Question:
Dear Donna,
I'm a new grad RN and am precepting on a telemetry unit, but it is not going well. I have had at least five different preceptors and each one has instructed me differently. I don't feel prepared to work on this unit and I have expressed my concerns with the preceptor and the manager. I have not received any feedback on how I'm doing. The patient population is mostly Hispanic and I don't speak enough Spanish to even complete an assessment. I don’t feel there is any hope for advancement. I was offered a position in a hospital as an LVN, even though I'm an RN. I do hold a valid license as an LVN, so can I accept this position?
New Grad
Dear Donna,
I'm a new grad RN and am precepting on a telemetry unit, but it is not going well. I have had at least five different preceptors and each one has instructed me differently. I don't feel prepared to work on this unit and I have expressed my concerns with the preceptor and the manager. I have not received any feedback on how I'm doing. The patient population is mostly Hispanic and I don't speak enough Spanish to even complete an assessment. I don’t feel there is any hope for advancement. I was offered a position in a hospital as an LVN, even though I'm an RN. I do hold a valid license as an LVN, so can I accept this position?
New Grad
Dear Donna replies:
Dear New Grad,
It sounds like you may not be in an ideal learning and support setting, which sometimes happens. I would encourage you to look into other RN positions.
Working as an LVN is not advisable for several reasons. First of all, you are legally held accountable to your highest license, regardless of your job title/description. Second, that would be a step backwards for you when you should be moving forward. I know it seems like an easy way out, but the easy way isn't always the best way.
Join and get active (attend meetings, participate in a committee) in your local chapter of the American Nurses Association (www.nursingworld.org), if you don't already belong to the organization. As a new nurse, you need all the help and support you can get and this is a great way to find it. Networking is well known to be a great way to find a job. Many chapters have reduced dues for new nurses in their first year of practice.
Read my book “Your First Year as a Nurse, 2nd ed.” to further support you during this time. Here's an article you may find helpful: “Lean on Me” (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/LeanonMe). For additional job-finding tips read www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Strategies.
Best wishes,
Donna
Dear New Grad,
It sounds like you may not be in an ideal learning and support setting, which sometimes happens. I would encourage you to look into other RN positions.
Working as an LVN is not advisable for several reasons. First of all, you are legally held accountable to your highest license, regardless of your job title/description. Second, that would be a step backwards for you when you should be moving forward. I know it seems like an easy way out, but the easy way isn't always the best way.
Join and get active (attend meetings, participate in a committee) in your local chapter of the American Nurses Association (www.nursingworld.org), if you don't already belong to the organization. As a new nurse, you need all the help and support you can get and this is a great way to find it. Networking is well known to be a great way to find a job. Many chapters have reduced dues for new nurses in their first year of practice.
Read my book “Your First Year as a Nurse, 2nd ed.” to further support you during this time. Here's an article you may find helpful: “Lean on Me” (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/LeanonMe). For additional job-finding tips read www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Strategies.
Best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nurse.com’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/Asktheexperts/Deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://Events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
