totally overwhelmed in L&D orientation-help!

SmilingBluEyes · May 24, 2005

It is SO NORMAL to be "overwhelmed" in your situation.....it's all so new and you have been busy. Don't let that feeling get you down. Keep on plugging away and ask any questions that come up. Honestly, it took me 2 years in OB to feel at all "comfortable" and after 8 years at it, I still have my times of self-doubt and lots of questions. Complacency has no place in OB. Just keep on it; you will be ok! (((Hugs)))

CHATSDALE · May 24, 2005

everybody has been where you are now...don't throw in the towel...you will be just fine

nursescar · May 24, 2005

I wonder......the day shift folks don't even speak to me---and the main OR people don't like the L&D and vice versa.......it's too much to figure out....and we are supposed to be helping patients-not sizing each other up!

SmilingBluEyes · May 25, 2005

Hey, Scarlet, please read my reply to another thread that you may find helpful. Just trust that I have been where you are now, and you can overcome! My other post follows (hope it helps):

You know, I went through that as a new grad in a labor and delivery unit that was NOT at ALL receptive to my presence (they did not normally hire new grads). Some nurses even "set me up" for trouble, by throwing me into deliveries unprepared and it was horrible. I used to get terrible and painful stomach cramps and even diarrhea (ew I know)--- at the thought of going to work, so bad I almost quit. My husband even encouraged me to quit, it was taking such a toll on me. I finally decided they were being allowed to ruin what was a DREAM for me.....(and my red headed temperament took over).....

I finally had a few 'words" with the people tormenting me. I decided they were NOT chasing ME off and told them so. I said I needed their cooperation and training so when a crisis arose, I would be HELPFUL and NOT IN THE WAY. I told them, they are only as strong as their weakest link, which was ME, so I needed to be "on board" and helpful, not a hindrance.

At first, it did not seem to make a difference. Then, slowly, they changed toward me. I never changed a thing about myself, just how I responded to passive-aggressive treatment of me. I was quick on my feet and learned my job in a fairly rapid progress. I was always willing to help others if they were behind and never left til everyone was done for the shift----that helped a lot. There were one or two who continued to be quite nasty, but I decided it was their personal problem, not mine, and I only interracted with them in a professional way. But the torment and hateful behavior DID stop. I even made a few friends and eventually, when I was pregnant, they threw me a big surprise baby shower!

Now this is just me: And, I know this sounds cheesy, but I love to bake cookies---a lot ----and my waistline shows it. I used to bring in my homemade confections and just set them out in the break room. People ate them---never saying much at first, but eventually, it broke the ice. They would ask me where I got my recipes. It opened up dialogue. They began to know how much I loved to cook. They came to know me a bit--and it's hard to be hateful and mean to people who become "human" to you, you know? But, there is a flipside:

I also asked them about their families, interests and lives. Remember, people USUALLY like to have an opportunity to talk about themselves. During downtime, ask them about themselves a bit. What are their hobbies, kids' names, what books do they read, etc. Really show interest , actively engage yourself in listening----and always address each person by name. After a little while, some may warm up to you; others never will. Those who don't, you can't change anyhow and you don't want to----just tolerate them. The others, you will form at least a decent working relationship with and things WILL get much better. You may never make "friends" at work, but you can make the situation where you work tolerable just by changing a few things in your control.

Good luck. I have worked in new places and situations in 5 different states. I KNOW what being the "new kid on the block" is ALLLLL about. I feel for you. But dont' lose hope; you can "break the ice"!

nursescar · May 26, 2005

I appreicate all the support but I have to tell you----I went back to my"old" job! I called my boss and he said YESSSSS!!!! right away. I hadn't burned any bridges! The final straw for me was when NO ONE spoke to me after I had been in a class on their unit all day! and.....I will not tolerate the infighting between OR and L&D. Here's the thing: I have never been happier! I just had to know I choose to be in my job-I am not stuck!

I could get hired-had great references and experience----but way too much has changed for me! There were three different computer systems to learn-

1) the MIS system for charting and patient orders.2) the PIXYIS the pharmacy computer and 3) the fetal monitoring computer! too much! WHERE's the PATIENT? LOST in the background! Thanks for listening!

SmilingBluEyes · May 26, 2005

Well, I am glad you found what works. We all have to! Good luck to you.

nursescar · May 26, 2005

yes me too. Thanks for the help and support though! :Melody: