Roar! I know it takes time but...

klone, MSN, RN · Jan 5, 2011

Yep. My previous job I had been at for 4+ years. When I started the new job, I felt uncomfortable, out of my element, and had dread in my stomach every day on my way to work. It took about 3 months before I really felt comfortable and started loving it.

Simply Complicated · Jan 5, 2011

I've felt the same way when I've switched. It's hard for anyone to go from being competent at something to end up not knowing what they are doing.

bosnanurse · Jan 5, 2011

It is every time - I did not find even once being easy transition even if it is the same organization but keep it simple and keep it to task. ASK ask million questions, say that you are little bit "slow" to catch up with everything and to pardon you your constant questions, go to manager ask if there is any check sheets , educational material , something that can help you to transition. You will not be seen as dumb but like someone who is willing to put her time to get better. Go on Amazon buy books from the field even if you think that you know everything there is always something else. Once you start to spew facts and show your confidence in your knowledge you will notice difference. But , still always let them "teach" you and make them feel important in "orienting" you to their rules. Do not say " we , were I worked" because it is annoying for new kings and queens of the floor you are orienting for . It is just human way of responding to situation and it is every time I start new job and I did quite a few now:))) .

Most important I think is to be very patient with yourself - one stone at the time you can throw into a lake to see ripple effect - JUST ONE STONE!!!

Good luck to you .

Sassy RN · Jan 5, 2011

I call it growing pains and it is awful. It makes it that much more satisfying though when you feel like you have "got it" Good luck and hang in there!

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2011

It's kinda like going to a new school when you were little where everyone knows each other and are comfortable with the routines. It takes a while for an outsider to become accepted by ANY group in ANY environment. That is the first hurdle.

Getting used to the way they do things at a new job is another hurdle. Your comfort level will come in time and you will find yourself doing mental happy dances when you do something the way the new job expects you to.

I agree with a previous poster who suggested to NEVER say, "Back at my old job, we...". Negative, Batman. Never do this. The statement immediately isolates you from the group. If another nurse is curious about the way you did things at your previous job, they will ask. I am not suggesting that you actually do this, but it is a good point to make. I had a new nurse recently whom I was orienting and every other sentence was, "Well, we didn't do this at my old job." I found it thought provoking that she used the word "we" so often, as if she was not committed to her new job, and my gut reaction was, "Why am I wasting my time making you feel welcome when you are not identifying yourself as part of the staff here?" Of course, I wouldn't dream of vocalizing that, but that was my initial thought. My second thought was, "The boat is out back. I will supply an extra paddle for ya".

It takes time to learn anything new, especially when you know that your performance is being both formally and informally evaluated by your peers. Keep asking questions, find a common ground with your co-workers and keep positive. It will come to you.