To the nurses: any advice for a shy nursing assistant in the float pool?

[chariot]

I'm in the float pool and I finished my training as a NA on a floor. I got used to how everything works on that floor, where everything is, and what is expected. But now that I won't be on that floor (since that floor is for training), I am very nervous. I am a shy girl. It's true that I need to be aggressive in this field. When it comes down to reporting abnormals about patients, I tell the nurses right away. However, I am freaking out because since I am in the float pool, I go to different units. Everything is different in how they work and I'm still new. I am so nervous as to what I should do first when I go to the floor. Do I tell them I'm new to their floor so if they can give me just the run-down on the time of vitals, what is expected etc? Please give me advice...

[westieluv]

Yes, the first time that you float to a new floor just tell the charge nurse on your shift that you are a new employee and were hired for the float pool, but that you have not floated to that particular floor before and need a brief orientation to how things are done there. After that if you have questions, which anyone would, do not be afraid to approach one of the nurses or another NA if there is one and ask them. Believe me, as an experienced floor nurse, there is nothing we love more than an extra pair of hands, so you should be made to feel quite welcome, and people should not mind helping you out the first time or two on their floor since you are there to help with their patients. Try not to feel shy because no one will be judging you, they will be too busy and again, they welcome your help!

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

You keep posting this question over and over. Do you not read the answers? Stop focusing on thinking of yourself as shy. Focus on doing your job.