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
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.
.
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!!
