When to quit?

Specialties MICU

Published

Hi. I've been an ICU nurse at a level one trauma center for a little over a year. Prior to that worked at a step down unit for a year and a nursing home before that for a year. It's been rough; some of the trauma nurse and the trauma MDs seem very critical of me, in particular, and I've made mistakes, including med mistakes, but work really hard and try to be super conscientious, pay attention, and ask lots of questions. I made a med error recently were I gave a med that had been dc'd but the order hadn't been taken off by the previous shift. I guess I don't know when to say I suck at this and should give up. One of the trauma doctors seems especially "fed-up" with me.:cry:

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Specializes in ICU, Education.

I have found that many ICU's are tough on nurses. Even with ICU experience, I have had to prove myself at every new job I took. Some places are more difficult than others, and once you have been labeled as a problem, you will have a difficult time losing that label, even if you do improve. It seems that the prior shift made the error if that RN signed the order off but did not take the med off the MAR. My honest opinion would be to find a new job in another ICU. You may be surprised how much more of a chance you are given.

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Specializes in ICU, Perpetual Student.

I agree, it seems like once a place gets an impression of you thats it, unfortunately! A year of experience at a level one should help you land another good job; I also hear that often times the first ICU is the toughest! so hang in there (I tell myself that very same thing) and good luck!!!!

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Specializes in critical care, med/surg.

Ask yourself this...do I really want to work in trauma? If you do, take a deep breath, and meditate. Yeah I said meditate...trauma will kick your butt and the stress there is unable to describe to another nurse who has not been there. Reflect objectively on what you did or didn't do then go directly to those people involved and ask them how to get better. If you are not happy in trauma...please get out asap! Good luck!

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Thanks for your replies. I'm happy to report, things have gotten better. I think that people in my unit are "getting used to me" and realize that I try really hard to do a good job and have made progress. I am hopeful that things will continue to improve as I gain more experience and am just trying to let the past be the past. Thanks so much.

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