Rantings of a young new ER nurse.

[DaretoDreamRN]

I am a new nurse. I graduated in May 2006 took my boards and started working in the ER soon after. I personally do not think working in the ER is rocket science. I don't know it all and I am not afraid to ask questions. I would rather ask questions than kill a patient.

I just got off orientation like two to three weeks ago and I have to say it has been challenging. Not the work...the people. The work is hard and some days I want to cry but I just realized that even experienced nurses feel that way some days ( so they told me). It might not just be as bad as I would feel because I am a newbie. There is so much I don't know but I am so willing to learn. Some nurses are just big gossips....They sit around and want to discuss how that new nurse will never make it cos she is soooo slow and stupid or how this experienced nurse is sooo lazy and should not be an ER nurse. Some of these "gossip clicks" have only been nurses for like 2 years or at the most 5 years. I just act like I don't hear cos I'm sure the day I am not working, I will the new topic.

People tell me that I have to learn to tell the techs and the secretaries to help me cos I cannot do it by myself and I am kind of trying to get used to that. I try so hard to prove myself that I can do stuff. I feel uncomfortable because I don't want them to think I am a lazy person and I'm always asking for help because I do not know how to do it. I have to admit that the times when I do ask the techs to help me do a work up with me for a chest pain or something else or so they are always willing to help. There is this particular secretary that just really ticks me off. While I was on orientation if the Doctor had additional orders my preceptor will tell me to tell the secretary to put the orders in while I go gave the meds. Each time I would ask her she would give me an attitude about how I need to "learn" how to do it and she was busy (reading a magazine or on her cell phone)...by the way I do know hot to put the orders in. I would be so frustrated that I would go put in the orders in and delay giving the meds and my preceptor will be mad at me. Other nurses told me that she does have an attitude regardless but she dare not disrespect them like that.

People must have noticed that I like to do things by myself because my preceptor actually made a week where all I have to learn how to do was delegate to people. Anyway four days ago I had to draw two set of blood cultures and hang Avelox for a patient with pneumonia .My hospital has a narrow window period (couple of hours) where the blood cultures needs to be drawn and the antibiotics need to be hung. I was going to draw the blood and I just stopped by to tell the secretary to please help me put the orders in and she started with her attitude again telling me that I have to learn how to do it and that she was busy (doing nothing). I told her I was going to go draw blood and hang the antibiotic and I was really busy too. She just kept on going on and on and there were like three nurses there including the charge nurse. The secretary said that well she saw me hanging around doing nothing so I should have the time to put the orders in. I asked the charge nurse if she saw me standing around and the charge nurse said no. The secretary then said "Well You need to stop your yapping around and go do some work. Didn't I say I will put the orders in?" there were three nurses standing right there. I was in shock for a second....then I just walked away.

I was trying hard not to cry at work... when I got to my car, I just had to cry. Maybe I'm just to sensitive..maybe I need to be way more assertive. I didn't know nursing would be like this...I didn't know at all.....

[MassED, BSN, RN]

most nurses would say "Hey, (your name)" I need an EKG NOW on the CP, Diaphoretic, massive MI in room 2." I can't imagine saying "when you have time...." haaaaa! I'm cracking up right now. Has that been said to you? geeesh!

[jenniferclare]

what wonderful advice... and I *absolutely* agree that people treat you the way YOU ALLOW THEM TO. Hang in there!! I'm still in NS, but the ER is where I want to be, and I'm already trying to prepare myself for what life is like as a new ER nurse. :)

People treat you they way that you allow them to. Do not allow this secretary to treat you this way ever again. Tell her your expectations and then follow policy if she continues to be abusive.

It took some work, but I vowed that I would not work in any environment that left me in tears! I may shed a few from the occasional heartbreak that I witness, but I'll not be reduced to tears from other staff. No exceptions!

Vow to start today - I WILL NOT ALLOW MYSELF TO BE TREATED IN A MANNER THAT IS UNPROFESSIONAL/RUDE/DISRESPECTFUL BY ANYONE. I do not treat people poorly and expect the same. Include everyone: RN, MD, TECH, AIDE, SECRETARY, PATIENT, FAMILY, ADMINISTRATION. This takes some practice and will test your ability to control your emotions, responses, reactions and diplomacy. Worth it! - If you plan on staying in this field.

* First, patient care will not suffer because the "order" does not get put in before the labs/medications are given. I would never delay necessary care until I had the order in the computer.

* Second, the secretary seems to be "pushing" you. Bottom line - It is HER job to put in orders! I can/will put "orders" in when I NEED to, but I will care for my patients first. But, her JOB is one of administrative task support. I'm all for being nice, but nice doesn't seem to be working for you here. Actually, its kinda working against you!

No discussion on what you are doing or what she is doing (but you can bet that if her cell phone use and recreational reading are interfering with her ability to do her job, it would simply be a WRITTEN administrative issue - EVERY TIME if necessary).

Example:

YOU: "There are some orders on this chart that need to be placed in the computer."

Simple. Direct. No further conversation necessary - you may thank her when you get the chart back if you want.

This secretary chose this method with her prior communication/issues with you. There is NEVER a good reason for the treatment that has been heaped on you.

As to your practice of trying not to delegate. I felt the same way at first and found myself near drowning at times. Now, when I work, I work on team building! Patients always benefit!

And I always let my "team" know just how valuable they are!

It is a tough job and I admire your fortitude taking on the ED as a new nurse. It does get easier, hang in there! :)

GOOD LUCK!

PRACTICE SAFE!