intrigued by home health nursing and I have an interview for a home health position next week (they only require 6 mos acute care experience)...but I am wondering something. Are there moments in home health that are just as stressful and critical as the floor? What are some of the BIG decisions you have to make in HH? I am one of those new nurse types who likes to ask other nurses questions all the time. Maybe home health would be a scary option for me to pursue? I know HH is a very autonomous role.

Just wondering if any Minnesota nurses out there can tell me about their hospital's new grad orientation programs...

I too have a BA in Psychology and an interest in health and fitness, yoga, all that stuff. I went to nursing school after a few years in the corporate world, when I was 29 years old. I am only about 6 months into my RN position, and it has been a challenge to say the least. I have questioned my decision to become a nurse many times, I have left work in tears, and I go into work with a buzz of anxiety every day. Despite the challenges and the gripes I have made so far (and that you have probably read on this site)...there is an underlying sense of pride that I have in myself and in this profession of nursing. Nursing challenges me on all levels: emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually....which can't be said for many professions. For the most part, the docs love to teach (especially the residents), and you can learn alot from them. Most of the patients are greatful for the care, and if they get nasty, they usually end up apologizing at some point. I don't feel too much like a pill pusher, because the patients need the drugs I am giving them...I work on a cardiac unit. The pills that keep their heart rate and BP low are keeping improving their quality of life. Sounds like your interest in the hospital setting and the hands on stuff would be a great fit in nursing. I say GO FOR IT!!! In nursing, there are soooo many opportunities. After you get some experience under your belt, the world is yours. And don't stress out about nursing school, like I did. I was in agony during school, stressing about clinical and lacking confidence, I really put alot of unneccesary stress on myself. If you decide to go back to school, just enjoy the ride, ask lots of questions, and don't be afraid to use your common sense. GOOD LUCK!!!

Hi all... I had a pt who was one hour post sheath pull, and she began to feel diaphoretic, nauseated, and had a large emesis, HR down to 35. Gave IV nausea meds, but the nausea returned, and another emesis. She also developed a hematoma after one of her boughts of throwing up, which resolved with pressure. I was completely worried about her, and wondering what happened, or if this has happened to others? Also, her BP was high after sheath pull, I gave hydralazine for that, and it only came down slightly 158/77...Did the hydralazine make her feel like that?

I have been off orientation for about 2 mos now, and my new fear of the week is "what to do when my patient codes"...Of course, I know the basics from CPR class, and to grab the crash cart and ambu bag. But I think my fear is unreasonable, and it might hinder my decison making capabilities in such a situaiton. I have not even seen a code yet, and in my orientation, I got a very general overview of what to do. Does anyone have any interesting stories or advice about their first codes?

The doctor phone call is intimidating for me as well, but like others have said, remember that they are just another part of the team. My parents are both MD's and I have a lot of friends who are now completing their residency. Remember that nursing and medicine are two different professions, and we rely on each other. The docs are grateful for our eyes and ears and critical thinking skills as we watch over their patients...and from what I have heard...they are thankful when a nurse is smart enough to know when to call. Just speak to them with confidence, or if you don't have confidence yet (like me)...just fake it 'till you make it....

I am a new nurse, I have been on a tele floor for about 6 months now. Clearly, floor nursing is not for me. Like many other posters on this site, I can't relax at work, I never stop to eat, drink, or pee. I work the evening shift 3-1130, but I usually get out around 12 or 1AM. Right now it is 1:47 AM and I am just eating the dinner I was supposed to have on my break. UGHH!!! Anyway...Do home health agencies hire new RN's...where else can I work besides the hospital without "3-5 years of experience"!

Thank you all for such helpful advice! I can't wait to go into work tomorrow and try these new tricks. :) This site is really supportive and is helping my confidence...Thank you thank you!

I always try to aspirate for blood before starting a new bag of solution, or starting an antibiotic. When I am unable to see blood, but the saline flush goes through OK, I am still worried that the IV isn't in the vein and that I am going to infiltrate the solution into the pt's tissue. I think I am having a hard time with IV's in general, starting, saline locking, and IV push medication. Does this fear go away with time?

Thank you so much you guys! I appreciate your input so much. I have been going back and forth in my mind over this like you wouldn't believe. I was "officially" offered the med surg position today, and just thought I would check this website to see if there were any new postings to my question. In my heart I want to take the med surg position, and based on your advice, I think that is just what I will do. Thanks again!

I have been working on a tele floor for about 2 months, mostly post angio patients, sheath pulls, etc. I didn't feel the orientaiton was that great, and I feel disorganized and clueless. Management just says I am "where I should be" and that I am doing fine, but they don't hear what is going on inside my head. I have an offer from another local hospital that has a "new grad program" and I would be starting on a med surg floor. I am just having a hard time deciding if I should move to another floor for a more well-rounded pt population and supportive new grad orientation, or just stick it out with tele. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. :wink2:

Hey there. You sound exactly like me! I too am just coming to the end of my orientation on a tele floor. I feel as if I am taking steps backwards, not forwards. My preceptor assures me that I will be fine on my own, but I think she is delusional. I miss orders, I am confused about when to "sign them off", and I am still foggy about the details of our computer MARs, charting, or basically how things "flow". I get so overwhelmed, and like you, I am way too hard on myself. I think so hard about the little things, and I have this desire to understand everything down to the smallest detail in order to feel confident. I feel like I am really missing "the big picture". I even went to a psychologist last week, because I was coming home crying and worrying way too much after leaving work. Tonight, though, I had a real connection with a patient, a very crabby elderly guy. As he was getting ready to leave, he asked the aide if he could say goodbye to me. He even waited for me while I was finishing up with another patient. I realized that I do make a difference in people's lives, and all that other stuff will come eventually. If you love the theory of nursing (also like me), then you love helping people and connecting with people. Just keep that in mind when you are struggling with the paperwork and the time management. A nursing professor once said to me, "Slow down, and remember be present with your patients, they are what you are here for". Thank you for posting your story, it's nice to know there are others out there who feel like I do.

Hi all. I am so happy I found this website. I have been in orientation for 2 weeks, and I am not having a good experience. Part of it is me, I am nervous most of the time, and seriously lacking self confidence on the job. My preceptor and I have been organizing our shift by me taking 2 patients, and her usually taking 1 or 2, and she tells me I can ask questions if needed, and we basically separate from there. She seems annoyed everytime I ask her something; about pt care or charting or whatever. Yesterday I asked if she could help me insert a foley (female patient), and she said, "Can you find someone else to help you, I have to get this admit done". Then she marches around showing me things, she never smiles or makes eye contact, and she seems to just be pissed that she has to precept me. I was wondering if I should talk to my nurse manager and ask for someone new, or just suck it up and deal with it. Should I confront her directly about it? (I am scheduled to be with her for the next 3 weeks)