two questions: need your opinions for newbee

NicuNightRN · Apr 19, 2006

I think my biggest challenge was self-doubt. Being on my own taking care of patients for the first time was very nerve-wracking. I have always had a lot of self-doubt, and talked this through with my preceptors. I realized that they would not let me be on my own until they knew I was ready, and they reassured me that everyone on night shift was very helpful and willing to help me out. I buddied up with more experienced nurses at first, and that also helped a lot, especially with getting used to the night shift routine.

And that brings me to your other question. I would make sure to get room-darkening curtains or shades. Also, I sleep with an eye mask on, but some people don't like to sleep with anything on their face. For me, I think the biggest thing is scheduling my nights in a row. Before the first night, I stay up until about 3 or 4am (or later if I'm reading a good book ). When I come home after work, I have a snack and then sleep until about 4pm (if I don't have a snack, I wake up around 11 or 12). The first night is usually the hardest; after that, I find that I am getting more used to nighttime hours. If you find yourself getting tired at work, taking a quick walk around your unit can help, or if it's possible, a quick break outside to get some fresh air. Also, don't forget the coffee at work! :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2006

As a new nurse my biggest challenge was attempting to work with the utter lack of training. When the D.O.N. hired me, she stated that I would have four days to train; however, I had only one day of training. Then management had the nerve to grumble when I was still unfamiliarized with the paperwork and charting. I was a brand-new nurse who passed meds, did treatments, and charted on 30 patients. Looking back, I was not properly trained for the responsibilities in front of me.

About 5 weeks ago one of my patients fell out of bed. I did not document the incident properly, measure the wound correctly, or send her out to the hospital. I was the only nurse in the building and had never been trained on how to send someone out to the hospital. My biggest hurdle to overcome has been the lack of training.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2006

I'm still a newbie after only 3 months in. Every day is a challenge, recognizing that nursing on a trauma ICU is organized chaos. That no matter what kind of routine I set up for myself, chances are it's doomed. A crumping new admission is the worst case scenario, but there are plenty of others. There has to be a Plan "B" when Plan "A" gets scrapped. I'm learning that Plan "B" is heavily reliant upon my fellow nurses and staff who just have to be asked (delegation), my ability to prioritize (getting the serial H&H for the pt. with bleeding issues is more important than emptying his foley), and staying a couple of hours late beyond my shift to chart. I'm not a particular fan of Plan "B" but it seems to be the rule rather than the exception lately. Gotta stay flexible.

Another challenge is learning who to trust. It doesn't take long though to figure out who the bullies are. They're excellent nurses mind you but you wouldn't want one of them to be your preceptor because then you'd have to initiate Plan "C", which I did. Plan "C" means you take responsibility for your own orientation and go above his/her head to request someone else. If you have a particular nurse in mind, request that one. I pissed off my previous preceptor but it was worth it. The bullies will talk about you behind your back and your utter lack of nursing know how because they have forgotten what it was like to be new and scared. It's going to happen. Just don't take it to heart when it does. Don't let any of them destroy your self confidence.

nunurs05 · Apr 25, 2006

I asked for another preceptor after feeling that I wasn't staying up to speed. I was only being honest w/my manager, as I felt my preceptor wasn't. That started rumors. The communication was little at best....she just didn't like working with me. Her anxiety level and mine together wasn't compatible. It's true what a friend told me-your preceptor/orientation can set the tone for your career. I'm determined not to let it get the best of me, but I still have self-doubt.... I try to remain optimistic but it's really discouraging. Being a new nurse is hard enough, in addition to learning what nurses you can trust. Advice is appreciated if any of you experienced nurses out there have any

Have a great day & god bless

Hoozdo, ADN · Apr 26, 2006

I am going to have to vote for preceptor problems also. I am a new grad in a medical ICU and my preceptor was a very bad match for me. I think she resented having to precept me and was not helpful at all. Then she went out on back injury (which happened before she precepted me but she never reported it.)

Now I just work what shift I am assigned and have no "official preceptor". I must say I like this better than having my old preceptor, BUT, I feel that I am not learning what I need to learn. There is not much room for error in the ICU. The other nurses have been helpful when I have questions though......so much more helpful than my preceptor.

oldiebutgoodie, RN · Apr 30, 2006

I am going to have to vote for preceptor problems also. I am a new grad in a medical ICU and my preceptor was a very bad match for me. I think she resented having to precept me and was not helpful at all. Then she went out on back injury (which happened before she precepted me but she never reported it.)
Now I just work what shift I am assigned and have no "official preceptor". I must say I like this better than having my old preceptor, BUT, I feel that I am not learning what I need to learn. There is not much room for error in the ICU. The other nurses have been helpful when I have questions though......so much more helpful than my preceptor.

I also started as a new grad on a medical ICU, and had the preceptor(s) from hell. They accused me of med errors I didn't make, said I didn't have good time management (despite the fact that at the end of shift I had everything done, note written, etc.) and they picked apart my notes constantly. I quit after 4 months, and I am at the end of orientation at another ICUnow at another hospital. Much better place, but still problematic at times. At this ICU, I had to "fire" my first preceptor, who thought I could do everything and then reported to my manager that I wasn't ready for prime time.

I cannot wait to get off orientation so that I can think on my own.

Oldiebutgoodie