Should I Quit Now?

[NewTexasRN]

First, let me say that my respect for you ICU nurses have grown! It sounds kind of strange to start of a thread like that but after being on orientation for 4 weeks it's been overwhelming and awesome at the same time. Some days I have to admit that I honestly feel stupid. I basically went wrong when I chose orthopedics. I didn't realize that specializing in orthopedics would make the transition into critical care so difficult for me. Even though I have made some improvements, my orientation has been like trying to reverse all my bad habits and way of thinking. Even the basics are challenging to me. My focus wasn't about reading rhythms, vents, trachs, interpreting ABG's and so forth. Now, I'm in a place where I'm thinking about quitting. I respect my preceptor and all the knowledge that she has, but she constantly tells me what I am doing wrong all day long and I don't feel as if I'm improving.

My question is, was the transition difficult for anyone who decided to switch from a different specialty to ICU? We basically get 3 months to orient on the unit and I honestly feel that if my preceptor wasn't there, I would struggle just stay afloat. I've just started to get used to dealing with one pt. I can't imagine what I would do if I have 3 pts on drips. I see even the experienced nurses struggling with being trippled! My question is, I have two months of orientation to go, should I just quit now instead wasting everyone's time. It would have helped to take the critical care course, but I'm scheduled to take it January of next year. In addition, I do study when I'm off. I try to look the pt's diagnosis, calculations, labs etc.

[RW23RN, BSN, RN]

Don't be too discouraged. I started in the ICU as a new grad-its a whole different ball game. Fortunately I had a preceptor that liked to teach. I kept a notebook in my pocket and scribbled questions or unfamiliar terms then looked them up when I had time or at home. We had computer based learning modules and a group of us that were hired together that had to do classes together to learn more theory. If you don't have something like that, think about what was going on with your patients and try to go back and refresh yourself on the pathophys and related tests/labs etc... when you go home. I didn't take my EKG class for 3 months, ACLS after 6 months. I had a 20 week orientation. It is hard, but its worth it if you think you like critical care. It gets easier. I remember sepsis protocol being soooo confusing at first-all these labs, drips right and left, hourly VBG's-that's just doing. Then you have to call results, and you should know vaguely what they mean...now I can do it in my sleep. If you think its what you want to do, stick it out a little longer and see what happens. Maybe you can talk to you manager about a different preceptor. Or maybe just sit your preceptor down during lunch break or something and tell her you're struggling a bit. Ask her how she felt at the beginning, what worked for her, and maybe tell her what would help you. That way she gets it that you're struggling and maybe starts to think about how she can make your experience better. There have been a few new grads that didn't make it, but very few-and they were just unaware that they were doing terrible-I don't think that's you!! Hang in there!