I’m a new grad nurse, started at the neuro icu in a level 1 hospital in august, got off orientation 3 weeks ago, so far I don’t like it, people are mean and it feels like I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know if I should transfer to another ICU
Hi I have been a nurse for more than 35 years and no matter how long, you’ll find something new to learn every day or with every job. Don’t beat yourself up about feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing. I’m sure you do know. There are many people out there who feel intimidated or insecure about their own knowledge and experience so they treat new nurses and some older ones like they don’t know anything. It’s hard working with people who are mean, just do your best and remember every day you are there for the patients not coworkers. If that’s my specialty I wouldn’t let anyone run me off but if I could benefit from other positions, I would definitely consider it. Remember this no matter where you go or what you do, there will always be mean people who you have to work with. I have had to learn this lesson with travel nursing. Keep your chin up, do your best and leave the rest to the Almighty. He will take care of their attitude. I believe in karma!! If you’re mean to people, it’ll come back and bite you!! My best to you! Tamara
As a new grad, having your first job in a neuro ICU wouldnt be a good fit for very many nurses. I have worked neuro floors and also, cardiac, surgical, trauma and medical ICU's in my long career as an RN. Most of what I learned about being a good nurse happened AFTER I left school. ICU's are not forgiving places to learn the ropes of nursing, and really shouldn't be, as other nurses have their hands full with patients, and patients lives are depending on you. You sound like you want to be a good nurse, and I agree staff shouldn't be mean, but you have jumped into the deep end of nursing, and it may make sense to get some experience where the stakes aren't quite so high. I don't mean to discourage you, but the challenge of ICU work itself may discourage you at a critical point in your learning and start of your career. Best wishes.
I also started in ICU as a new grad, but medical not neuro. I did an internship with that hospital, and I was familiar with the unit and some of the staff. I still encountered similar problems and I wanted to quit every shift my first year.
It will get better, and you I’ll get stronger. You need time to get experience and your confidence and skills will grow. Unfortunately, mean bullies are abundant in nursing some specialties more than others. The great ones are hard to find, so when you meet one learn as much as you can.
My advice would be to get out of neuro. Those patients can be very challenging even for experienced ICU nurses. You can also ask your manager if they can schedule your shifts with an experienced nurse like a resource/mentor. Someone you can go to if you have a question or need a second opinion on your pt.
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Just be honest with your manager about your concerns and your education needs. If they hire new grads for this unit they probably have other resources too. It’s a lot to learn and those pt’s lives are in your hands.
I hope this helps!!!😊
Btw I also worked in neuro ICU, CVICU, and trauma. I’m now in L&D and I absolutely love it. Never thought I would say that!!
I started in neuro ICU as a new grad as well. I was a CNA there before so I was comfortable with the patients and environments. I would say it took me a solid 18 months before I felt confident in what I was doing. You know what you're doing, you just need the experience to build your confidence. If you are taking a patient that you aren't comfortable with a certain aspect of their care, ask your charge nurse or a nurse you trust and present it as "I haven't had the chance to take care of a patient with XYZ, can you help me with it."
As for the attitudes, I don't think it will be different or better in a different unit. ICU has that prestige attitude. Not that it isn't deserved, but it shouldn't be mean. I've traveled to several ICUs, some are better than others, but there's attitude everywhere. I've learned that you need to be confident in what you know, ask about things you don't, find someone you can trust, and never stop studying.
Don’t transfer out as people can be mean on another unit as well. You are a pivotal stage in your career and I am sorry that people are being mean to you. Please stay the course it has only been 3 weeks and there is so much you still have to learn. Try to find someone or someone’s on the unit that you can look up to for advice and guidance. Find your voice and let people know that you’re new and need some grace. There is this perception in nursing that we have to know everything all the time. It is the most unrealistic side of nursing. Don’t doubt yourself and keep getting up going in and doing your best. Follow me on Tik Tok Nurse Marcie
Unfortunately. Nurses can be no nonsense and feel like they so not have the time to be "helpful". You can either study up and prove yourself or if not thick skinned move on. ....just remember. Someday you will have newbies in on your hands.
I am sorry to hear that . Do you feel you need more orientation? Who was your preceptor ?
Maybe speak with them to find out why you are treated that way. Maybe she can give you insight or speak with your manager. I was new grad at one time in an SICU and I had great co workers.
