New Grad RN
Hey. So I started my first RN job at an inpatient behavioral health facility two weeks ago. I received a total of 6 training shifts with a “preceptor” who did not know she would be training me and almost immediately had me doing tasks independently (med passes, COWS/CIWA, charting, getting & giving report, and admissions). The facility has both electronic and paper charting which has been a nightmare to learn and keep straight. Our ratios are 12 patients to 1 RN and 1 BHT. Leadership is a joke and the culture at this place is not very welcoming. I will have my first solo shift as an RN this coming week and I’m feeling extremely nervous and anxious about not getting proper support, being rushed to do things and just overall lack of guidance as a new grad. I just want to ask for perspective. Is this normal? Is this typical psych new grad nursing training? Are these ratios reasonable? What should I focus on as a new nurse beginning in psych? Thanks for the input.