Rough orientation

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2011

Don't give up. Don't come this far to throw in the towel. I feel terrible when I read posts like this. It's so opposite of my experience and I have never had a bad experience at any job I have worked since 15. I have been frustrated and what not with management and the politics of the place. I have had co-workers I didn't really care for. But I always had a group of friends that made me love coming to work even if just to see them. They made the job good. So I could not imagine feeling like I had no one to turn to at work or anyone for support.

I am not really sure what advice to offer you as I can only empathize with your situations; but I can think about what I think I would do if I was put into it. First I would be pro-active, pull your preceptor aside, tell her that you have really been thinking about what she said and you want to improve and you are wanting help. Ask her what she feels are WAYS that you can improve with a plan to get there. Not just tell you what you are doing wrong. I mean this is your preceptor, that's what she is supposed to be doing. At my hospital Preceptors have to take special classes and get evaluated by the preceptee and staff and so on. It's outlines in the application what's expected of them and it's something they APPLY to do. They have to apply to precept and get Letters of recommendation from manager on why they should be picked to attend the preceding courses.

But anyway, show her you have the desire and initiative to do better and come up with a game plan WITH HER to get there. Tell her the things you feel you struggle with and ask her for new things to try. If anything at the very least, hopefully she will have a new respect for you for coming to her proactively and trying to fix this. If she refuses to give you the support or work with you after you talk to her I would talk to your manager. See if you can get a new preceptor or see if something can be worked out. You shouldn't be set up for failure by only being told what you are doing wrong but not being taught the skills to do better. You are a new grad, it's expected you will struggle.

shoegalRN, RN · Jul 8, 2011

I am so sorry you are going through this.

It's time to have a come to Jesus meeting with your preceptor. Sit down with her and ask for specific constructive feedback. Also ask for suggestions on how to better manage your time and how to see the bigger picture.

Also, start writing things down so you don't have to keep asking the same questions over and over. It's ok to ask questions, but if you keep asking the same questions more than twice, it will look like you are "not getting it" and your preceptor can use this against you.

Look things up on your own prior to asking your preceptor. Start with, "I've never done that procedure, but I did look it up and I have a question for clarification".

Lastly, this should have been done at the start of your orientation, but an assessment should have been made about your learning style and her teaching style. Sometimes, these things are just not compatible.

If all else fails, go to your unit educator and voice your concerns. Ask for an extended orientation with a different preceptor.

This, too, shall pass. Good luck!

NewRN2810 · Jul 8, 2011

Thank you for the replies. I really appreciate the advice. I've tried all those things you guys named,so I'm going to try to hang in there and if I cant keep up or still "not getting it" then maybe I'll start looking to be somewhere else,maybe that position isn't a great fit for me. I mean I hate being a failure or a quitter but Id rather do that then one lose my mind or two make a mistake because as nurses we hold peoples lives in our hands. I'll continue to pray and see where God leads me. Its good to know that some is listening and that they care! Thanks again

stephynic21 · Jul 14, 2011

I feel everything you are saying! I've been a nurse for about 11 months now...i started working with my preceptor in August and was still working with her after thanksgiving. i'd ask questions and she would tell me i should already know or ask what did they teach in school, I wouldn't be moving fast enough for her, I wasn't able to handle the patient load she thought i should (6 of my own patients plus LPN IV pushes/assessments), she would point out things i missed constantly or just talk to me all the time very snippy. I can't remember the exact situation, but one day i had just had more than i could tolerate. I was so LIVID that i went to the med room and ended up crying my eyes out. She walked in and could tell i was upset and asked what was wrong. I couldn't hold it in any more and told her everything....i felt like she was frustrated with me, i was moving fast enough, didn't know enough, etc. We sat in the med room and discussed at length what we could do in order for me to be able to bring it all together....what she could do to help me learn, things i could do...And honestly? That come to Jesus meeting was exactly what i needed. While i don't claim to be great by any means (yet!), after that particular day things seemed to start clicking. I've been on my own since January 2nd, and i can handle my 6-7 patients with LPN stuff some days more than others. I still have tons of times where i feel like i know nothing, about 30% of the time im not sure what the heck is going on, and everyday i learn something new. I just accepted a job in the Emergency Room at a larger hospital and will be back in this same boat starting on Monday. I just tell myself everyday that it WILL get better. Most nurses tell you it takes 5+ years of experience to feel comfortable, and even then certain situations will change that.

Good luck and hope things are getting better! =)

NewRN2810 · Jul 15, 2011

Thank you for your story! I had a better week this week I finally felt like ok maybe I can do this and it felt good! The thing that really bugs me is,the things that they dig me for Ive walked around with other new grads and they aren't doing those things either,but on a positive note it will make me a better nurse so its all good just had to vent that real quick. lol :)