Transferred to SICU, horrible orientation...what to do??

[nlhnurse1982]

I have been a nurse for 3 years 2 on a med/surg tele unit and 1 on a medical IMC unit so I have a good base background in nursing practice, my interest is in critical care and it is truely what I want to be doing but my orientation so far is making me miserable. I work at a well known level 1 trauma teaching hospital so I am expecting a wonderful orientation..I couldnt be more wrong! My first day my preceptor gave me 2 ICU patients and told me to do my thing with no direction while asking me multiple times if I was ready to cry yet. When I ask her about drips I've never seen and ventilators or anything i need explained to me I get an attitude. I have explained to her that I have never worked in an ICU so this is a whole new world to me. Today I had 2 patients one was a mess and gushing fluid from their abdomen, receiving tons of blood products on an insulin gtt using the portland protocol and having their fluids adjusted according to their abdominal output among other many other things going on. I was running back and forth like a crazy woman while she sat out at the nurses station, I did get everything done for my patients and at the end of the day she told me I need to be faster this is my 5th day working in an ICU. I asked her for suggestions on how to be faster or more effective she said she wouldnt have done anything different I am just not fast enough...I guess I will be slower when I am looking things up all of the time because she will not answer my questions. I dont feel like I am learning anything ,my preceptor is so miserable and unapproachable. Am I being unreasonable wanting a preceptor who can teach me how to organize my time as an ICU nurse as well as guide me through all of the new things I will have to learn to be a safe and effective nurse. How should I handle this, I dont want to make enemies as a new person to the unit but at the same time I need to learn how to do things correctly and have someone who is willing to teach me. Any suggestions on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

[Caffeine_IV]

What was the manager's response?

That type of behavior is unacceptable in any area especially critical care when patient conditions can change suddenly and the learning curve is HIGH.

I'm still in orientation on ICU and my preceptors have different teaching styles but have never been rude to me even if I asked what I felt was a "dumb" question.

[SWAT_FOOL3]

Abusing another person is NEVER ACCEPTABLE!! I'm still a Nursing Student, but this is the first time I've ever heard the term "Lateral violence"!

Defusing lateral violence and abuse - American Nurse Today

Renee asks her mentor, Susan, a question. Susan puts her hand near Renee's face, gesturing for her to "Stop," and says in a loud voice, "I told you the answer to that this morning. Why are you bothering me again?"

You're working your shift with Amy, who's in charge of the unit. She refuses to have a meaningful conversation with you, and ignores you or sighs impatiently when you try to share patient information with her.

These examples reflect lateral (horizontal) violence or abuse in the workplace, defined as violence or abuse occurring between workers. It includes both overt and covert acts of verbal and nonverbal aggression.

Chances are you've experienced or witnessed disruptive or inappropriate behavior by a peer or colleague. Intimidation, bullying, insults, humiliation, gossip, constant criticism, and angry outbursts are a few examples. More subtle examples include favoritism, unfair work assignments, inappropriate or unfair evaluations, sarcasm, snide comments, withholding information, holding a grudge, and belittling gestures.

Lateral violence in any form feels bad. It creates fear—and fear causes you to shrink and hold back from being your best. You can't be productive in a fearful environment. Instead, you may feel violated, anxious, stressed, disrespected, and angry. A response of silence or ignoring the offender is common, but not ideal. Here are some better strategies.

[kp2016]

I'm so sorry you had this awful experience. For what its worth I am willing to bet you that the unit manager and all the senior leadership on this ward are well aware how this "preceptor" treats new staff. I'm also sure the charge nurse was well aware that you received a completely inappropriate assignment for your level of experience. You are very correct in thinking that your license was at risk.

Its completely unfair but leaving ASAP is your smartest move. I would in fact type up a letter detailing how you have been treated and make an appointment with HR to discuss the fact that you will not be working another shift on this unit and need to be transferred immediately.