Feeling very out of my depth :(

Re: Feeling very out of my depth :(

HomerRVN — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:58:04 GMT

Hi NOSBOD,

If you have only worked in the profession for what equates to 8days it is not surprising you are feeling overwhelmed. Do you not have a qualified nurse working with you today. I am shocked that you have been left alone. Imagine going into hospital and being looked after by a nurse that had less then 8days experience......

Have you got any textbooks? There are lots out there but the 'Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing' by Aspinal or 'Veterinary Nursing' by Lane & Cooper would be wise investments. There are specific books you can get to learn instruments too.

What college are you enrolled in for your training? I am sure your course tutor can advice on what books to purchase.

Veterinary Nursing is not an easy career, it takes years to develop skills and knowledge - as far as I am aware us humans are not developed to have an download and be perfect at a job in just a week.. the matrix is not real as far as I know.

Good Luck and Keep smiling...the long term benefits will make the hard work worthwhile.

Re: Feeling very out of my depth :(

BTCC Fan RVN — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:00:49 GMT

So glad you had a good day! Practice makes perfect. When I first started in the veterinary field, I felt exactly the same way you do now. Felt like everyone was talking about me behind my back how bad I was or ill never get the hang of the job, but they are there to help. They have all started where you are now. Don't beat yourself, you'll get there just takes time :)

Re: Feeling very out of my depth :(

Nosbod16 — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:30:57 GMT

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement, it's helped a lot!

Ive had a great today today as it so happens, learnt a lot during anaesthesia, had the chance to restrain a few animals, and been given in depth talks about different instruments. Quieter days definitely give me more opportunities to ask people to show me things! Feeling positive :)

Re: Feeling very out of my depth :(

SuzyM — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:01:21 GMT

Hi, sounds like you're doing really well - 8 days is no time at all; I don't expect new nurses here to be 'up to speed' for at least 6 months, and that's full time! For learning instrumentation, see if you can get your hands on some catalogues - Veterinary Instrumentation and Vet Direct catalogues got me through my exams - loads of pictures of instruments and all labelled! Your enthusiasm will get you through, Good luck!

Re: Feeling very out of my depth :(

Yolanda Jones — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:52:39 GMT

Everybody has to start somewhere and it sounds like you're doing fine to me - I'm sure nobody is laughing at you; we were all beginners once! You can't possibly be expected to know everything in such a short space of time - stop putting so much pressure on yourself (I'm exactly the same kind of person!) and you'll find that the information comes a lot quicker. Don't be afraid to ask for help - I'm sure your colleagues would rather you did that than get something wrong or know that you were worrying so much. Be kind to yourself - it's very early days! Good luck with your new career, you will be fine! xxxx

Re: Feeling very out of my depth :(

Sal the 1st — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:44:06 GMT

dont know if this is a possibility or not? if you have a spare morning could you offer to go in for free one morning just so you can see what happens? If it is a possibility try mentioning it to the person who did your revue but make it clear that this isnt a permanent arrangement, only until you get to know how things are, become more proficient , can practice handling etc. I am not in favour of people giving their time up for free on a long term basis as I feel there is a real potential for exploitation in this job but for the short term it might be helpful to you and it might also show those in charge how serious you are about wanting to do things right. 8 days is no time at all to have picked up so much - so give yourself a pat on the back and look forward to the next challenge hope it all works out for you

Re: Feeling very out of my depth :(

Lydia123 — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:32:40 GMT

Don't worry it's just practice, and youv'e done well to get to grips with all those things in only 8 days. I think reading up about things like methods of restraint is good at least then you can know the theory behind what your'e doing and will hopefully feel more comfortable when putting it into practice. Also I think that watching clips and videos on the internet helps to beacause then you get to see how other people do it :) hope this helps :)