I am in my second semester of a RN program, on a basic med-surg floor. I love my clinical preceptor, my group, the hospital, but I feel as though whenever I am there that I am sort of "bothering" my patients and the nurses on the floor. Today I walked into my patient's room while the nurse was in there hanging an IV to introduce myself, and neither one of them said a word. I asked the nurse if she needed help with anything, she said "no", and I didn't see her much the rest of the day.
It was our first day, so my preceptor told me I could do a head to toe assessment on my patient if I wanted, but my patient was going through heroin withdrawal and I chose to leave her alone. Thinking back, maybe I should have assessed her? I just feel like I have such little experience and I don't know what I'm doing. I second guess myself, should I assess if the nurse assessed 20 minutes ago? I feel like I'm annoying the patient. I mean, all I can do right now is assessments, PO meds, ADL's, ambulation... and if all of that is getting done by the nurses and techs who don't need or want my help, I just don't know what to do.
I really just had a bad day and want some advice. Any response is welcome.
Sometimes patients (as well as healthcare providers) have that way of making newbies feel in the way. Ignore it. Honestly, most times they are exaggerating. While they may be busy or having a bad day, usually they are just being plain asses. Most newbies lack confidence and sometimes people feed on that and use it to their advantage. You've got to stay strong, especially when dealing with difficult pts. and staff members. Do your job to the best of your ability and regardless of their reactions, you walk away at the end of the day with no regrets and no hurt feelings. Good luck!!!
Missy BSN, BSN
46 Posts
Sometimes patients (as well as healthcare providers) have that way of making newbies feel in the way. Ignore it. Honestly, most times they are exaggerating. While they may be busy or having a bad day, usually they are just being plain asses. Most newbies lack confidence and sometimes people feed on that and use it to their advantage. You've got to stay strong, especially when dealing with difficult pts. and staff members. Do your job to the best of your ability and regardless of their reactions, you walk away at the end of the day with no regrets and no hurt feelings. Good luck!!!