When I graduated from Nursing school, I was so excited to start working as a nurse. I got hired as a Graduate Nurse on a general Med-Surg Unit. First week -- typical orientation in classroom setting; goals and mission of the hospital, infection control, IV insertion, restraints, meditech training, etc... On my second week (on the floor), my enthusiasm starts fading. On my 2nd day with my preceptor, I was assigned to take care of 2 patients -- did everything on my own (preceptor never worked alongside with me): one very unstable (w/ trach and G-tube, aphasic, immobile), the other kept yelling and screaming due to excruciating pain. One doctor even commented to me that they shouldn't have assigned me to the pt with trach and G-tube. The educator never said anything about the assignment, so does the nurse manager. Although my preceptor answered all my questions, I still feel that I could have felt differently had she given me easier cases first, so I could familiaze myself to the system -- and she never entered the pt's rooms. This is my 2nd day on the floor and I still get confused with telephone orders, transcribing meds, paging the doctor, faxing new orders.
Now, I'm planning of quitting the job and look for another hospital with better preceptorship. During our first week of orientation, we, the new grads, were promised that we will progress gradually. I don't think the preceptors were given guidelines or were oriented about preceptorship. I just passed my board and I don't want to risk my license.
An Update: I have found my "home." It really makes a BIG difference if the preceptor you're working with is very supportive and helpful. Gradually, I am learning the routine and I love my job. :roll
:smiley_aa Good for you! And just think--in a couple more weeks, you'll be precepting someone! (Just kidding--but that first year really does fly by.)
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.
WOW...you got dumped on! I had that same experience my first job...I stuck it out 6 months but left in a blow out with management when I dared to speak up for myself once, and left the hospital in histerics!
HOWEVER, standing up to management was the BEST thing I ever did! Frankly because you need to do that your entire career, and best to learn that fast and solidly! That first time scared me, but now...I have NO fear of telling management or administration when I am uncomfortable. Got that one under my belt...easy sailing now! (kind of like your first code! LOL!).
Speak to your educator and management about this..and if you heart tells you that you feel you will get 'dumped' on frequently in this facility...seek out other opportunities before a bridge is burned by a blow out and walk out in frustration or anger.
I'm on my 2nd month of flying solo after 3 weeks of orientation (new grad) and every shift I'm amazed I don't quit. I think the only thing keeping me in this job is the 7 years of school it took me to get here. I can't believe it might all be for nothing. Or maybe worse, this ongoing hell. I am shell shocked, it is absolutely insane out there. I don't think it gets any better either. I see veteran nurses running their tails off frazzled to the hilt and I can't help but think, I really don't want to feel this intense anxiety year after year after year.
I'm glad you found a position that's working for you OP. What kind of facility?
Mariedoreen, don't lose hope. This website helped me a lot. I read/considered all our colleagues' advices when I was really down ("Thank you, everyone!"); weighed things out, and did what I thought would be best for me. There are many opportunities for us - look for another facility if you have to and/or try another area. You've worked hard to finish school. Keep your faith.
Now, I work on a med-surg floor -- in a teaching hospital.
nursemike, ASN, RN
1 Article; 2,362 Posts
:smiley_aa Good for you! And just think--in a couple more weeks, you'll be precepting someone! (Just kidding--but that first year really does fly by.)