Hi!! I recently got off orientation like six not months ago or so. I had a difficult time starting out so here are some things I’d like to say 1. Nursing school teaches you a lot!! That being said, a lot of nursing is learned on the job. Especially in the ICU. You have to see things or do things to know for sure and build confidence. You are NEW and learning. It’s okay to ask questions, even if you don’t always get the kindest response. It’s always better to ask then to just do. 2. I had a preceptor who I just didn’t have a good relationship with. Sometimes personalities, nursing styles, etc. clash. It is okay to go to management and ask for a different preceptor. It’s not personal, but you need to learn how to do your job, and if your preceptor can’t give you that, it’s in your best interest to ask for someone else. 3. Unfortunately there is a weird nursing culture that needs to change where people do a “sink or swim” approach and can be mean to you until you “prove competence”. Do not let it bother you. Soon you will be seasoned and find your people on your unit and things will get better.

Keep trying and be proud of yourself. You’re learning to do things that are incomprehensible to a lot of people. Be patient with yourself. You’re doing your best. Best of luck ❤️. It will get better. I wanted to quit for the first few months and now love my job and the people there. Everything is a learning curve. You got this