Nurses New Nurse
Published Apr 18, 2014
I started at my first RN job at a nursing home about 3 weeks ago. I'm on night shift 7p-7:30a. They are being really helpful and giving me an extended orientation time...they usually only give 5-6 days for nurses for training. I have had 8 days so far and at least 4 more still. But I feel so stupid there! I spend so much time passing meds cause there are about 30 residents and a lot of them need a BP taken or blood sugar/ insulin. So it ends up taking way longer than it should! Last night I was passing the HS ones till almost 2 in the morning. I was on a different unit though and their cart wasn't very organized. But I felt like I did horrible cause I struggled so much with it and then I didn't have time for charting stuff like behaviors/pain assessments. My trainer did it. There was also an admission that night and treatments to be done, which she took care of. also feel like I can't even remember simple things that I should know...like what to do in an emergency or something. I don't want to freeze when I'm on my own soon. I'm kind of freaking out at the moment!! Any advice for me?? I'd appreciate it!
Thanks, Aviaa
heartsgal, ADN, RN
112 Posts
It will get better I promise. Working in skilled nursing is very overwhelming and something nursing school and clinicals can not prepare you for. I felt like this every night so your not alone. I basically had to accept the fact that everything simply cannot get done, because one nurse can't physically meet the needs of 25+ patients most shifts. I worked 2-10 and was there most nights until at least 11:30 sometimes 1am trying to finish my charting. This is just a stepping stone for you in your career and you will learn a lot and get better and faster, so have no fear. Good luck. :)
aviaa
25 Posts
Thanks so much for the advice... I know this is just my stepping stone, so hopefully I'll get better quickly :)
scoope23
126 Posts
Glad to know it gets better because I'm searching for my first RN job! So exciting!