not sure what to do advice please

Nurses Stress 101

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I have been on my first 3 days in the clinical setting, very new, very tiring, very exciting, and the RN has given me feedback that I am a 'worrier' in relation to asking her alot of questions regarding an assignment that I didn't understand and she claims "other things" that she didn't go into depth about... I was too shocked and taken back to ask her for more information regarding my worrying..... I was really angry that she has spoken to me about this as well. It seems too early to be making judgments about people esp. since she has only known me for 3 days.

I didn't feel worried before but now I do, as I feel she has misunderstood me but then she holds my ability to pass the course in her hands... I feel like I should go to the rest of the clinical setting now and just try and do what she says without asking anymore questions about anything. I feel that I should just go there be a robot and nod and smile when she is around. But this doesn't sit well with me and I feel very annoyed that I have been put in this situation. However, I don't really know what else to do.

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Anything you don't know in regards to your job/assignment you keep asking. If your preceptor doesn't like questions then ask your manager if you can be assigned to someone else. Sadly, many experienced nurses are not really given a choice about orienting a new nurse...any time that can add additional stress to the shift because the employee is trying to care for the patients, do her/his required work plus having to help someone else - I understand everyone needs orientation...I'm just saying some nurses are more "in to" the teaching/orienting than others. I also ask a ton of questions - and I've been an RN for 22 yrs. My asking about something I don't know about or not enough about to provide safe care is NOT going to change because it happens to irritate someone else working there. Now, if you are asking the same questions over and over and not getting the info. processed, then I could see that being an issue but from what you describe - it sounds like her - not you. "Worrying" is almost a given w/a nurse..it's in most of our personalities to some degree, being new (new nurse, new employee) brings it's own stress..yes, it's exciting - new career, new job, but it's stressful until we find our place. Nursing, these days, is way more demanding than it was when I started, jobs are tight & expectations are high - almost too high in some places. So let me say, you sound like you are going to get your footing, make a great, safe nurse, so keep going, keep asking and if needed, switch to someone else. Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Are you a new grad one her first job? or is this a student assignment. I'm going to lean in the student realm as you mentioned passing a course.

First, I would have a talk with this RN and explain that your "worried" demeanor is misinterpreted. That your inquisitive mind is just anxious to make the most of this learning opportunity and of course you want to do a good job. If your rapid fire inquisitive mind may be overwhelming to this RN.

Just like when my kids were little, the "What's that?", "Whats that", "Mommy what's that", "Mommy Why?", "Mommy why", "Mommy What's that?" for the 90th time in the grocery store, no matter how much you love them, can REALLY get on your nerves.:bugeyes:

So, second..........Maybe try to modulate your inquisitive mind just a little. Ask this nurse if you can set aside a few moments and the end of each time you are with her to focus on your questions and concerns. Or, if you still have questions, ask here and we'll try to help.

Maybe she/he is new at this. Maybe they are new/er to nursing all together. Some people are very good , technically, but they don't know why they do what they do and are uncomfortable with questions because they just plain don't know the answer. Always consider that although they are teaching you it may not be what they want to do. It takes a special person to teach the new to nursing......and sometimes some are just not nice.

Write your questions down. Moderate the frequency and intensity. Take a deep breath before you speak to be sure it's important for right now and remember this too shall pass.

I hope this helps:paw:

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thanks. all sound advice that I intend to put into practice. cheers.

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