Scared of new job

[SBH2]

I was hoping that some assurance from some other nurses would make me feel a little more confident before I start my new job on Monday. I took on a job taking care of a 16 year old boy with a tracheostomy. I very nervous because I have only changed a trach once, and suctioned one twice. Is it normal to be so scared of trachs when you are first starting out? In your opinion, is somebody who has only worked with a trach 3 times qualified to handle this type of job? I may be over reacting just out of pure nervousness; I know the steps of changing in an emergency, and I know how to suction..How did you feel with your first few trach patients?? And what is an estimate of how often a trach emergency occurs?

[Babs0512]

I'd like to say that you've already taken some positive steps toward voicing your concerns, just take them a little further.

I am in complete agreement, based upon the information given, regarding this boy being sent to public schools. Always remember, you have your cell phone and 911 is a phone call away!! Don't be afraid to use it!

Blessings

[RNKel, ASN, RN]

Wow. Tough one. Yes, it's her job to be a patient advocate. However, it IS her license on the line. Really tough call.

[Babs0512]

Wow. Tough one. Yes, it's her job to be a patient advocate. However, it IS her license on the line. Really tough call.

I agree, this is a tough one. I guess I just was hoping she could come out of this with something positive, whether that be learning a few new things, feeling more confident taking control of herself and her patient (that's a biggie with a new nurse). I think she is a smart young lady, and if she really feels like this is too tough for her, then she should quit.

But really, Mommy2ThreeSons - where can a nurse work, where he/she doesn't feel their license is on the line - frequently? I feel like that at least once to twice a week while I'm all alone taking care of a fresh post op with ST depressions - and I mean all alone - me and my patient, the only two people in an entire wing of the hospital!! We've all been there many times, and if we quit every job where we've felt this way, well, we would have quit EVERY JOB!!

That, in and of itself, shouldn't be the deciding factor. She needs to decided if she really likes the position and feels if she can go somewhere with this boy. Maybe his doc doesn't know how frequent his seizures are, who knows?

I just wish her the best

Blessings