I am not sure if this is a vent or if it is asking for advice. But, I am frustrated with my job as a new RN. I am on week 3 of orienting. My first two weeks, I oriented on ortho neuro. My preceptor had me shadow for two days, then I took a patient and did total care, including the computer work, MAR, and various forms. The next day 2, the next day 3, the following 4. I felt that things went very smoothly, and I received so much positive reinforcement. It was great.
Then I was sent to med-surg. I was there as a student, but it is just a wee bit different as an employee. The first day, she gives me 4 patients (didn't really think this was a problem) but I didn't know where anything was, I didn't know how to use a lot of the stuff. We had a post-op and I didn't know the policy for a post-op. I felt as if I was getting chewed left and right. I had three nurses roll their eyes at me when asking where things were. One even got tight-lipped when I asked her how to transfer a call. My preceptor here just seems to want things only her way. I personally think she doesn't want to precept, and really, that is fine. Today, she assigned me as med-nurse. I had seven patients total. Now, this doesn't seem so bad, but there was just so much stuff going on with them. And I had four students that I had to give meds with and do procedures with. Everything was fine (boring) until it was time to pass 2100 meds at 2000. All the patients (and students) TPN and lipids, had IV pushes, abx, and dressing changes that needed to be done on their patients. All the meds were on time (by 2200), except for the dressing changes(about ten on one patient. Just seemed that crap hit the ceiling during those last few hours as far as time management goes.
So, after posting all of that, I think what I would like to ask some of the more experienced med-surg nurses that orient new employees or new nurses: How do you like to orient a new nurse? Any suggestions? I am a quick learner. But, I hate to be treated as if I am stupid (felt that way all night, and even one of the students commented on some of the comments the nurses were making about the "new" nurse.) I want to be a good nurse, I want to succeed. I am trying to remain positive. The bright side, only seven more days on this unit. Then I orient to OB.
