RN with 2 years experience and still feel uncomfortable at times.

[stellaRN1983]

Hi,

I have a little over 2 years of experience on the floor as an RN. I went directly from nursing school to a general medicine/telemetry floor. I did well in school and passed boards with flying colors. I still feel at times uncomfortable with my level of knowledge because I come across patients with so many medical problems/procedures. An instructor told me when I graduated to keep reading which will help. At times, I'm afraid to ask a question about how things work in my hospital system because I'm feel like I should already know the answer working here for over 2 years. I try to go to people who I feel comfortable asking questions or go the nurse educator. Sometimes, I just need a review. I often try not to sit at the front desk (due to trying to avoid some hostile coworkers) where often there's discussion on pt cases which I can learn from. I was wanting some feedback from other nurses on when they felt very competant. I see nurses who have 6 months more experience than me becoming preceptors and to be honest I don't think I'm ready. I'm not sure they are ready either. I feel most confident going to RNs with much more experience. Also, when is an RN competant to be a preceptor?

Thanks!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I still have those feelings after 15 + years. I had an MD co-worker tell me the problem was within - I am always competing with myself and have high expectations, which I why I chose nursing. In other words, the profession and the personality match. I like that assessment because it makes me feel I am where I need to be. I would be a worry wart no matter what my profession. I also feel it ultimately makes me a better nurse because I am not content with average. So feel good about wanting to do your best!

[mspretty]

I feel so bad when I hear fellow nurses relay experiences like yours. I used to hear, when I was a new grad 20+ years ago, that nursing was the only profession that eats its young. I was laughed at by a charge nurse when I asked her to stand by to check me while I insert a foley cath for the second time. I made a vow that I would never do nor allow that to happen when I got my comp. up. I went into the med room humiliated. In there was the "laziest" nurse on the floor. (that was what the charge nurse called her) I told her what had happened. She was my heaven sent. We formed a team. I did all of the clinical stuff while she followed me around charting on the patients. She was a older, louad, and bossy LVN. She tild me that if your pt. needs something and you are right say what you mean and kit makes you look preep going until you got what your pt. needs. After beig under her wing, I steped out on my feet confident and determined to help any nurse who needed my help. I also learned where to go for help and how to ask. I would suggest you find a good educated go to person. When you go to them have your research done and your questions ready.

[MedSurgeMe]

If you have a question, ASK! Better to find out now then wait another two years and have someone discover you can't do a basic task or answer a question because you never asked.

As a floor nurse, you are always coming across different diseases because you just aren't as specialized as other areas of care.

Keep your chin up, read whatever you can get your hands on, and take your time.

Check out this link:

http://www.sonoma.edu/users/n/nolan/n312/benner.htm

you're actually right on track.

[danh3190]

You sound a lot like me. I'll have 3 years in July. I avoid the nurses station too, not because I'm worried about the other nurses but because I can't stand listening to all the chit chat.

I've had a lot of luck learning by talking with the MDs. There are a few attendings that are too busy to explain things but a lot of the younger docs love to explain things. We're a teaching hospital and the residents are great for explanations. When I can I try to be in the pt rooms when the docs are there, but not always possible. That way I can stay on top of everything and ask questions right away if I don't understand what is needed or what I'm watching for.

[rn undisclosed name]

I feel the same way sometimes and I've been a nurse for almost 5 years. However, I have been complimented on my knowledge and teaching new nurses. I have also been a preceptor and when I precept I do amaze myself at my level of knowledge. But, many times I do feel unsure and not as confident as other nurses. I have noticed that those nurses who come across being all confident actually make mistakes and don't always give accurate information in report. I don't know how to explain it, but, I just feel like a lot of nurses have an ego with something to prove. Just because someone acts confident doesn't make them competent.