VENT: Frustrated, working at new ICU (not new to ICU)

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I have recently moved across the country and started working at a new ICU. I am not new to the ICU setting, in fact I'd describe myself as competent. I have all the appropriate certifications, CCRN, IABP, ACLS, etc... and have various experiences working in large level 1 trauma centers across the country. I've been working as a traveler on/off for the past 3 years so I have a fairly thick skin and know how to hit the ground running.

However, I seem to have forgotten how long it takes for other people to become comfortable with my skill level when working as staff again. I know it will just take time, but man is it frustrating to get patients on the verge of step-down every night that sleep all night and are stable. Yeah, its nice once in a while for a change of pace, but I can only review so much pathophysiology and read so much People before I go cross eyed. Probably doesn't help I'm a day shift gal, and the only shift available right now is nights.

And to top it off, I finally get a patient that is a little unstable and needs some pressors and blood products in the midst of shift change and all of the sudden I have 5 other RN's in the room taking over, not listening to me or what is going on acting as if I truly F'd up the whole thing.......LOL guess I just need a couple more months here before people know I have a good work ethic, and know my stuff. But in the mean time.... SOOOOO FRUSTRATED!

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

Do you ask your coworkers if there is anything you can do to help them? You should

do this before resorting to People magazine. Help turn pts, help bathe, straighten

up the area. It is a great way to break the ice and get to know your coworkers.

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I hear what you are saying!!!! The other thing is when you finally get a really sick one and handle it well.....and they act like "wow, you made it through." Really people just cause I am new here doesn't make me to the ICU setting!

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Specializes in ICU.

I understand that you want a challenge. But be very happy when the other nurses are chipping in to help! Atleast you know you work with a crew who believes in teamwork! I am sure they will expect the same of you when their pt's go sour!

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Too many posters on this board bemoan the inability to give proper care to their patient because of being overwhelmed with too many duties and not enough arms and fingers with which to perform the tasks.

I'd be willing to wager that your patient sure enough appreciated all the help that s/he got.

If you want to go all Maverick, it sounds like you're in the wrong ICU. You should go the the ICU where I left, about four years ago where it didn't matter if your patient was FTD, if you didn't call a code, you were on. your. own.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

I know EXACTLY how you feel OP. In fact, I posted a thead that was quite similar a few months ago.

I too, walk the halls, offering help to everyone (38 bed unit) about once an hour after I am caught up and I still have nothing to do.

I have also felt the cold shoulder from most staff who are new grads with around 1 year of expreience. I wonder if it's an age difference thing? You're right! Just because I'm new to the facility, doesn't mean I'm a new nurse.

However, I get the eye roll a lot when I do offer to help with a balloon pump or whatnot because they think I'm looking to learn.

So, I just took the preceptor class and hopefully will find myself busier in the near future.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in ICU.

Enjoy the peace there adrenaline junkie! :D By hopping around from place to place, you keep getting dropped to the bottom of the pecking order, so can you blame them? I think you need to settle down in one pressure cooker ICU, accumulate some seniority, and then you'll be sweating bullets day after day, just the way you always wanted it. (and I think you're crazy). :)

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Specializes in ICU.

I have asked the charge nurse for a more "challenging" patient assignment. But in my unit they are very receptive to nurses wanting more experience, taking on sicker patients or orienting to balloon pumps or CRRT. Not saying that you need the experience, but maybe you could ask for sicker patients.

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