When did you realize that "newbie" wouldn't cut it in the ER?

sjonesrn · Jan 7, 2013

Lol...when she took off the homeless guys socks and couldn't figure out why there was an aroma shortly afterwards

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2013

Anytime I hear " this is place is crazy" and the person looks unsure of themselves rather than smiling/happy. Any time someone tries to do a head to toe on an urgent care patient and finally, whenever someone complains its "too stressful" to make all these decisions for patient or that the md is providing too much autonomy or not enough direction. Seriously? Go back to med/surg, lol. No one is here to babysit you.

Also I recall an ob nurse who "felt sorry" for a crack addict and wanted to let her sleep it off and then contact the rejected boyfriend when she awoke so he could try and get her back on the wagon. She was all involved and I thought "she won't make it. She can't let go of these larger social work issues to work er."

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2013

Funny, I consider "this place is crazy" to be a pretty appropriate observation from a newbie. Or even a not-so-newbie, for that matter.

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2013

Funny I consider "this place is crazy" to be a pretty appropriate observation from a newbie. Or even a not-so-newbie, for that matter. [/quote']
The key is how they feel about the craziness. As I said, if they look unsure of themselves, it's not good. If they kinda like it, good!

Sassy5d · Jan 9, 2013

I was an LPN prior to RN. I've worked in various settings, many high pressure/stress in their own right, of course not ER. I don't work in a trauma center. Just a small community hospital, 23 beds or so with a fast track. I've been at this job just over 3 months. I'm sure I've said/done/reacted oddly to situations.

Being the 'newbie' is very frustrating. We are well aware that it's a bother to be precepted and oriented. It's very uncomfortable most times.

With that being said, and I know this isn't the point of this thread.. Try to cut some newbies a little slack.

This was an issue at my job this week. With flu issue on top of the regular high volume of non-emergent visits.. It can be frustrating to even the most seasoned nurse.

I found myself wearing down yesterday, no pee, no snacks, no break or food for 12 hours. Verbal abuse and demanding non-ill patients and family members, I was worn out. I made a snide remark at work and I was looked at like I just shot someone's kitten.. The response was like "you're new, what the hell do you know about anything and you're not gonna survive here if that's how you feel" like I'm too new to be frustrated.

OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2013

Anytime I hear " this is place is crazy" and the person looks unsure of themselves rather than smiling/happy. Any time someone tries to do a head to toe on an urgent care patient and finally, whenever someone complains its "too stressful" to make all these decisions for patient or that the md is providing too much autonomy or not enough direction. Seriously? Go back to med/surg, lol. No one is here to babysit you.
Also I recall an ob nurse who "felt sorry" for a crack addict and wanted to let her sleep it off and then contact the rejected boyfriend when she awoke so he could try and get her back on the wagon. She was all involved and I thought "she won't make it. She can't let go of these larger social work issues to work er."

This is me totally. I'm in deep trouble, I see. I will try to hard not to play social work.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jan 10, 2013

When the newbie says "I know," more than five times a shift during orientation. And then does it wrong anyway.

When they say "I'm ready to take my own trauma," and they've seen only one.

When they look confused, but don't ask questions, or say they don't need help.

N1colina · Jan 10, 2013

When the newbie says "I know," more than five times a shift during orientation. And then does it wrong anyway.
When they say "I'm ready to take my own trauma," and they've seen only one.
When they look confused, but don't ask questions, or say they don't need help.

That's too bad. I certainly ask a ton of questions as a newbie. You shouldn't feel ashamed when people's lives are at stake. It's just not safe. Always better to ask than "think" you're doing it correctly and kill someone... Some people have too much pride.

Heavenlee75 · Jan 10, 2013

A lot of nurses forget that at one time they too were new...I have a huge problem with nurses who think they're better or smarter than the next! I'm an experienced nurse who has oriented new nurses and student nurses and I enjoy teaching. The ER is a stressful place and although it might not be for everyone nobody should ever be made to feel like they're a burden to other nurses because they're new. That's why nursing is so stressful these days...bad attitudes to others!!!

N1colina · Jan 10, 2013

A lot of nurses forget that at one time they too were new...I have a huge problem with nurses who think they're better or smarter than the next! I'm an experienced nurse who has oriented new nurses and student nurses and I enjoy teaching. The ER is a stressful place and although it might not be for everyone nobody should ever be made to feel like they're a burden to other nurses because they're new. That's why nursing is so stressful these days...bad attitudes to others!!!

Absolutely! I'm so glad you have that attitude as an orientor... You have to! I enjoy teaching the students and newbies on our floor also. I mean yes, you do get those individuals that ask questions about basic nursing care that they learned in their first semester and are now in their last, or graduated already.... But those are usually the ones that don't make it.

libran1984, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2013

When the noob administered PO benadryl IVP and called the diphenhydramine an abx.

....

I don't know much else.... just something i heard.